These types of work do not require a building permit. However, the project may still need to be reviewed for compliance with zoning, stormwater, and other standards, and in some cases, another type of permit may be required.   

Building 

• One-story detached accessory structures used as storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses that are less than 200 square feet. (Note: a Zoning permit is still required) 
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet; measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
• Fences not over seven feet high.
• Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point.
• Water tanks supported on grade that are less than 5,000 pounds and where the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed two to one. 
• Papering, painting, tile, carpet, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work.
• Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage set and scenery. 
• Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep. 
• Swings and other playground equipment.   
• Window awnings in group R-3 and U occupancies, supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54" from the exterior wall and do not require additional support. 

Electrical 

• Electrical repairs and maintenance of a minor nature. Replacing lamps, installing portable electrical equipment to an existing and approved permanently installed receptacle. • Listed cord-and-plug connected temporary decorative lighting.
• Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles but not the outlets.
• Replacement of branch circuit overcurrent devices of the required capacity in the same location.
• Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than twenty-five volts and not capable of supplying more than fifty watts of energy.

Gas 

• Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances. 
• Replacement of minor parts that does not alter approval of equipment or make the equipment unsafe. 
• Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed-piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid. 

Mechanical 

• Portable heating appliance. 
• Portable ventilation equipment. 
• Portable cooling unit.
• Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by the South Carolina Residential Building Code.
• Replacement of any part that does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.  • Portable evaporative cooler. 
• Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower or less. 

Plumbing 

• The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work must be considered as new work and a permit must be obtained and inspection made as provided in the South Carolina Residential Building Code.
• The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures.