When to use this process

Use this process to apply for permits to install:

• A commercial irrigation system
• A residential irrigation system unless the request is for a separate irrigation meter and splice-in addition to the water meter
  • Residential irrigation meter and splice-in process:
    • The fee for this is $550, but the water bill will not include charges for sewer usage on the portion of the water that is used for irrigation.
    • If you choose this option, call us at 803-329-5590. We will accept your payment and submit a work order to the Utilities Department for the installation, which will take about six weeks.
    • Your irrigation contractor will connect the irrigation system to the new water meter box.
    • No additional steps are required in terms of permitting or inspections. 

Get ready

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. The installer of the backflow prevention device is required to have a plumbing license; the installer of the irrigation system is not required to have a state license of any kind.
   • Contractor Licenses webpage

Apply

1. Apply Online using the button above
   • Click on "New Applications"
   • Type "irrigation" into the search box
   • Click on either "Residential Irrigation and Backflow Preventer Application" or "Commercial Irrigation and Backflow Preventer Application" depending on the type of land use, 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.
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

Install the tap, meter box and irrigation system

1. A City Infrastructure Inspector must witness the installation of the tap and meter box for commercial customers; call 803-242-0415 to schedule this
2.  Complete the work on the irrigation system and connect it to the meter box.

Backflow preventer testing

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services requires that backflow prevention devices on irrigation systems and fire sprinkler systems be tested and the results submitted to us prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.

• State webpage with its requirements and a list of certified testers
• The backflow device must be a testable double check or a reduced pressure principal valve.
  • City specification sheet (PDF)
• Submit the test results on our Cross Connection Control Test Form (PDF). 
  • Click on "Apply Online" above
  • Click on "My Permits"
  • Click on the specific permit
  • Click on "Upload Document" and follow the prompts from there
• If you need a meter to test the device, call us at 803-242-0415

Annual test results must be submitted to the Utilities Department employee listed on the Cross Connection Control Test Form (PDF).

Related information: Backflow Prevention Requirements: Information for Property Owners (PDF)