When to use this process

Use this process to request a permit for interior demolitions of single-family residences or duplexes, or exterior/whole-structure demolitions of a single-family residence or duplex located on a single residential lot when the demolition is not part of a future development. For all other situations, use the commercial demolition process instead. 

Get ready

Required documents

Interior demolitions

1. Demolition plan

Exterior/whole-structure demolitions

1. Demolition plan
2. Site plan that shows:
   • Buildings to be demolished and distances to adjacent structures, property lines, and streets
   • Curtains, fencing or barricades around the construction area, and tree protection for any heritage trees and landscape elements to be retained.
   • Area of land disturbance and proposed erosion control measures. Include the City's required notes for stormwater plans from the checklist on our stormwater plans webpage.
   • Final grading and site restoration stabilization.
3. Detailed dust control measures
4. Traffic control plan if traffic or access to adjacent properties will be affected.
   • If the road proposed to be closed is a State road, the South Carolina Department of Transportation must review the road closure request.
5. Homeowners Association approval letter (example PDF) if located in a neighborhood with an HOA that enforces restrictive covenants.

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

Order a construction dumpster

The City offers construction dumpsters. 

Apply

1. Apply Online using the button above.
   •  Click on “New Applications"
   • Click on “Permit Applications”
   • Click on “Residential” 
   • Click on “Demolitions”
   • Click on "Demolition Single-Family Residential" 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 10 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.
   • A basement counts as a story in calculating the fees. 
   • A grading permit fee must be paid if more than 0.5 acres will be disturbed and the grading permit fee was not already paid during a prior plan review step.

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

After you have a permit

Job site requirements

Interior demolitions

1. Post the address and permit placard visibly from the road using an accessible, waterproof enclosure. 
2. Keep stamped plans on site for the duration of the project. The City's approval letter or conditional approval letter, a copy of the issued building permit, or a copy of the placard that highlights all conditions must be attached.
3. Toilet facilities must be available within 300 feet of the job site.
4. Prevent litter, debris, oils and fuels from becoming a pollutant source in stormwater discharges. Do not stockpile debris within a FEMA or local floodplain area.
5. Repair any damage made to the street, utilities, curb, gutter, sidewalk, etc.

Exterior/whole-structure demolitions

1. Post the address and permit placard visibly from the road using an accessible, waterproof enclosure. 
2. Keep stamped plans on site for the duration of the project. The City's approval letter or conditional approval letter, a copy of the issued building permit, or a copy of the placard that highlights all conditions must be attached.
3. Toilet facilities must be available within 300 feet of the job site.
4. Erosion control measures must be in place and maintained throughout construction. 
   • BMP Handbook | South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (click on Appendix H)
5. Take necessary action to avoid tracking mud onto paved roadways. Remove mud/soil from the pavement daily if needed.
6. Take necessary action to avoid the generation of dust.
7. Prevent litter, debris, oils and fuels from becoming a pollutant source in stormwater discharges. Do not stockpile debris within a FEMA or local floodplain area.
8. Start stabilizing the site as soon as practical in areas where work has ceased.
   • Final grades for grassed and landscaped areas require at least 4 to 6 inches of clean topsoil, free of debris and contaminants, and preferably of native origin.
   • Remove silt fences once the site is stabilized and at least 80% of the grass is growing. 
9. Repair any damage made to the street, utilities, curb, gutter, sidewalk, etc.

Change Orders

Change order webpage

Final inspections

Interior demolitions

1. Request a final inspection through the "Apply Online" button.

Exterior/whole-structure demolitions

1. Contact us at 803-448-9747 to coordinate termination or capping of existing water/sewer services.
2. Prior to leaving the site, flag the location of the sewer line cap and water meter.
3. Request a final inspection through the "Apply Online" button.

Federal and State laws

Lead paint

You are responsible for compliance with federal laws regarding demolitions involving structures with lead paint.  

1. If the structure was built before 1978 and will be only partially demolished, federal law requires you to take the required steps to comply with lead paint regulations.
2. The EPA also recommends the use of lead-safe practices during demolition of whole structures.
3. South Carolina considers lead-based paint to be paint that measures 0.7 mg/cm2 or above using an XRF device.

Asbestos

South Carolina Department of Environmental Sciences regulates some types of residential demolitions to ensure compliance with State regulations regarding asbestos.