Starting July 1, 2025, Residential and Commercial building permit fees will increase by 20 percent.

Greenville County Building Safety and Code Enforcement has transitioned to a new automated software system. All permits must be submitted through eTrakit. At this time, we have a two to three week processing period for permits to be issued. We thank you for your patience as we continue to get caught up. For instructions to apply for an online account and access to permit applications click here.

The Permit Center accepts and processes building permit applications for both residential and commercial projects.

Click here for a list of permitting forms and applications.

Building permits are required to ensure that the construction meets the requirement of all state, city and fire prevention codes. Inspections are completed on all permits issued to ensure the safety and welfare of the citizens of Greenville County.

Any new construction, addition or alteration of existing residential or commercial structures, structural changes, commercial tenants, construction trailer, tents, kiosk (sales, fireworks, Christmas trees) swimming pools, shed, signage, manufactured home, plumbing; public or private sewage, and all electrical, gas or HVAC work require a permit. Additional items may require a permit which are not mentioned here. Contact the Planning and Codes Compliance Department at 864.467.7060 if you have any questions.

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the International Codes, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.

All permit applications require either the tax map number or an active permit number for the site. Click here to search for a tax map number.

The Permit Technician will review the application for floodplain, road frontage and setbacks, as well as accuracy and completeness. Deed restrictions/covenants and subdivision regulations will be the responsibility of the customer/owner. If all criteria are met, the application is entered into the system and depending upon the type of application and the method of submission will determine the review and process time.

If a contractor is doing the work, the application must be submitted, signed and picked up by the contractor (SC license holder). If the owner is doing the work, the application must be submitted, signed and picked up by the owner. All residential rental properties require work to be completed by a South Carolina licensed contractor. A letter of authorization is required from the applicant for anybody picking up the permit other than the applicant.

A South Carolina State Licensed Contractor will need a copy of the State Certification (pocket card), consistent with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulations. A South Carolina State Specialty Contractor will need a Copy of State Registration (pocket card). Click here to search for State Licensed Contactors.

Yes, if all of the following apply:

• Applicant is the owner
• Ownership is by the individual
• Use is specifically by the owner
• Property is not for sale or lease or is used as a rental
• (Commercial only) construction value is less than $5000 (total cost of project: building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing).
• And, a notarized, recorded Owner Builder Disclosure Statement must be submitted.

You can file for an extension by submitting the Request For Permit Extension form. Our staff will review your request and contact you as soon as possible.

First, the mobile home must be registered with the Real Property Department. Whether the mobile home is purchased from a Dealer or an individual, the mobile home must be registered with Real Property and the taxes must be paid and up to date. Real Property and the tax office are both located on the first floor of the South Tower. After that has been done, you will ask Real Property for an approval sheet to submit on the Manufactured Home New Set Up Building Permit.

A licensed contractor with the SC LLR, that has a specialty in moving mobile homes or is a homebuilder, needs to apply for a Manufactured Home New Set Up Building Permit. This is a state law and there are no exceptions. The contractor applying for the permit will need the following documents from the mobile home owner to submit with the permit application.

• Title
• Form 400 if from a dealership
• ReWa/ Metro paperwork (if on sewer)
• Septic paperwork (if on septic)
• Greenville Water hookup receipt (if on Greenville Water)
• Letter of permission from landowner if different from mobile home owner
• Approval sheet of mobile home from Real Property Services

Once the contractor has applied for the Manufactured Home New Set Up Building Permit, it goes through a review process with Zoning and Floodplain (if applicable), before it is processed for fees and payment at the Building Permit Department.

Greenville County Real Property Search

All Home Occupation Permits must be submitted and reviewed prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Use.

Anyone who wishes to occupy an existing building without making any changes to the building is required to submit a Feasibility Permit. If the building currently is without power, a Commercial Electrical Permit application is also required. Once the Administrative Zoning Review is approved, the Building Official will perform an Administrative Building Review. The Feasibility Inspector will then contact the tenant to make arrangements for the required inspections. A Certificate of Occupancy will be issued once all inspections have been approved.

Click here to access the Current ICC Code List