Use this process to request a building permit for an exterior renovation on a commercial building. This may also include parking area and other site improvements if minor in nature.

Similar processes:

• Interior upfit permits
• Interior and exterior renovation permits
• New commercial buildings and additions

State law requires an architect or professional engineer licensed in South Carolina to seal and sign each page of building plans. 

Exemptions relevant to exterior renovations: Sealed plans are not required for alterations to a building as long as the alterations:

1. Do not increase the structure size to 5,000 square feet or more; and
2. Do not increase the structure height to three stories or more; and
3. Do not involve one of these occupancy classifications: assembly, educational, hazardous, institutional, multi-family, triplex and quadruplex; and
4. Do not affect the structural safety of the building.

State statutes:

• South Carolina Code of Laws Section 40-3-290 (Architects)
• South Carolina Code of Laws Section 40-22-280 (Engineers)

1. Building plans drawn to scale and showing the information on the checklist below. Include a copy of the site plan.
2. Building Code Compliance Form (PDF)
3. Electric Load Data Form (PDF)
4. A signed COMcheck form to show compliance with State-adopted energy code for lighting, building envelope and mechanical units. Complete the form at www.energycodes.gov and save it to upload with your building plans.
5. Itemized cost list for the building renovation
6. Statement and schedule of special inspections (PDF) if required - our special inspections webpage has more information about this topic

The Zoning Ordinance requires improvements to aspects of the site that do not meet current standards when interior upfits trigger a specified cost threshold. Our zoning team will help you determine what improvements are required based on your plans and the information you provide on the cost estimate.

Examples may include:

1. The paving of gravel parking areas.
2. The creation and/or planting of landscape areas
3. Addressing stormwater issues. 
4. Modifying or removing signs that do not meet current zoning standards.
5. Closing curb cuts (driveway entrances) if multiple ones serve the site

1. Business licenses are required for all design professionals, contractors and subcontractors before a building permit can be issued.
•  Business license webpage
2. The contractor must hold the appropriate State of South Carolina license for the specified scope of work.
• Contractor Licenses webpage

The City offers construction dumpsters. 

Apply

1. Apply Online using the button above.
   •  Click on “New Applications"
   • Click on “Permit Applications”
   • Click on “Commercial” 
   • Click on “Additions/Renovations & Repairs"
   • Click on "Commercial Exterior Renovations" and follow the prompts from there
2. City staff will review your plan and send comments back to the designated contact person on the application within approximately 10 business days.
   • If the plan must be revised, use the Plan Resubmittal Instructions (PDF).
3. If the permit is required to have special inspections or is otherwise complex, we will hold a building preconstruction meeting with you to explain your responsibilities and answer any questions you have.
4. We will email you an invoice for the development fees, which will be paid through our online portal. Beware of scammers trying to obtain false payment through wire transfer or other mechanisms.
5. After the above has been completed, we will process your permit, which may take another couple of days.

Separate submittals

If any of these pertain to your project, submit these applications separately through the "Apply Online" button above. We will review and permit each of them on its own.

1. Demolition Permit: Also build in time for asbestos removal review by the State of South Carolina if applicable.
2. Certificate of Appropriateness if located within one of the City's Historic Overlay Districts
3. Encroachment Requests: You may need to request permission to locate driveways, extend water/sewer lines, etc., with City, State or County rights-of-way
4. Civil plans
5. Fence Application 
6. Retaining Wall Application
7. Sign Permit Application
8. Irrigation System Permit Application

After you have a permit 

Refer to these webpages for next steps:

• Commercial inspections webpage
• Special inspections webpage 
• Closing Out Your Commercial Project webpage
• Change orders webpage