Berkeley County Building Permits & Inspections
Need a building permit or construction inspection in Berkeley County, South Carolina? The county’s Permitting Department issues permits, while Building and Codes Enforcement reviews plans and conducts building inspections.
Both departments are located at 1003 Highway 52, Moncks Corner, SC 29461. Call (843) 719-4292 for permits or (843) 719-4220 for inspection scheduling. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Confirm that your property falls under Berkeley County’s permitting authority. Properties inside incorporated municipalities may have separate zoning or permit requirements. For unincorporated properties, the county is the appropriate starting point. If you are unsure, call the permit office with your property address and parcel/TMS number.
Berkeley County Building Department Contact Information
| Department Details | Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Official departments | Berkeley County Permitting; Building and Codes Enforcement |
| Street address | 1003 Highway 52, Moncks Corner, SC 29461 |
| Mailing address | PO Box 6122, Moncks Corner, SC 29461 |
| Permitting telephone | (843) 719-4292 |
| Building & Codes telephone | (843) 719-4758 |
| Residential plan reviews | (843) 719-4332 |
| Commercial plan reviews | (843) 719-4699 |
| Fire Marshal | (843) 719-4215 |
| Chief Building Official | Hank Jackson (as listed on county department pages) |
| Office hours | Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; county holidays may affect availability |
| Official department website | Building and Codes Enforcement |
What Permits Does Berkeley County Issue?
Berkeley County’s Permitting Department handles several residential, commercial and specialty permit categories. The permit needed depends on the proposed work, building use and property location.
| Permit Type | Typical Work Covered |
|---|---|
| Building | New homes, additions, structural alterations and certain accessory structures |
| Electrical | New circuits, service work and regulated electrical installations |
| Mechanical | HVAC installations, replacements and mechanical-system work |
| Plumbing | Water supply, drainage and regulated plumbing installations |
| Gas | Gas piping and related installations |
| Demolition | Removal of buildings or structures requiring authorization |
| Swimming pool | Residential and commercial pools |
| Fence and sign | Installations subject to county permit requirements |
| Solar | Solar-panel installations listed in construction application categories |
| Fire protection | Fire alarm and sprinkler systems |
| Manufactured homes | Set-up permits, registration, decals and related approvals |
| Other permits | Communication towers, elevators, construction trailers, temporary uses and house moving |
Small project? Do not assume a fence, shed, deck, roof replacement or interior renovation is automatically exempt. Berkeley County recognizes certain permit exemptions, but the actual requirements depend on the work. Confirm your project with Permitting at (843) 719-4292.
How to Apply for a Berkeley County Building Permit
The county provides an official online application directory for residential and commercial construction, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, fire alarm, sign and manufactured-home permits.
- Identify the correct application. Open the Berkeley County permit application directory. Choose Residential Construction, Commercial Construction or the relevant specialty permit.
- Confirm zoning and property information. Check the project’s address, parcel/TMS number, proposed use, setbacks and any applicable planning requirements. For county zoning questions, contact Planning and Zoning at (843) 719-4095.
- Gather the required documents. Prepare project drawings, a site plan, contractor information, estimated project cost and applicable supporting approvals. The county may require design professional documents, utility approvals, flood-related materials or additional plans.
- Complete the application. Enter owner and applicant details, project address, TMS number, construction description and contractor/license information. Attach the required documents to the official electronic form.
- Submit and follow the review. After submission, county staff create the permit or plan case in their internal system. Use the Builder’s Portal to check its status once it appears.
- Respond to corrections and pay the fees. Review any county requests for missing information or revised drawings. Pay through the official county payment process when the invoice or permit is ready.
- Obtain approval before work begins. Keep the approved permit and required plans available at the job site. Schedule inspections as work reaches the applicable stages.
Documents Commonly Needed for Permit Applications
Requirements vary by project. For a new residence or major construction project, applicants should be ready to provide:
- Property street address and TMS/parcel identification number.
- Property owner, applicant and contractor contact information.
- Applicable South Carolina contractor license information.
- Project description and estimated construction cost.
- Site plan showing the building location, property boundaries and setbacks.
- Building plans, structural details and applicable code information.
- Water and sewer availability documentation or septic authorization when required.
- Zoning, floodplain, stormwater or other land-development approvals where applicable.
- Owner-builder disclosure documentation if applying under the qualifying owner-builder exemption.
The residential application specifically requests a TMS number, site address, applicant information and project cost. It also identifies utility and septic documentation that may be required before approval or occupancy.
Find the county’s project-specific checklists, design information, setback documents and additional forms in the official permitting forms directory.
How to Schedule Building Inspections
Berkeley County states that inspection requests received before 10 a.m. will receive next-day inspections. This is the county’s published scheduling policy; staffing, holidays, site readiness and other circumstances can affect actual scheduling.
