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Guide to Building Construction Permitting Florence, SC

You may need multiple permits throughout construction in Florence, and failing to get any puts your project at risk of stop-work orders, fines, and other consequences. You cannot obtain a building permit until you finalize your house and site plans with our architectural designers, who can create zoning-compliant plans that are typically approved quickly.

You must submit a building permit application and pay any required fees to get a permit and start construction. It may take weeks or longer for permits to be issued, so you shouldn’t wait to submit applications too close to the construction commencing. You need architectural, site, and structural plans to obtain the necessary permits, all of which our architectural designers can provide.

Schedule a consultation with Phase One’s architectural designers in Florence, SC and call us today at 803-404-7168.

What Are the Steps to Get a Construction Permit in Florence, SC?

You cannot obtain permits until you have confirmed your house plans, ensured zoning compliance, submitted your applications, and paid the required fees.

Finalize Building Plans

Before you can seek a “Building and Trades” permit from the City of Florence in South Carolina, you must approve our final house plans. You do not have to finalize finishes and selections at this point, but you should confirm all major structural elements.

Get Zoning Compliance

You need a Zoning Compliance permit before you can get a building permit in Florence to ensure home plans are consistent with local building and zoning regulations.

Submit Permit Application

The next step is to submit the construction permit application, along with the house plans. At the top of the permit application, the contractor can specify the type of work being done, such as electrical or plumbing. The contractor must also provide their information and license, along with the final house plans for review.

Pay Permit Fees

You must also pay all required fees to get the permits you need for residential construction in Florence. There are base fees for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and gas permits, and additional charges may apply for adding extra features.

How Long Does it Take to Get Building Construction Permits?

How long it takes for the Building and Permitting Department to review your permit applications depends on the complexity of the project and the potential zoning and building limitations of the area. Permits may be approved within several days or weeks.

Get building permits as soon as possible, ideally weeks or possibly months before you start construction. Reviewing and approving permitting applications can take time, and you don’t want a lengthy review period to delay you from breaking ground.

What Plans Do I Need to Get a Construction Permit in Florence, SC?

Homeowners need detailed construction plans to obtain building permits, including the following:

Architectural plans
Electrical plans
Mechanical plans
Plumbing plans
Site plans
Structural plans

We provide clients with both physical and digital copies of the final house plans, allowing them to easily submit permit applications in person or online with the help of their contractors. Permit applications that lack fundamental information will most likely be rejected; therefore, careful engineering and calculations are crucial from the outset.

Do You Need Permits for Additions and Renovations in Florence, SC?

Permits are also required for major work on existing structures, including renovations and additions.

Addition

Additions typically require Building and Trade permits. Homeowners must add electrical, HVAC, and plumbing to an addition, and permits are required when installing such systems in Florence.

Renovation

You most likely need a building permit for a renovation, especially if you are making any substantial structural changes or adding plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems. Your contractor can use the same Building and Trades permit for approval.

Building Construction Permitting FAQs

What Agency Building Construction Permits?

The Building and Permitting Department is responsible for issuing permits and inspecting construction sites in Florence.

Can I Get a Building Permit Online in Florence, SC?

You can get building permits online by using the Citizen Self-Service Online Portal. Building permit applications can also be submitted in person at the Building and Permitting Department, located at 324 West Evans Street, Florence, South Carolina, from 8:30 in the morning until 5:00 in the evening.

Will My Contractor Obtain Construction Permits?

The contractor overseeing your renovation, new home build, or addition in Florence should obtain the necessary permits to start construction. You can ask to see copies of issued permits to check their compliance.

How Much Do Permits Cost in Florence, SC?

The cost of your building permit will likely depend on the size and intricacy of the build. There is also generally a $10 base fee for mechanical and electrical permits. However, the cost of these permits can increase as the complexity of the project increases.

Since permits can be expensive, we can estimate the cost of the ones you will need and factor it into your budget.

Can I Lose a Building Permit During Construction?

Permits generally have expiration dates, and you may lose a permit if your project takes longer than expected. Failure to pass permit inspections can also result in the revocation of a building, plumbing, mechanical, or electrical permit in Florence, substantially delaying the project’s completion. You must stop working until you have obtained the mandatory permits. When contractors continue working after losing permits, they risk fines.

What if I Do Not Get a Building Permit?

Suppose you fail to obtain a building permit when required. In that case, your residential construction project may face steep fines, stop-work orders, and other consequences, such as having to repurchase materials used for unpermitted work. Permit compliance is one of the most crucial factors in a smooth construction process, so it is always a priority.