About Permits and Inspections
- Building Codes Required - The Building Codes Division carries out the States of South Carolina's mandate to Oconee County to enforce building codes in the unincorporated areas of the county. Additionally, the Division provides the service to the municipalities of Salem, Walhalla, Westminster, and West Union by contract.
- International Building Code - The State of South Carolina requires jurisdictions to adopt and enforce the International Building Code, the recognized standard for all new construction, renovations, and additions. The state periodically approves updated versions, which are subsequently adopted locally.
- Inspectors Certified - Inspection personnel are required to demonstrate their knowledge and professional competence through a rigorous testing system in order to acquire and maintain required certifications by the State of South Carolina Building Code Council.
- Contractor Qualifications - The Division prioritizes efforts to ensure the citizens of Oconee County are served by qualified contractors by enforcing state licensing requirements.
- Building Permits - A building permit must be issued before starting any new building construction or making additions, alterations, renovations, and demolition of existing structures. Examples of permits are: building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, swimming pools, etc.
- Building Plan Reviews - A building plan review is required before a building permit can be issued for all commercial construction; all single family-construction over 5000 square feet in size; and all projects utilizing alternate construction methods or engineering.
- Building Inspections - The building code requires permitted projects to be inspected at pre-determined intervals based on the type of permit issued.
- Manufactured Housing Permits - Every mobile home to be set-up in the County must have: a bill of sale if new, or a moving permit from the Assessors office if used; a set-up permit and decal issued by the Building Codes Division; and completion of required set-up inspections in order to be approved for electrical service.
