planning & Development
The Planning and Development Department’s mission is to guide quality growth and support safe, vibrant development in the City of Laurens by ensuring all building code standards and minimum construction requirements are met to protect the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life of our residents and the environment.
Kerriann Ford
Zoning Administrator
Austin Lassiter
BLE, Bunnell Lammons Engineering
Building Official
Steven Donald
Code Enforcement Officer / Inspector
The Planning Department is here to assist with zoning, development, and land use questions. Please use the links below to access permits, applications, and additional planning resources.
PERMITS
quick links
Contractors must be licensed through the South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board.
The department serves a variety of functions for the City of Laurens including:
Planning & Development
The Planning & Development Department supports responsible growth and development within the City of Laurens. Our team works with residents, contractors, and developers to ensure projects comply with applicable zoning, building codes, and City ordinances.
Permitting & Inspections
We coordinate the review of plans, issuance of permits, and required inspections to ensure construction projects meet state and local building codes.
The City of Laurens utilizes BLE as its third-party building official to perform plan reviews and building inspections.
Code Enforcement
Code Enforcement helps protect public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring compliance with City ordinances. If you have a concern or complaint, please contact our department staff so the issue can be reviewed.
Planning & Zoning
Planning staff oversee zoning regulations, land use, annexations, and long-range planning efforts. This includes maintaining the City’s comprehensive plan and supporting neighborhood, historic preservation, and urban design initiatives.
Certificate of Occupancy (Commercial Only)
The City of Laurens issues Certificates of Occupancy for commercial properties only. A Certificate of Occupancy inspection verifies that a commercial structure complies with applicable building, fire, and safety codes for its intended use.
Certificates of Occupancy are not required for residential properties and are not part of the utility activation or transfer process. Residential utility service may be established directly with Laurens Commission of Public Works.
Commercial Certificate of Occupancy inspections are required for:
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New commercial construction
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Changes in use or occupancy of an existing commercial space
Commercial inspection requirements are available here. For questions, please contact the following: applications@cityoflaurenssc.com or (864) 984-3933.
Fees & Inspections
The fee for a commercial Certificate of Occupancy inspection is $60.
This fee includes application processing, the initial inspection, and one reinspection if needed. Payment may be made at City Hall by cash, check, or card when submitting the Certificate of Occupancy inspection request form.
If additional reinspections are required for the same request, additional fees may apply.
All commercial Certificate of Occupancy inspections are conducted by the City’s Building Official and Fire Marshal.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I apply for a permit?
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All permit applications can be found on the Planning & Development page. Hard copies of the permit applications can be filled out at Laurens City Hall located at 126 E Public Square Laurens SC 29360.
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Completed Permit applications can be submitted to City Hall or the department email: planninganddevelopment@cityoflaurenssc.com
How do I schedule inspections?
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ALL INSPECTIONS REQUIRE 48-HOUR NOTICE
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Call 864-984-2613 or email planninganddevelopment@cityoflaurenssc.com
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You will need to provide the following information when you request an inspection:
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Property Address
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Permit #
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Type of inspection requested
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Project/Site manager contact information
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Can I Do My Own Repairs/Remodeling at My Home?
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If you are a homeowner and want to act as your builder or general contractor, you may complete some types of work yourself. State law will require you to live in the home for two years afterward. If you are interested in this, complete the Owner/Builder Disclosure Statement (PDF) and have it notarized and recorded at the Laurens County Clerk of Court's office. Then submit a copy of the recorded form with your building permit application. All permits require inspections to ensure compliance with building code standards.
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You may not do any type of remodel or repair work that includes electrical, mechanical (heating and air), plumbing, gas, or structural changes; those types of work must be performed by a licensed contractor.
Can I Do My Own Repairs/Remodeling at My Business?
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You may do some types of minor repairs, but you cannot do any type of remodel or repair work that includes electrical, mechanical (heating and air), plumbing, gas, or structural changes; those types of work must be performed by a licensed contractor.
monthly Meetings
Meetings are held at 3 PM on the 2nd Tuesday of each month and will be
held at the City of Laurens Police Training room,
located at 250 West Laurens Street, Laurens, SC, 29360
Planning Commission
- The City of Laurens Planning Commission makes recommendations to City Council on the following topics: Zoning and Annexation requests, Overlay district expansions, City of Laurens Comprehensive Plan updates, and Subdivision approvals.
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Planning Commission has 9 members that meet once a month on the second Tuesday of every month at 3:00 PM, at the City of Laurens Police Training room, located at 250 West Laurens Street, Laurens, SC, 29360.
Board of Zoning Appeals
- The City of Laurens’s Board of Zoning Appeals reviews variations from the City Ordinance requests, land use issues, and administrative decision appeals.
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The Board of Zoning appeals has 5 members and meets as needed based on requests.
Historic Preservation Commission
- The City of Laurens’s Historic Preservation Commission oversees changes and requests by any property that is within the Historic Preservation Overlay District. These include Architectural changes, Sign approvals, Certificate of Appropriateness application requests, etc. Their goal is to preserve and protect the properties within the Historic Preservation Overlay District.
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The Historic Preservation Commission has 7 members that meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 5:30 PM, at the City of Laurens Police Training room, located at 250 West Laurens Street, Laurens, SC, 29360.
Related Applications
Planning commission
2026
2025
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Tuesday, December 9th Agenda
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Tuesday, September 9th Agenda
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Tuesday, August 12th Agenda
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Tuesday, June 10th Agenda
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Tuesday, May 20th Agenda
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Tuesday, March 11th Agenda
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Tuesday, February 11th Agenda
2024
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Monday, October 14 Agenda
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Tuesday, September 24 Workshop Agenda