When to Use this Process

Use this process for accessory structures of 200 square feet or less. For larger structures, use the building permit process (PDF) instead.

Get ready

Required documents

1. Site plan that includes the components shown on these examples (PDF)
2. Accessory building plans including scaled drawing, rendering or image that shows the proposed materials.
3. Homeowners Association approval letter (example PDF) if located in a neighborhood with an HOA that enforces restrictive covenants.

Separate submittal

This review also may be required before the accessory structure permit is approved. This will be applied for and permitted separately. 

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

Required licenses

Business licenses are required for all design professionals, contractors and subcontractors before a building permit can be issued. 

•  Business license 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

The Zoning Ordinance (PDF) regulates accessory structures in sections 5.3 and 9.7. These are the key rules:

1. Size: For structures accessory to single-family residential units, the combined floor area of all detached accessory structures must be no larger than 30% of the floor area of the principal structure or 600 feet, whichever is greater. However, if the property does not have a garage or carport, some additional square footage is allowed. Staff can help you determine whether this situation applies.
2. Location: Accessory structures of all types except fences must be located behind the front plane of the primary structure. This applies to storage sheds, carports, detached garages, etc.
3. Setbacks: With a few limited exceptions for structures such as dumpster enclosures and solar installations, accessory structures must be set back:
   • 5 feet away from any other structure except for a fence.
   • If the accessory structure is less than one-story tall, 5 feet away from all property lines. If the accessory structure is taller than one story, 10 feet away from all property lines. One story is defined as a floor-to-ceiling height of 12 feet or less.
4. Easements: Accessory structures cannot be placed within any platted or recorded easement, or over any known utility, unless the utility provider grants an encroachment permit.
5. Height: Accessory structures cannot exceed the lesser of two stories or the height of the primary structure. An exception exists in some cases for an industrial use.
6. Materials: When the primary use of the property is residential, metal (architectural or corrugated) is allowed for accessory buildings under 200 square feet. When the primary use is non-residential, metal (architectural or corrugated) is allowed if the structure is screened with landscaping or is within a fenced outdoor storage area.

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 “Accessory Structures” 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.

After you have a permit

1. Mark all property lines in the area near the accessory structure. 
   • Webpage with guidance about how to locate property lines 
2. If the structure has a footing, request a footing inspection using the "Apply Online" button above before installing it.
3. Install the accessory structure. Anchor the structure to the ground so that it will not move during high wind events.
4. Request a final inspection through the "Apply Online" button.