Get ready

Required documents

1. Site plan
2. Homeowners Association approval letter (example PDF) if located in a neighborhood with an HOA that enforces restrictive covenants.
3. Sealed building plans submitted by a Professional Engineer (PE) licensed in South Carolina (required by State law for retaining walls taller than 4 feet and boundary walls if taller than 6 feet and masonry)
4. Statement and schedule of special inspections (PDF) (also required by State law for retaining walls taller than 4 feet and boundary walls if taller than 6 feet and masonry)
5. A geotechnical report also may be required.

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

Have utility lines marked

Request that all utility providers come mark the location of utilities at least 3 full business days before you dig. This is required by state law and is a free service.

• SC811 website

Helpful regulation references

Handrails/guardrails are required along open-sided walking surfaces more than 30 inches above the grade below at any point within 36 inches horizontally to the edge of the open side.

Apply

1. Apply Online using the button above.
   •  Click on “New Applications"
   • Click on “Permit Applications”
   • Click on “Commercial” or “Residential” depending on whether the property is used as a residence or as a business
   • Click on “Fences/Retaining Walls” 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 three business days.
   • If the plan must be revised, use the Plan Resubmittal Instructions (PDF).
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 submittal

If this pertains to your project, submit this application separately through the "Apply Online" button above. We will review and permit it on its own.

• Certificate of Appropriateness if located within one of the City's Historic Overlay Districts

Additional steps if for a new building

If the retaining wall is for a new building, these steps are also required before we can issue a permit for the retaining wall:

1. Infrastructure preconstruction meeting
2. Issuance of a grading permit
3. Approval of an erosion control inspection

After you have a permit

1. Mark all property lines in the area near the retaining wall. 
   • Webpage with guidance about how to locate property lines 
2.  Request a footing inspection before installing the retaining wall through the "Apply Online" button above. Click on “Inspections” and follow the prompts.
3. Install the retaining wall in accordance with the approved plans, ensuring all required inspections are completed throughout the project.
4. For walls that require special inspections, submit the final special inspections report for review. It must be approved before we can close the permit out.
5. Click on the “Apply Online” button below
   • Click on “New Applications”
   • Type “special” into the text box
   • Select “Special inspections report” and follow the prompts from there
6. Request a final inspection through the "Apply Online" button.