The Blog

How Long Does It Take to Get a Building Permit in Richland County, SC?

A great deal of preparation and planning is required before you can obtain building permits for residential construction. Careful design in the early phases may affect how quickly Richland County approves residential construction permits.

It may take around 2 weeks to get building permits after your contractor submits the application. The application must contain specific documents, including the architectural drawings for the house and the site plan, which Phase One can provide. Permit applications are only approved when construction plans comply with all local zoning and building codes, and we ensure that when designing your custom home in South Carolina.

To start planning a new home build in Richland County, call Phase One at 803-404-7168.

How Long Does It Take to Get Building Permits?

The time it takes to obtain building permits depends on the size and scope of the residential construction project. The better prepared you are for permit applications, the sooner you may receive permitting approval in Richland County.

It may take up to 14 days to receive permitting approval after your contractor applies, sometimes longer. Building permits for residential construction often get approved sooner than permits for commercial projects, so you may be able to break ground on construction sooner than you anticipated after finalizing plans with Phase One and finding a contractor.

Before your contractor can apply for building permits, you must finalize construction plans. This process doesn’t have to take long with Phase One, and we may design you a fully custom home within as little as two months. Your contractor may apply for permits as soon as we hand off the blueprints.

Why Can It Take Longer to Get Building Permits?

Sometimes it takes longer than homeowners would like to obtain building permits, and we can explain why so it doesn’t happen to you.

Incomplete Applications

Submitting an incomplete application may delay permitting approval. Phase One does its part by providing homeowners with all the plans and drawings they need from us, in both digital and physical formats.

Processing Delays

Sometimes, processing delays make homeowners wait longer to get building permits for residential construction. This can happen when there are many permit applications submitted at the same time, such as during the busiest months for building in South Carolina.

Project Complexity

The more complex a project is, the longer it may take to get permits. A small addition may get approved faster than a completely custom home, for example, so keep this in mind.

What Documents Do You Need to Get Building Permits in Richland County, SC?

Building permit applications require specific documents and information. If an application is incomplete, it may be denied, and your contractor might have to restart the application process in Richland County.

Proof of Ownership

To get a building permit, you need to provide proof of property ownership. Do this by providing a copy of the deed to the property, tax records, or homeowners’ insurance policy. Richland County will issue building permits only to those who have the right to build on a specific lot.

Property Plat

You will also need to submit a property plat showing the exact dimensions of the lot, the legal property lines, easements, roads, and utilities. It’s essentially a detailed map that’s also useful to our architectural designers when planning a new build and is necessary to obtain permits.

Site Plan

You will also need to submit a site plan showing a bird’s-eye view of the entire property and the locations of the house, landscaping, driveway, and utility lines. The site plan shows what you intend to build on the property, not what the property currently looks like.

Architectural Plan

To approve residential construction or building permits, Richland County needs to review the project’s architectural plans. These plans show the exact internal layout and floor plan, where bedrooms, windows, and doors are located, and provide clear instructions for building the home of your dreams.

Contractor Information

You need a contractor before getting building permits, since Richland County requires the contractor’s information for approval. The contractor is responsible for obtaining permits and getting inspections.

If you need help finding a contractor after we’ve finished designing your home, we can help you find a trustworthy builder near you in Richland County.

FAQs About Building Permits & Residential Construction in Richland County, SC

Why Do You Need Building Permits for Residential Construction?

You need building permits for major residential construction to ensure the project complies with local building and zoning rules, is regularly inspected, and results in a stable, safe structure.

Who Gets Building Permits in Richland County, SC?

Contractors obtain building permits for homeowners in Richland County, using the architectural plans and other documents we prepare during the home design process in South Carolina.

How Much Do Building Permits Cost?

Building permits can cost hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars, so it’s worth factoring in the cost of permits when initially establishing your budget with Phase One.

What Other Permits Do You Need in Richland County, SC?

In addition to building permits, homeowners may need specific permits for electrical, gas, plumbing, and mechanical work.

What if Your Building Permit Application Was Denied?

If your building permit application was denied, it’s most likely because there was an issue with the plans themselves. Taking time to review plans with Phase One before handing them off to your contractor and ensuring all calculations and documents are accurate helps prevent this.

What if You Build without a Permit in Richland County, SC?

If you build without the mandatory permits in Richland County, you could face steep fines. You might even have to destroy unpermitted work, no matter how far into construction you are.