Construction on a new custom home, addition, or renovation cannot begin until the homeowner has obtained the necessary permissions. You must obtain a building permit to begin, which requires finalizing plans, hiring a contractor, and obtaining zoning approval.

Sumter’s Building Department issues construction permits to contractors seeking them for clients. Contractors should seek permits well in advance of the target starting date for construction, as it sometimes takes months for applications to be reviewed and permits to be issued. On top of a building permit, you may also have to get specific permits for any plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work. You may also need a land disturbance permit for any excavation, which is likely if you’re building a new custom house.

For a consultation with our Sumter, SC architectural designers, call Phase One at 803-404-7168.

What Do You Have to Do Before Obtaining a Building Permit in Sumter, SC?

You need to prepare thoroughly before obtaining a building permit for residential construction in Sumter.

Approve Final Building Plans

Since getting a permit for one and two-family dwellings requires detailed plans for approval, you must finalize the building plans first. These plans will dictate the home’s main structural elements, elevation, floor plan, and mechanical placements.

Hire a General Contractor

Generally, you must hire a contractor before obtaining a building permit for residential construction in Sumter, as their name, address, and license number are required for the application. The permit application also requires information on all subcontractors who will do electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work on the project. It may even require a copy of the contract or agreement.

Get Zoning Approval

You also need to get zoning approval before you can get a residential building permit in Sumter. Obtaining zoning approval means that the local government has approved your plans for the property and confirmed that they comply with all local zoning laws.

Who Issues Building Construction Permits in Sumter, SC?

The Building Department within the City of Sumter issues permits to homeowners looking to build new custom homes, as well as those who want to undertake full renovations or small additions.

In addition to the one and two-family dwelling homes building permit, the Building Department also issues demolition, electrical, heating and air conditioning, plumbing, solar panel installation, fence, and roofing permits, which you may need for completing renovations, building accessory dwelling units, or adding additions onto your current home.

In addition to issuing permits, the Building Department conducts permit inspections before, during, and after construction. Failing permit inspections can result in permit revocation, which forces all work to cease until the concern is addressed.

When Should You Get Building Permits?

Although you may not need all permits from the outset to begin construction, it is helpful to submit all applications simultaneously. You should check with your contractor to see whether they have submitted applications or obtained permits weeks or months before building starts to ensure your project is compliant.

In order to break ground and begin working on a residential construction project in Sumter, you must obtain a building permit. You’ll most likely also need a land disturbance permit for grading the area or clearing trees, and you may need a demolition permit if you are doing a big renovation.

It’s a good idea to apply for all the necessary permits at once, so you don’t have to worry about submitting electrical or plumbing permits later and potentially delaying construction.

When Do You Need Permits for Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC Work?

There are additional permits required for specific work during construction, such as installing, repairing, or relocating any mechanical systems.

Electrical Permit

You need electrical permits for any new electrical work or changes to existing electrical systems. You need this permit in addition to a building permit, and must provide the electrician’s name, license number, and a description of the work in the application.

Plumbing

Plumbing permits are necessary whenever you are installing new plumbing systems or moving or repairing existing ones. Running plumbing from the existing structure to a new addition also requires a separate permit, in addition to the building permit.  

HVAC

You need a heating, air condition, and refrigeration permit for any installation or other work done in a newly constructed or remodeled building in Sumter.

FAQs About Building and Construction Permits

When Do You Need a Land Disturbance Permit?

When building a new home and laying a brand-new foundation, some amount of excavation and grading is generally necessary. In addition to building, electrical, and plumbing permits, new home builds require land disturbance permits, incurring an extra $50 cost.

Why Are Permit Applications Denied?

Permit applications are typically denied for missing or inaccurate information.

Are There Fines for Permit Non-Compliance in South Carolina?

There are typically fines for permit non-compliance in Sumter. Fines may range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the circumstances. Unpermitted work may have to be undone or demolished, which can be extremely expensive and time-consuming.

Who Covers Permit Fees?

The homeowner reimburses the contractor for permit fees. Permits have varying costs, and you may need to obtain multiple permits throughout the construction process. Based on the house plans we design, we can anticipate which permits you’ll need to get in Sumter and estimate their cost, factoring that into the target budget for the build.

Should Your Contractor Pull Permits?

Let your contractor pull all the permits you need for a complete new build, total renovation, accessory dwelling unit, or addition. Sumter’s Building Department requires considerable information about the build, such as its estimated cost, timeline, exterior, utilities, and more, all of which your contractor should know well based on the comprehensive plans we provide.

What if Your Permit is Revoked?

If any permit related to your residential construction project is revoked, work must cease immediately, and your contractor must address whatever issue was raised during the permit inspection that led to its revocation.

Call Our Architectural Designers in Sumter, SC Today

For a consultation with Phase One’s Sumter, SC architectural designers, call 803-404-7168.