Permits
The Building Inspections Department is responsible for the issuing of building permits both residential and commercial, new construction and renovations. We are located on the 3rd floor of City Hall in the One Stop Shop. Permits can be issued Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.
The Building Inspections Department is now offering online services to assist in the permitting and inspection request process. This service is powered by BuildERadius and can be seen at www.buildingdepartment.com.
A contract or detailed scope of work must
be submitted in order to receive a permit.
Building Permits
To apply for building permits for new construction and upfit, please begin with 2 sets of engineered drawings plus a site plan provided to Planning and Zoning Department. Upon Planning & Zoning approval, the plans will be forwarded to the Building Inspections Department for review. Upon approval you will be notified that the permit is ready to be issued.
Electrical Permits
(Exception...if you need to apply for Electrical Safety permits please begin process by applying in Planning and Zoning Department in the One Stop Shop on the 3rd floor of City Hall at 2500 City Hall Lane.)
Plumbing, Gas, and Mechanical Permits: Apply for these permits in Building Inspections Department in the One Stop Shop on the 3rd floor of City Hall at 2500 City Hall Lane.
May only be obtained by state licensed contractors with adequate electrical and gas classification. Homeowners and landlords not licensed canot obtain this permit.
Mobile Home Permits
Begin application process in Planning and Zoning Department in the One Stop Shop on the 3rd floor of City Hall at 2500 City Hall Lane. Mobile home plumbing and setup require a permit and must be inspected after the mobile home has been completely setup on lot. The electrical portion as well as natural gas portion of the mobile home will need to be permitted by a licensed contractor. The South Carolina Electric and Gas Company will not provide power until application has been made to them and hookups have passed inspection by the City Of North Charleston Building Inspectors.
The following are the mandatory codes and the dates of their adoption and implementation:
2006 International Building Code, July 1, 2008
2006 International Fire Code, July 1, 2008
2006 International Plumbing Code, July 1, 2008
2006 International Mechanical Code, July 1, 2008
2006 International Fuel Gas Code, July 1, 2008
2008 National Electric Code July 1, 2009
2006 International Residential Code, July 1, 2009
All commercial construction plans submitted after July 1, 2008 must meet
the 2006 International Building Codes and all other applicable codes
Applications and Forms
Special Inspections conducted by Charleston County
Stormwater Permitting
The City's NPDES Stormwater Discharge Permit requires the City to develop, implement, and enforce a program to reduce pollutants from stormwater runoff from construction activities that result in land disturbance. Most land disturbing activities in the City require a Stormwater Permit. The City has developed guidance in the form of a Stormwater Permitting and Design Manual. Please visit the Public Works Department's Stormwater Management page for additional information.
Stormwater Management
Here are a few Links for reference: