Building plans and applications are required to be submitted online through our application portal. Our Online Services webpage explains how to do that.

We strive to turn comments back around to you via email within 3 business days for residential plans, unless listed differently below for a specific type of application. However, please note:

• Many residential projects require multiple submittals prior to approval, and permit processing may take another 2 business days after plans are approved. 
• If any aspects of the plan need to be reviewed by a City board (the Board of Historic Review, Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission, etc.), you should expect that process to take several additional weeks. We will explain these additional processes to you through our plan review comments if they are applicable. 

Permit Fee Calculator

How to Calculate Residential Building Permit Fees (PDF)

Other fees may also be due prior to building permit issuance for residential uses, such as zoning fees; water and sewer impact and tap fees; and for apartments, sewer basin fees. (Sewer basin fees for single-family residential detached or attached uses would have been paid prior to the issuance of a final plat.)

• Fee Schedule (PDF)

South Carolina Licenses

Contractors and subcontractors must have the required State licenses (PDF) for the work they are performing.

The City of Rock Hill does not recognize out of state licenses. Contact the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation to find out if your license will reciprocate. 

City of Rock Hill Business Licenses

Design professionals (such as architects of record), contractors, and subcontractors must have a City of Rock Hill business license before the building permit can be issued.

• If requesting a business license on a "per job" basis, you are required to submit a copy of your signed contract or other proof of the cost of the project.

2021 South Carolina Code Adoptions

The City has also adopted the 2021 International Existing Building Code.

International Building Codes

Work Exempt from Building Permits (PDF)

Construction & Fire Prevention Code Board of Appeals

Information for property owners about:

• Why hire a licensed contractor
• How to check a contractor's license
• What types of work require a building permit
• Doing your own repair/remodeling work at your home or business
• Who to call with a major electric, sewer, or water problem
• Who to call before you dig a hole
• Incentives that are available for electric appliances
• What you need to know if your property is located in a floodplain area

Homeowners' Association approval letter example

Tips for residential developers and builders (PDF)

Model Home or Temporary Office Permit Application (PDF)

Residential Building Permit Application Packet (PDF) - use for:

• New single-family homes, duplexes,  townhomes, and condominiums
• Renovations and additions
• Decks, porches, and screened rooms
• Detached accessory buildings and garages more than 200 square feet

• Homes being moved onto a lot

Residential Building Permit Application (PDF) - use for:                                 

• Repairs other than roofing                                         
• Replacing windows                         
• Adding or removing walls            
• Adding or removing siding 
• Retaining walls

Residential Sample Plan Review Checklist (PDF) for single-family residences and duplexes

Residential Energy Code Requirements (PDF)

Apartment complexes should use the Commercial Building Permits process.

Construction Trailers (PDF)

Construction Dumpsters

Application

Residential demolition permit application (PDF)

State Regulations

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control regulates some types of residential demolitions to ensure compliance with State asbestos removal regulations.

Use this fence/wall permit application packet (PDF) for fences and walls of all heights and types. 

Irrigation System Permit Application (PDF) 

Related Information

• SC Department of Environmental Services (DES) Cross Connection Information, including list of certified testers of backflow prevention equipment 
• Backflow Prevention Requirements: Information for Property Owners (PDF)
• Cross Connection Control Test Form (PDF)

Submit the following prior to moving house or building into or out of the City of Rock Hill or relocating any house or building within the City:

• Structure Moving Permit (PDF)
• Residential Permit Application Packet (PDF) (if moving to a location within the City of Rock Hill)

The mover must contact the Police Department, Utilities Department, phone company, etc., to schedule the move. 

Solar panel installation and net billing

Permits are required for all sizes of accessory structures, such as storage buildings, trellises, pergolas, etc. There are two processes of review that we use, depending on the size of the structure:

1)  If the structure is larger than 200 square feet, please complete and submit the Residential Building Permit Application Packet (PDF).

2)  If the structure is smaller, submit this application (PDF) instead.

Submit the Residential Swimming Pool Permit Application (PDF) for swimming pools, hot tubs, and ornamental ponds and pools to ensure building and zoning code requirements are met. 

Residential customers can apply for an adjustment to the sewer charge on their utility bill for the initial filling of their pool by completing the Pool Adjustment Request within 30 days from the date the pool is filled.

• Underground Electric Installation Request Form (PDF)
  
• Underground Electric Conversion Agreement (PDF)

Before you start digging, contact South Carolina 811, which 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, utility easements are shown on property surveys; check York County Plat and Deed Search Website to see if your property has a recorded survey.