Use this process to request a building permit for an interior upfit within an existing building or building shell, or for remodeling or alterations of an existing tenant space that is contained entirely within an existing building.

Similar processes:

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

If the building is not existing, submit plans for the shell first. We will review the upfit plans against the shell plans.

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

Exemptions relevant to interior upfits: 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, or institutional; 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
2. Building Code Compliance Form (PDF)
3. Electric Load Data Form (PDF)
4. Statement and schedule of special inspections (PDF) if required - our special inspections webpage has more information about this topic
5. 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.
6. Itemized cost list for the building renovation

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

Required licenses

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. 

1. Apply Online using the button above.
2. City staff will review your plan and send comments back to the designated contact person on the application within approximately 5 business days.
3. After the above has been completed, we will process your permit, which may take another couple of days.
4. At this time, 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.

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. Exhaust Hood
3. Fire Alarm Systems
4. Fire Sprinkler Systems
5. Fire Suppression Systems

You may also need to submit a couple of additional applications that are reviewed by other departments outside our plan review software:

1. FOG (Fats, Oils and Grease) Grease Discharge Permit Application (PDF) for restaurants and similar uses
2. Pretreatment Program Industrial User Survey (PDF)

After you have a permit

Refer to these webpages for next steps:

• Commercial inspections webpage
• Special inspections webpage if the building code required special inspections
• Closing Out Your Commercial Project webpage
• Change orders webpage

Additionally, for projects involving irrigation or fire sprinkler systems, backflow test results must be submitted and approved prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.

• Click on the "Apply Online" button above
• Click on "My Permits"
• Select the appropriate fire sprinkler or irrigation permit
• Click on "Upload Document" and follow the prompts from there