Building Permits & Inspections

NOTICE: City Council has approved changes to land use ordinances, including the City of Camden Land Development Regulations, effective June 11, 2024, Residential Design Standards, Non-Residential Design Standards, and Landscaping Standards, each effective June 25, 2024.

A Building Permit is required for any new construction, demolition, moving, repair or enlargement of a house or commercial building within city limits. Drawings are required to be approved prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. Some types of painting, flooring, and finish work may be exempt from a building permit. Building Permits are usually issued to a contractor properly licensed by the state; however, the building permit may be issued to the owner of a house if the owner signs an affidavit and complies with other requirements of state law.

• No grading or excavation shall begin until the required permits have been obtained.
• No building, structure, or land shall be used or occupied until an Occupancy Permit has been obtained.
• Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work require separate additional permits and must be obtained by a craftsman with a minimum of a journeyman license and other licenses as required by state law.
• Developments within the Floodplain are required to comply with the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Chapter 152 prior to issuance of a building permit.
• Properties located within the Historic Overlay District must meet the requirements of Historic Landmarks Chapter 158 prior to issuance of a building permit. Properties located within the Historic Overlay District must meet the requirements of Historic Landmarks Chapter 158 prior to issuance of a building permit.  A Certificate of Appropriateness (From Here) may first be required before any demolition, new construction, alteration, modification, or addition to a historic property can occur.
• New construction permit fees are based on the ICC Code/BVD Table. Other permits may be based on the cost of the work involved. Review our fee schedule (revised 7/1/24).
• All contractors and subcontractors are required to obtain a City Business License.
• The prime contractor who obtains the permit is responsible for scheduling inspections. A minimum of twenty-four (24) hour notice is required. Inspections include, but are not limited to the following:
• Footings and Setbacks
• Slab
• Foundation wall and floor joists before subfloor
• Framing
• Rough – In electrical, plumbing and mechanical before insulation
• Insulation
• Contractor Permanent Power
• Others as necessary
• Final
• A Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained from the Building Department prior to occupying the building.

For additional information, please contact City Clerk/Permit Tech Brenda Davis at 803-432-2421 x1165 or at PermitTech@camdensc.org.

Learn how to apply for a permit online here.