Schedule an Inspection Online
- Open the inspection portal. Visit Berkeley County’s official inspection scheduling page.
- Find the property. Enter the street number and street name in the address search fields, then select Search.
- Select the permit. Choose the correct permit associated with the property from the results.
- Enter inspection details. Choose the inspection type and date, then provide your contact name and telephone number. An email address and comments can also be added.
- Submit the request. Select Schedule Inspection and review the resulting message. Contact the county if you cannot confirm the request.
Schedule an Inspection by Phone
Call (843) 719-4220 and leave a voicemail containing:
- Your name
- Permit number
- Required inspection type
- Callback telephone number
- Job-site address
For technical building-inspection questions, contact Building and Codes Enforcement at (843) 719-4758.
When Are Construction Inspections Required?
Berkeley County publishes required inspection stages for permitted construction. The exact sequence depends on the project and approved plans.
| Inspection | When to Request It |
|---|---|
| Footing/Foundation | After excavation and formwork, before concrete placement |
| Slab / Underground Utilities | Before under-slab plumbing or electrical work is concealed |
| Subfloor | Before deck or subfloor installation at the required inspection stage |
| Sheathing | Before covering wall sheathing with house wrap, subject to county instructions |
| Window | After installation, before required fasteners are concealed |
| Framing / Rough-In | After framing and applicable concealed systems are ready for inspection |
| Insulation | After required rough-in approvals and before drywall |
| Final | When construction is complete and ready for final compliance review |
Specialized electrical, plumbing, gas, mechanical, fire-protection and commercial projects can have additional inspections.
Make sure the property can be accessed, the correct work is ready, required approved documents are on site and the permit information is available. Do not cover work that requires inspection before approval.
See the county’s official inspection requirements for more details.
Building Permit Fees and Payments
Berkeley County does not charge one flat fee for every building permit. Fees can vary by construction valuation, permit discipline, plan review and additional required services.
| Fee Category | What Affects the Charge |
|---|---|
| Building permit | Project valuation and applicable building-permit fee provisions |
| Electrical, plumbing and HVAC | Type and scope of permitted trade work |
| Plan review | Applicable review requirements and fee schedules |
| Reinspection | Additional inspections caused by specified deficiencies or site-readiness issues |
| Specialty permits | Specific fee provisions for pools, signs, fire systems, fences and other work |
| Development-related fees | Separate applicable zoning, infrastructure, stormwater or impact-fee requirements |
County Chapter 11, Buildings and Building Regulations, addresses permit fees, inspections, reinspection charges, valuation and related administrative requirements. The county also publishes additional planning and development fee schedules.
To obtain your actual fee: identify the permit type, prepare the project valuation and plans, then request the amount from the Permitting Department. Once invoiced, confirm the payable amount in the official Builder’s Portal.
Source: Berkeley County Buildings and Building Regulations (PDF).
Berkeley County Building Codes in 2026
Berkeley County enforces South Carolina-adopted construction codes with applicable state and local requirements. The county’s residential and commercial construction application pages identify the following editions.
| Code | Edition Listed |
|---|---|
| International Building Code (IBC) | 2021 |
| International Residential Code (IRC) | 2021 |
| International Fire Code (IFC) | 2021 |
| International Plumbing Code (IPC) | 2021 |
| International Mechanical Code (IMC) | 2021 |
| International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) | 2021 |
| International Existing Building Code (IEBC) | 2021 |
| International Swimming Pool and Spa Code | 2021 |
| National Electrical Code (NEC) | 2020 |
| International Energy Conservation Code / energy requirements | 2009 edition listed on county application |
These are the editions published on the county’s application forms when reviewed in October 2026. Applicants should confirm the currently enforceable editions and amendments with the Building Official, particularly when submitting new projects or revising existing plans.
Berkeley County’s general design guidance also identifies a minimum 133 mph wind design criterion and seismic design categories D for commercial and D-2 for residential projects. Project-specific design values and approved engineering requirements must be confirmed before preparing structural plans.
Official reference: Building and Codes Enforcement — Plans and Design Information.
Owner-Builder Permits and Contractor Requirements
Berkeley County’s inspection guidance states that contractors must hold valid South Carolina contractor licensing appropriate to their work.
Qualifying residential property owners may be eligible to act as their own builder under South Carolina’s owner-builder exemption. This exemption has legal conditions and is not an automatic substitute for contractor licensing.
The county’s owner-builder disclosure explains that qualifying owners must file the required disclosure with the Register of Deeds. Failing to comply can invalidate the exemption.
If you plan to build or renovate your own home, review the official Owner/Builder Disclosure Statement before applying. Confirm eligibility, responsibility for construction supervision and required inspections with the permit office.
