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Do You Need a Permit to Build in Columbia, SC?

Before you embark on a major residential construction project of any kind, you typically need to seek approval from the city. Getting approval means getting permits, but what exact permits will you need to start building and continue construction in Columbia?

To build a new home, add an addition to an existing house, or renovate an older home, you must first obtain a building permit from the City of Columbia. You may also need additional permits for any electrical, gas, HVAC, or roofing work. Not obtaining all mandatory permits for a project puts you at risk of dealing with expensive fines and costly stop-work orders. We can set you up with permit-ready house plans that contain all the necessary building and site information required for approval.

Schedule a consultation with Phase One to start designing your dream home or renovation in Columbia, SC by calling us today at 803-404-7168.

Do You Need a Permit to Build a Residential Home in Columbia, SC?

Building an entirely new home in Columbia is a massive undertaking, and one that the city must be informed of in advance. Permitting is a crucial part of the construction process, and we explain which permits you’ll likely need to ensure the building runs smoothly.

You may need several permits to build a residential home, starting with the residential building and zoning permit. The application for this permit requires detailed information about the contractor for the build as well as the structure itself. You need to know the structure’s height, the number of floors, the building’s footprint on the property, and much more for this application.

In addition to the basic building permit, you may need to get the following permits throughout construction, especially if you are building a custom home on undeveloped land in Columbia:

Electrical permit
Gas permit
Mechanical (HVAC) permit
Roofing permit

Do You Need a Permit to Build an Addition in Columbia?

If your family is expanding and you need more space quickly, consider adding an addition to your home rather than moving or building a new house. This still isn’t something you can do at a moment’s notice, and you must get approval from the city where you live.

You also need to obtain the same standard residential building permit if you plan to add an addition to your home. Since you will also be adding electrical and mechanical systems to the addition to make it just as temperature-controlled and livable as the rest of the house, you will need permits before beginning these stages of construction as well.

If you are putting a bathroom or other plumbing into the addition, you will also need a plumbing permit before starting any of that work.

Do You Need a Permit for Renovation Projects?

Full home renovations often entail major structural changes, installing HVAC systems, adding more outlets, and relocating or replacing plumbing systems. Like any other large residential construction project in Columbia, you need to know which permits are required to ensure you can bring your vision for the renovation to life.

You will need similar permits for a renovation project as you would for a new home build or addition, especially if you are fully updating the house from top to bottom.

If renovations require demolition in some capacity, you must also get a demolition permit from the City of Columbia’s Planning and Development Services.

Building Permit FAQs

Homeowners understandably have lots of questions about permits, especially if it is their first major residential construction project, and we’re here to answer them all.

How Do I Know What Permits I Need?

A good rule of thumb is that you’ll need a permit for any structural changes during a renovation, performing system work, and even adding certain outdoor structures. Part of what we do is explain all the necessary permits based on the house plans we draw up, so you know exactly what your contractor will need moving forward.

What if I Don’t Obtain All the Necessary Permits?

Failing to obtain all the necessary permits puts your new home build, addition, or renovation project at serious risk. You may face costly stop-work orders, fines, and other consequences that increase your project’s expenses and delay its completion.

What Do I Need to Include in My Permit Applications?

Your contractor must include all necessary documents and information, such as contracts, the site plan, proof of energy efficiency compliance, and building plans, along with permit applications.

Can I Get a Permit to Build in a Historic District?

While you may still be able to build in a historic district or renovate a historic house in Columbia, there are additional steps to getting permit approval.

How Phase One Can Help with Your Construction or Renovation in Columbia, SC

We can make sure you are set up for success heading into a residential construction or renovation project in Columbia. When you approve the house plans we design, we will finalize the permit documents your contractor needs to obtain initial building permits.

Permit plans contain all the technical drawings and house specifications that Planning and Development Services needs to assess and approve a building permit application for a new house, addition, or renovation.

We can also factor in the cost of construction permits into your total budget. If you don’t consider this expense, you may end up paying more than you anticipated on the project as a whole. Small expenses can add up, and you may need many permits to begin and complete construction.

We may provide you with permit-ready plans within a few short months of our initial consultation. We don’t rush clients to approve building plans, and encourage you to take your time confirming the layout, size, and other major aspects of the renovation or build.