South Carolina

South Carolina Permit Guide for Metal Carports, Garages and Barns

Whether a carport needs a permit in South Carolina comes down to your county or city, since every one of them has to enforce the mandatory statewide building code. The state doesn't set the permit paperwork rules, so each county or city decides details like which small buildings skip a permit. Most metal garages and barns on a home lot need a building permit, and farm structures can be exempt from the building code if you file an affidavit first. Start with your county or city building office before you order.

Building code in effect

South Carolina builds to the 2021 South Carolina Residential Code and 2021 South Carolina Building Code, which are the 2021 International codes with state changes. The Building Codes Council adopted them on October 6, 2021, and local enforcement began January 1, 2023. These codes are mandatory statewide. The Council has been working on adopting the 2024 codes, with state changes published in the State Register in May 2026, but check with your local office on which edition it is enforcing now.

Who issues permits

Permits come from your county or city building department. State law requires counties and municipalities to enforce the building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas and fire codes. If you're inside city or town limits, the city usually handles it. If you're in the unincorporated county, the county does. Zoning is often a separate approval from the planning or zoning office, and in some rural counties there may be little or no zoning.

County permit guides

County guides are coming soon.

Don't see your county? Call 919-725-8176 and we'll help you find the right office.

When you need a permit

Small accessory buildings: The state did not adopt the code's administrative chapter, so each county or city sets its own permit exemptions by local ordinance. Ask your building office what size shed or carport, if any, is exempt.
Garages and enclosed buildings: A metal garage, shop or enclosed building on a home lot will usually need a building permit and plans built to the 2021 South Carolina Residential Code.
Farm structures: A structure built on a farm for farm use can be exempt from the building code if you file an affidavit with the local building official before you build. See the farm section below.
Flood zones: Even exempt farm structures have to meet FEMA National Flood Insurance Program standards.

Farm buildings

Under S.C. Code § 6-9-65, a farm structure is a structure built on a farm for use on the farm, other than a residence or a structure attached to it. Counties and cities can't enforce the building code's construction rules on a farm structure, but FEMA flood insurance program standards still apply. To get the exemption, the owner has to file an affidavit with the local building official before construction saying the structure is a farm structure and what it will be used for. The law still lets the county or city issue a building permit before you build. Public livestock areas don't qualify, and a farm structure that's later turned to another use loses the exemption. Some county affidavit forms note the utility's electrical point-of-delivery inspection still applies.

Wind and snow

The South Carolina coast from Beaufort to Horry County sees hurricanes and high design wind speeds, and wind requirements drop as you move inland. Snow is light across most of the state, though the Upstate mountains can see more. Your county or city building office will tell you what wind speed and snow load your building has to meet, so ask before you order. Our partnered manufacturers offer certified buildings rated for 140 MPH wind and 35 PSF snow load, and higher ratings can be quoted where required.

Before you order

Call your county or city building office before you order. Ask whether you need a building permit, a zoning permit or both, what setbacks apply, and what wind speed and snow load to design for.
If the building is for your farm, ask for the farm structure affidavit and file it before construction starts.
Check your HOA rules and deed restrictions, especially in coastal and subdivision neighborhoods.
Have a level site ready: a concrete slab, gravel pad or well-graded ground. If the county wants engineered drawings for a certified building, we can help you get them.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in South Carolina?
It depends on your county or city. South Carolina doesn't set one statewide permit exemption for small accessory buildings, so each local office decides. Call your building department and ask before you order.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage in South Carolina?
In most places, yes. Local building departments enforce the 2021 South Carolina Residential Code, and a garage on a home lot usually needs a permit and plans. Zoning approval may be separate.

Are farm buildings exempt?
They can be. Under S.C. Code § 6-9-65, a farm structure is exempt from the building code if you file an affidavit with your local building official before construction. Flood rules still apply, and the county can still require a permit.

Sources

Permit rules change. Always confirm with your local permit office before you build.

Looking at buildings? See our metal carports, metal garages and metal buildings.

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