The Aiken County Building Department is operated through the Aiken County Planning & Development Department’s Codes Division in South Carolina. It handles building permits, construction inspections, residential and commercial projects, and related development services in areas under county jurisdiction.
To apply for an Aiken County building permit, use the county’s official Development Services Online Portal. For permit and inspection questions, call 803-642-1518. The county does not issue building permits inside the incorporated city limits of Aiken or North Augusta.
Aiken County Building Department Contact Information
The Aiken County Government Center lists general hours of Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding applicable closures. Confirm Codes Division counter availability before visiting.
Official Aiken County Planning & Development website
Which Building Department Handles Your Property?
Aiken County contains areas served by different permitting authorities. The correct office depends on the property’s jurisdiction, not simply its mailing address.
| Property location | Responsible authority |
|---|---|
| County jurisdiction outside Aiken and North Augusta city limits | Aiken County Planning & Development 803-642-1518 |
| Inside City of Aiken limits | City of Aiken Building Inspection Division City permitting information 803-642-7675 |
| Inside City of North Augusta limits | North Augusta Building Standards City building standards 803-441-4223 |
Not sure? Locate your property’s tax parcel number and contact the county at 803-642-1520. Ask the staff to confirm which authority regulates the parcel before paying an application fee. Incorporated municipalities outside these two cities may also have specific arrangements that should be confirmed.
Building Permits and Services Available
The county’s online portal supports residential and commercial building permits, development applications, plan review, fee payments, permit searches, and inspection scheduling.
| Service or project | What to know |
|---|---|
| New houses and additions | Building application, site plan, construction drawings and applicable approvals. |
| Remodeling and renovations | Permit requirements depend on structural work, building systems and project scope. |
| Electrical, plumbing and HVAC work | Check trade-specific permit and contractor licensing requirements before work. |
| Garages, sheds, decks and pools | Verify building permit requirements, setbacks and any applicable exemptions. |
| Commercial construction | Building review plus applicable land development, zoning and site-plan approvals. |
| Manufactured homes | Placement, registration, development, moving and other applicable approvals. |
| Demolition and signs | Separate forms or authorizations may be required depending on the project. |
| Construction inspections | Schedule required inspections through the county portal or Codes Division. |
Important: A building permit does not automatically approve zoning, septic systems, floodplain development, road access or land-disturbing activity. Those requirements must be checked separately when relevant.
How to Apply for an Aiken County Building Permit
Most applicants can begin with the county’s Citizenserve portal. Here is the practical application sequence.
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Confirm your property and project.
Identify the construction address, tax parcel number, property owner and proposed work. Confirm the project is under Aiken County permitting jurisdiction.
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Open the official application portal.
Visit Aiken County Citizenserve. Find the Permitting section and select Apply for a Permit. Sign in or register if prompted.
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Review the permit requirements.
Choose the permit category that matches your work. Review the required application information, drawings, supporting approvals and contractor details before submitting.
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Prepare the documents.
Use the county’s building permit application packet (PDF) as a reference. The county’s residential guidance calls for a completed application and two drawing sets for paper submissions. Confirm current electronic upload requirements within the portal.
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Submit the application.
Enter project details, identify applicable contractors, attach documents and submit for review. Save the application or permit reference number.
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Respond to review comments and pay fees.
Use your portal account to check review status and address correction requests. Pay required charges using the accepted county payment method. Do not start regulated construction before the necessary permit is issued.
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Arrange inspections and close the permit.
Schedule inspections at the appropriate construction stages. Complete required corrections and obtain final approval or occupancy documentation when applicable.
Call 803-642-1520 or email planning@aikencountysc.gov for portal or account assistance. Use 803-642-1518 for Codes Division questions.
Documents to Prepare Before Applying
Aiken County’s building permit application packet identifies information and site-plan requirements that applicants should prepare in advance.
Building application details
- Property owner’s name, contact information and mailing address.
- Construction address and tax parcel identification number.
- Contractor information and applicable South Carolina license number.
- Project type, building use, construction description and valuation.
- Building dimensions, square footage, foundation and construction details.
- Applicable electrical, mechanical and plumbing subcontractor information.
- Septic tank permit number or applicable utility information.
Residential site-plan requirements
The county’s site-plan checklist calls for a scaled drawing, recorded plat or appropriately scaled aerial representation showing relevant property conditions.
- Entire parcel and adjoining property lines.
