The South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Act requires general and mechanical construction to be performed by licensed contractors. For more information, visit the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. 

In addition, the City of Rock Hill’s municipal ordinance requires all general, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and gas contractors to have a South Carolina state license or other certification to perform work within the City limits as outlined below.

Additionally, a City Business License is required for all contractors.

General Construction

Residential work of more than $500 up to $5,000:

One of the following State of South Carolina licenses is required:

1. Residential Specialty Contractor Registration.
   • Residential specialty contractors cannot subcontract or hire or employ others to perform work that is outside the scope of their license or registration.
   • Residential specialty contractors can only obtain a permit for the specialty they are licensed for.
   • This type of license is required for all mechanical trade work (electrical, plumbing, and HVAC). 
2. Residential Builders License (includes mechanical trade work, except where the builder has “RBW” shown on the license)
3. General Contractors License

Residential work over $5,000:

One of the following State of South Carolina licenses is required:

1. Residential Specialty Contractor License that includes a bond with the Residential Builders Commission as the bond holder.
   • Note: Specialty Contractors can only perform the types of work for which they are licensed. They cannot subcontract or hire or employ others to perform work that is outside the scope of their license or registration.
   • They can only obtain a permit for the specialty they are licensed for.
   • Additionally, Residential Specialty Contractor Licenses are required for all mechanical trade work.
2. Residential Builders License
3. General Contractors License 

Commercial work over $10,000:

A General or Mechanical Contractor's license is required for anyone performing commercial construction over $10,000 in the regulated classifications listed in South Carolina Code of Laws Section 40-11-410. The license class must match the type of work performed and financial group limit for the value of work performed. See South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board Classification Abbreviations and Group Dollar Limitations (PDF).

Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing Installation

Residential work

One of the following licenses is required:

1. State of South Carolina Mechanical Contractors License. The license class must match the type of work performed and financial group limit for the value of work performed.
2. State of South Carolina Residential Specialty License for the type of work to be performed.
3. State of South Carolina Residential Builders License (RBB).
   • Note: Mechanical trade work is excluded from Residential Builders License if “RBW” is shown on the license.

Commercial any amount

A Mechanical Contractors License is required. The license class must match the type of work performed and financial group limit for the value of work performed.

Gas Installation

Natural Gas Installations

One of the following licenses is required:

Residential Work

1. Gas grills, stoves, or other cooking equipment:
   • State of South Carolina Mechanical Contractors License for plumbing –PB
   • State of South Carolina Residential License for HVAC
2. Gas lines for HVAC or any heating appliance (i.e., gas logs, space heaters):
   • State of South Carolina Residential License for HVAC
   • State of South Carolina Mechanical Contractors License for HVAC – PK, HT or AC

 Commercial Work

1. Gas grills, stoves, or other cooking equipment:
   •  State of South Carolina Mechanical Contractors License for plumbing – PB
2. Gas lines for HVAC or any heating appliance (i.e., gas logs or space heaters):
   • State of South Carolina Mechanical Contractors License for HVAC – PK, HT or AC
3. LP (Liquefied Petroleum)

Gas Installations

An LP Gas Installer license, issued by the SC State Fire Marshal's Office, is required.

Roofing

1. Residential Specialty Contractors are limited to:
   • $5,000 of commercial roofing work, including labor and materials.
   • $5,000 of residential roofing work per property unless a bond has been filed with South Carolina Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
2. A Specialty Roofing Contractor's License is required for commercial membrane roofs.