Do I need a permit for addition or structural alteration in Simpsonville?
Yes. In South Carolina, addition or structural alteration generally requires a permit, and Simpsonville is no exception.
In the Charleston area an addition may fall in a flood zone, which can require a minimum finished floor elevation and an elevation certificate. This is on top of the coastal wind design requirements. Additions must meet zoning setbacks and lot coverage limits, so verify your lot lines and required distances before finalizing the design. Additions are reviewed by Simpsonville Building and Codes for structure, zoning, and setbacks; a site plan is typically required. Confirm plan submittal requirements before applying. The city's Building Permits Acknowledgement notes that Simpsonville collects REWA impact fees for new construction, which can apply to projects that add living space. Confirm any impact fees with the city. An encroachment permit from Greenville County or SCDOT may be required, and proof of that permit may be required before the City permit is issued.
Documents you may need
- Building permit applicationrequired
- Construction drawings showing the new floor plan, framing and structural detailsrequired
- Site plan showing the addition footprint and setbacksrequired
- Contractor license or owner-builder affidavitrequired
- Energy and trade details for new electrical, plumbing or mechanical workLikely required
- City of Simpsonville building permit application (online permit portal)required
- Construction plans and a site plan showing the addition and setbacksrequired
- Signed Building Permits Acknowledgement and contractor licensingrequired
Possible inspections
- Footing and foundation inspection
- Framing and rough trade inspections (electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
- Insulation inspection
- Final inspection before occupancy of the new space
- Footing inspection
- Framing inspection
- Rough trades inspections
- Final inspection
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for addition or structural alteration in Simpsonville?
- Yes. In South Carolina, addition or structural alteration generally requires a permit, and Simpsonville is no exception. In the Charleston area an addition may fall in a flood zone, which can require a minimum finished floor elevation and an elevation certificate. This is on top of the coastal wind design requirements. Additions must meet zoning setbacks and lot coverage limits, so verify your lot lines and required distances before finalizing the design. Additions are reviewed by Simpsonville Building and Codes for structure, zoning, and setbacks; a site plan is typically required. Confirm plan submittal requirements before applying. The city's Building Permits Acknowledgement notes that Simpsonville collects REWA impact fees for new construction, which can apply to projects that add living space. Confirm any impact fees with the city. An encroachment permit from Greenville County or SCDOT may be required, and proof of that permit may be required before the City permit is issued.
- Who issues the permit in Simpsonville?
- The local building department for Simpsonville handles permitting. This page lists its contact details and online portal. Your mailing city is not always the permitting authority, so confirm the jurisdiction before you apply.
- How do I find out the exact requirements for my project?
- Run the free PermitRoadmap check for your specific project and answers. It returns the likely permits, documents, inspections, and next steps, each linked to its official source.
PermitRoadmap is an independent informational service and is not affiliated with any city, county, state agency, or permitting authority. Results are informational and do not replace confirming requirements with the local permitting authority.