These brochures explain why it is important for homeowners to hire licensed contractors:

• Consumer's Guide to Home Improvement Contracts
• Consumer's Guide to Hiring a Licensed Contractor
• Consumer's Guide to Protecting Yourself After A Disaster

You can check a contractor’s state license through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation webpage.

Click on Licensee Lookup.

• Electrical, plumbing and mechanical contractors should be listed under Commercial Contractors.
• Other types of contractors for roofing or remodeling should be listed under Residential Builders.

You can also call us at 803-329‐5590 to check a contractor’s license.

Contractors also are required to have a City of Rock Hill Business License. We can also check this for you as well.

Many types of work require a permit and inspection. Here are a few examples: 

• Roofing – Installing new shingles
• Windows – replacing windows
• Vinyl or Wood Siding – replacing vinyl, wood or other types of siding or trim boards
• Sheetrock – replacing or installing sheetrock to remodel or finish an unfinished room
• Framing – adding new interior walls or extending an existing wall, creating a new door or opening in an existing wall
• Plumbing – replacing a sewer line or water line, adding plumbing to a room that did not previously have it, replacing water heater, installing an irrigation system
• Electrical – installing new wiring or replacing wiring, adding outlets or lights
• Mechanical – installing heating and air units or equipment, installing ductwork
• Gas – installing or replacing gas lines
• Fire Suppression – installing a fire alarm, fire sprinkler system, or fire suppression system
• Exhaust or Cooking Hood – installing or replacing an exhaust hood or cooking hood in a commercial kitchen
• Signs – wall signs and monument signs 
• Counters and Vanities – in a commercial setting to ensure handicap accessibility
• Grease Interceptor – most commercial kitchens require a grease interceptor

Work Exempt from Building Permits 

If you are a home owner and want to act as your builder or general contractor, you may complete some types of work yourself. State law will require you to live in the home for two years afterwards. If you are interested in this, complete the Owner/Builder Disclosure Statement (PDF) and have it notarized and recorded at the York County Clerk of Court's office. Then submit a copy of the recorded form with your building permit application. All permits require inspections to ensure compliance with building code standards.

You may not do any type of remodel or repair work that includes electrical, mechanical (heating and air), plumbing, gas or structural changes; those types of work must be performed by a licensed contractor.

You may do some types of minor repairs, but you cannot do any type of remodel or repair work that includes electrical, mechanical (heating and air), plumbing, gas or structural changes; those types of work must be performed by a licensed contractor.

If you have a major electric, water or sewer problem at your home or business (partial or no power, backed-up plumbing, outdoor water leak, etc.), call the City of Rock Hill Utility Department at 803-329-5500 before you call an electrician or plumber. We will come out at no charge and assess whether the problem needs to be addressed by the City or if the problem is the responsibility of the property owner. 

Before you start digging, contact South Carolina 811, the State agency that works to ensure that no underground utilities are present in the ground first. They will come mark your property with the location of all known utility lines. If any lines are found, there may be utility easements or rights-of-way present on your property where structures cannot be placed.

Many times, these lines can be found on property surveys; check the York County Plat and Deed Search Website to see if your property has a recorded survey.

Rebates for Electric Appliances

A special flood hazard area is a land in the floodplain having a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year, as specifically identified in the Flood Insurance Study for the City.

Property owners with property in a flood zone should be aware of the following. 

The City's Floodplain Administrator provides a free service to help citizens, contractors, and developers identify property protection strategies such as retrofitting techniques and drainage improvements. See contact information below.

We can provide Flood Zone Determinations from the most recent Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) prepared by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency):

Stream Gauge USGS provides real-time gauge information so users can see current water levels and, where available, flood height predictions.

We can provide completed elevation certificates for new construction and substantial renovations within flood zones. 

The City participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. As a result, you are eligible for floodplain insurance. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, and Federal and State emergency assistance is not available for uninsured flood damage from most flood events. To find a local insurance agent that write flood insurance policies in your area, visit floodsmart.gov.

The City's Stormwater Division of the Public Works Department should be notified if you are aware of a blockage or clog in the City's catch basin or drainage system. Contact them at 803-329-5614 or submit an online service request.

1. Look at a survey of your property if one has been recorded in the past. Use a tape measure from a fixed point on the survey (such as a house corner) to find the property lines.
• York County Register of Deeds website
2. Find property pins that were set when the property was surveyed in the past. These may still be visible with a marked cap on the end, or they may have been buried, in which case you could locate them with a metal detector.
3. Look at the legal description on your deed. Use a tape measure from a fixed point on the survey (such as a house corner) to find the property lines.