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Building Standards

The mission of the North Augusta division of Building Standards is to provide reasonable controls for the construction, use and occupance of buildings and all of their various components in order that those individuals who occupy such buildings may do so in confidence.

When is a building permit required?

1. Building Permit

• New Construction 
• Renovations 
• Additions 
• Re-roofing 
• Signs 
• Fences 
• Swimming Pools and Spas 
• Grading 
• Utility or storage buildings 

2. Electrical, Plumbing, Gas & Mechanical
All new installations and certain repair work require a permit.

Who can obtain a permit?

1. Building
Single family permits will be issued to contractors licensed by either the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission or the South Carolina State Licensing Board for Contractors. Single Family permits can be issued to the homeowner if he or she is going to own and occupy the house.

2. Commercial
Commercial and other types of construction exceeding $5,000 in valuation must be obtained by a contractor that holds a general contractor's license from the South Carolina Licensing Board for Contractors.

3. Electrical, Plumbing & Mechanical
These trades require Certificates of Competency from the City of North Augusta (or renewal), South Carolina State Licensing Board for Contractors or a Master Card from the South Carolina Municipal Association. Home owners may purchase permits and do their own work in the dwelling in which the owner resides. 

What fees must be paid for a permit?

1. Building Permit Fee 
2. Water and Sewer Tap Application (new construction) 
3. Plumbing, electrical, gas and mechanical permit fees. 

When is a business license required?

A business license is required to conduct any type of business in the City of North Augusta. Business licenses for contractors with businesses located outside of the city use the following for calculating a business license fee: $40.00 for the first $2,000.00 and $1.50 for each additional $1,000.00 based on either the contract amount of the job or estimated gross for the year.

When are building plans required?

Plans are required for any new single or multiple family dwellings or additions to dwellings and new commercial buildings or upfitting of commercial buildings.

When should I call for an inspection?

Required inspections include the following:
1. Building: Footing, Foundation, Framing* and Final
2. Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical: Rough-in* and Final 

*Framing and Rough-in inspections are considered to be made after the roof, framing, fire blocking, bracing, electrical wiring, plumbing piping, gas piping, trenches or ditches are in place, and before any backfill or installation of insulation or wall and ceiling membranes have been attached to the framing.

When can a building be occupied?

When the building is completed and a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.

Who do I call for more information?