Planning FAQ | City of Laurens

DO YOU NEED A PERMIT?

PERMIT REQUIRED

City code says any owner or owner’s 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 this code, or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.

PERMIT EXCEPTIONS

The Following work does not require permits:

Permit Top

BUILDING

One-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2)
Note: Accessory structures less than 200 square feet still require application submittal and approval prior to construction.

Fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high
Note: All fences still require application submittal and planning approval prior to construction.

Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge
Note: Any wall that is backfilled against, no matter how high, must be permitted.

Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18 927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to

Sidewalks and driveways
Note: Sidewalks and driveways installation must be approved prior to installation.

Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work

Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep

Swings and other playground equipment

Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall

Decks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling, and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4.

ELECTRICAL

Listed cord-and-plug connected temporary decorative lighting
Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles but not the outlets
Replacement of branch circuit overcurrent devices of the required capacity in the same location
Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy
Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles

MECHANICAL

Portable heating appliances
Portable ventilation appliances
Portable cooling units
Steam, hot- or chilled-water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code
Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe
Portable evaporative coolers
Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less
Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid
Portable heating, cooking or clothes-drying appliances
Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe
Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid

PLUMBING

The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code
The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures

REINSPECTION POLICY

RE-INSPECTION FEES: $40.00 RESIDENTIAL $75.00 COMMERCIAL

A Re-inspection fee will be charged for Re-inspections in every area where permits are required.

A Re-inspection is defined as any trip made in addition to those specifically named on the Building Permit Job Card or any trip made as the result of condemned or disapproved work, calling for inspections prior to the work being ready for inspection, and additional trips made because access to structure is not provided.

Re-inspection fees shall be paid prior to re-inspecting the same work or the hob will be shut down.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I apply for a permit?

All permit applications can be found on the Planning & Development Home Page. Hard copies of the permit applications can be filled out at Laurens City Hall located at 126 E Public Square Laurens SC 29360.
Completed Permit applications can be submitted to City Hall or the department email: planninganddevelopment@cityoflaurenssc.com

How do I schedule inspections?

ALL INSPECTIONS REQUIRE 48-HOUR NOTICE
Call 864-984-2613 or email planninganddevelopment@cityoflaurenssc.com
You will need to provide the following information when you request an inspection:
- Property Address
- Permit #
- Type of inspection requested
- Project/Site manager contact information

Can I Do My Own Repairs/Remodeling at My Home?

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.
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?

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.