- Existing and proposed buildings, with sizes, uses and setbacks.
- Public and private easements.
- Roadways and driveway entrances.
- Utility locations, including water, sewer, gas, electric and drainage.
- Flood hazard areas when applicable.
The application packet also contains a restrictive covenants affirmation and stormwater documentation. Additional requirements may apply depending on the parcel and project. Commercial developments can require more extensive site-plan, drainage, erosion-control and other supporting materials.
View all county permit forms and application documents
Aiken County Building Inspections
Residential and commercial inspections can be requested through the county’s online portal or directly through its Codes Division.
How to schedule an inspection
- Open the Development Services Online Portal.
- Sign into the account associated with your permit.
- Open the permit record and locate the inspection scheduling option.
- Select the required inspection type and an available date, then submit the request.
- Save the confirmation. If the online option is unavailable, call or email Codes Division with your permit number, project address and requested inspection.
Inspection stages vary, but construction projects may require foundation or footing, framing, trade-system, and final inspections. Ask the county which stages are mandatory for your permit.
Make sure the relevant work is complete and accessible, required plans are available, and concealed work has not been covered before a required inspection. Confirm scheduling lead times directly with the county; a fixed next-day inspection guarantee was not established from the published county instructions.
What if an inspection fails?
Review the inspector’s correction requirements, fix the identified problems and request the appropriate follow-up inspection. The county’s published fee schedule includes escalating charges for reinspections, so confirm the inspection is ready before requesting another visit.
Aiken County Building Permit Fees (2026 Reference)
Aiken County’s published July 1, 2025 fee schedule establishes construction-valuation-based building permit charges and separate service fees. Use it as the published reference and confirm the amount currently assessed before payment.
| Construction valuation | Published building permit formula |
|---|---|
| $1,000–$50,000 | $20 for the first $1,000, plus $6 for each additional $1,000 or fraction. |
| $50,001–$100,000 | $345 for the first $50,000, plus $5 for each additional $1,000 or fraction. |
| $100,001–$500,000 | $620 for the first $100,000, plus $4 for each additional $1,000 or fraction. |
| Above $500,000 | $2,380 for the first $500,000, plus $3 for each additional $1,000 or fraction. |
These tiers reproduce the published fee formulas. Valuation rules differ by project type, and the published schedule contains tier-base amounts that should be confirmed with the department before independently calculating a total.
Other published permit-related fees
| Service | Published fee |
|---|---|
| Plan review | 50% of the building permit fee |
| Demolition permit | $100 |
| Certificate of occupancy | $20 |
| Building permit transfer | $15 |
| First reinspection | $50 |
| Second reinspection | $100 |
| Third and subsequent reinspections | $200 each |
| Manufactured home development permit | $15 |
| Manufactured home moving permit | $30 |
The county also publishes additional charges for manufactured homes, land development, zoning requests and other services. Its department page lists a 1.49% credit-card transaction charge for payments made using its stated in-person or telephone credit-card options. Verify any online processing fees at checkout.
Official Aiken County fee schedule (PDF)
Building Codes Applicable in Aiken County in 2026
South Carolina’s statewide building code adoption rules apply to Aiken County. As of October 2026, the state is operating under its 2021 code adoption cycle for the principal mandatory building codes, with amendments.
| Code subject | Applicable edition in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Building construction | 2021 South Carolina Building Code |
| One- and two-family residential | 2021 South Carolina Residential Code |
| Fire code | 2021 South Carolina Fire Code |
| Plumbing | 2021 South Carolina Plumbing Code |
| Mechanical systems | 2021 South Carolina Mechanical Code |
| Fuel gas | 2021 South Carolina Fuel Gas Code |
| Electrical | 2020 National Electrical Code, with SC modifications |
| Energy efficiency | 2009 International Energy Conservation Code under state law |
The South Carolina Building Codes Council has scheduled implementation of the 2024 South Carolina Building Codes and 2023 National Electrical Code for January 1, 2027. Applicants submitting projects near that date should confirm applicable transition rules and code editions with the county before completing their drawings.
Review the South Carolina Building Codes Council’s official adoption information for statewide modifications and effective dates. Local zoning, administrative and land-development requirements must also be considered.