Special Local Requirements to Check
Flood Zones and Stormwater
Some Berkeley County properties are subject to floodplain, drainage, wetland or Santee Dam Breach-area considerations. Additional elevation documentation, engineered design, site approval or stormwater requirements may apply. Check these matters before purchasing plans or beginning site preparation.
Zoning, Setbacks and Accessory Structures
Building-code approval does not replace zoning approval. Before building a garage, shed, fence, addition or accessory dwelling, confirm the property’s zoning district, setbacks and permitted use. Berkeley County publishes zoning documents and 2026 accessory dwelling unit amendments through its Planning Ordinances page.
Septic Systems and Utilities
Projects using private septic systems may need approval from the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services. The county’s residential application also addresses sewer availability documentation and final utility approvals before a certificate of occupancy can be issued.
Manufactured and Mobile Homes
The county handles manufactured-home setup permits, tax-related registration, decals and ownership-related services. Placement can depend on zoning, acreage, utility availability and installation rules. The Permitting Department states that mobile-home permitting walk-arounds are not accepted after 3:30 p.m.
Check an Existing Permit or Application Status
If you’ve already submitted an application, Berkeley County provides an online system to view permit and plan-case information.
- Open the portal. Visit Berkeley County’s Builder’s Portal.
- Create an account or sign in. If using the portal’s account features, use the email address listed as your application contact.
- Locate the record. Find the applicable permit or plan case associated with your details.
- Review the status. Open the record to review available information, documents, payments and actions.
- Contact Permitting if necessary. Call (843) 719-4292 if your record cannot be located or its status needs clarification.
The county advises that its portal periodically synchronizes with internal systems. Updates commonly appear within several hours but may take up to 24 hours. A recently submitted application may not appear until staff create the official record.
Official Berkeley County Permit Resources
- Permitting Department — permits, office information and services.
- Building and Codes Enforcement — inspections, construction codes and plan reviews.
- Permit Application Directory — residential, commercial and trade applications.
- Schedule an Inspection — official online inspection request.
- Builder’s Portal — permit status, plan cases and payments.
- Forms and Documents — permit packets, design information and checklists.
- Inspection Requirements — required construction inspection stages.
- Planning and Zoning — land-use and zoning-related questions.
Looking for the City of Berkeley in California instead? Use our Berkeley, California Building Department guide. That city is a different jurisdiction from Berkeley County, South Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Berkeley County Building Department located?
Berkeley County’s Permitting and Building and Codes offices are located at 1003 Highway 52, Moncks Corner, SC 29461. Published office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
2. How do I apply for a building permit in Berkeley County, SC?
Open the county’s official permit application directory, select your permit type, complete the application and upload required documents. After staff establish the record, you can track it through the Builder’s Portal.
3. What is the Berkeley County permit office phone number?
The Permitting Department can be reached at (843) 719-4292. For Building and Codes Enforcement, call (843) 719-4758. Inspection scheduling is handled through (843) 719-4220.
4. Do I need a permit for a shed, deck or fence?
Possibly. Permit requirements depend on the structure, project details and applicable exemptions. Berkeley County issues fence permits and reviews accessory construction. Call the permit office before starting work.
5. How do I schedule an inspection in Berkeley County?
Use the county’s online inspection scheduling portal or call (843) 719-4220. Have the permit number, project address, inspection type, name and callback number ready. The published cutoff for next-day inspections is 10 a.m.
6. How much does a Berkeley County building permit cost?
Permit costs depend on the project valuation, permit category, plan review and applicable additional fees. Request the amount from Permitting or review the official invoice and current county fee provisions.
7. Which building codes apply in Berkeley County in 2026?
The county’s construction applications list 2021 editions for several International Codes, the 2020 National Electrical Code and 2009 energy-code requirements. Confirm the applicable editions and amendments with Building and Codes before submitting plans.
8. Can a homeowner obtain a permit without hiring a licensed general contractor?
Some qualifying owners can apply under South Carolina’s owner-builder exemption. Legal eligibility, disclosure recording and permit requirements still apply. Review Berkeley County’s official Owner/Builder Disclosure Statement first.
9. Can I start construction while my permit application is under review?
No. Berkeley County’s published guidance requires the applicable permit to be approved before regulated construction begins. Starting without authorization may result in doubled associated permit fees.
10. How can I check my Berkeley County building permit status?
Visit the official Builder’s Portal at build.berkeleycountysc.gov. Sign in using the email linked to the application where applicable, then locate your permit or plan case. Updates may take up to 24 hours to appear.
Information checked: October 9, 2026. Department contact details, application instructions, code references and inspection procedures were researched using Berkeley County Government’s official resources. Confirm time-sensitive requirements before beginning construction.
Independent information resource: USBuilding.org is not affiliated with or operated by Berkeley County Government. Permit approvals, official fees, interpretations and inspections are handled by the responsible government departments.