Special Situations to Check Before Applying
Owner-builder projects
The county’s application includes an owner-builder declaration. Owners acting as their own builders must address the required disclosure statement and its filing with the Register of Deeds. Verify your eligibility and applicable South Carolina owner-builder restrictions before selecting this option. Hiring subcontractors may create additional licensing and compliance responsibilities.
Manufactured homes
Manufactured home placement generally requires county development review to verify zoning and begin septic approval where applicable. For registration, the county identifies title documentation or Form 400 and septic approval among the required materials. Moving requirements also involve title and tax information. Contact Codes Division before relocating or installing a manufactured home.
Septic systems and flood-prone property
Private wastewater systems may need separate state environmental approval. The county lists 803-642-1637 as a local septic permitting contact. Properties affected by flood hazards may need floodplain review or additional development permits. Check these issues before finalizing building placement or foundation plans.
Contractor license verification
Before hiring a builder or trade contractor, verify the appropriate state license or registration through the South Carolina LLR license lookup. Permit approval does not replace contractor licensing obligations.
Official Aiken County Permit Resources
- Planning & Development Department Official contacts, permitting jurisdiction and service information.
- Development Services Online Portal Apply, check review status, search permits, pay fees and arrange inspections.
- Building Permit Application Packet (PDF) Application fields, site-plan checklist and supporting declarations.
- County Forms and Documents Owner-builder, renovation, floodplain, commercial and manufactured-home forms.
- Planning & Development Fee Schedule (PDF) Published valuation formulas and additional county charges.
- South Carolina Building Code Adoption Current statewide code editions, modifications and implementation dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Aiken County Building Department located?
The Codes Division is located at 1930 University Parkway, Suite 2800, Aiken, SC 29801, in the Government Center. Call 803-642-1518 for building permit or inspection questions.
2. Does Aiken County issue building permits inside the City of Aiken or North Augusta?
No. The county identifies both city jurisdictions as excluded from its building permit responsibility. Properties within City of Aiken limits should contact City Building Inspections at 803-642-7675. Properties within North Augusta city limits should contact its Building Standards office at 803-441-4223.
3. Can I apply for an Aiken County building permit online?
Yes. Open the official Aiken County Citizenserve Development Services Online Portal, select Apply for a Permit, sign in or register when required, and follow the relevant application instructions. You can also contact Planning & Development at 803-642-1520 for assistance.
4. What documents are needed for a residential building permit?
The county identifies a building permit application and two drawing sets for paper submissions. The application packet also calls for a site plan showing property boundaries, structures, setbacks, access, utilities and applicable flood areas. Other approvals may be required depending on the project.
5. How do I schedule a building inspection in Aiken County?
Use the inspection scheduling service associated with your permit in Citizenserve, call 803-642-1518, or email codes@aikencountysc.gov. Have your permit number and project address ready. Confirm available dates and required inspection stages with the county.
6. How much does an Aiken County building permit cost?
Building permit charges generally depend on project valuation. The county’s published fee schedule also lists plan review charges equal to 50% of the building permit fee and other applicable service fees. The exact amount depends on your project and the schedule in effect when assessed.
7. How can I check the status of an existing building permit?
Open the county’s Citizenserve portal and select Search for a Permit or access your submitted application through your account. Use the permit reference or other available search information. Contact Planning & Development if the record cannot be located.
8. Can a homeowner apply as their own builder?
Aiken County provides an owner-builder declaration in its application materials. Eligible property owners must satisfy applicable state requirements and county disclosure obligations, including the relevant recording requirement. Contact the Codes Division before proceeding as an owner-builder.
9. Do sheds, decks, roof replacements and other home improvements require permits?
Requirements depend on the type, size and scope of work, applicable code exemptions and property conditions. Structural additions and regulated building-system changes commonly require permits. Confirm the specific project with Aiken County Codes Division rather than relying on thresholds published for a different city.
10. Which building codes apply in Aiken County in 2026?
South Carolina’s 2021 mandatory building-code cycle, together with the applicable 2020 electrical and 2009 energy code provisions, forms the 2026 statewide baseline. The state has scheduled the next major code transition for January 1, 2027. Check the state adoption page and county requirements for project-specific applicability.
Verify jurisdiction, confirm whether your project needs a permit, prepare the site plan and other required documents, and use the county’s official application portal. If a particular fee, exemption or approval requirement is unclear, ask the Codes Division before beginning work.
Information reviewed: October 8, 2026. Government requirements, fees, forms and portal procedures can change. USBuilding.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with Aiken County government.