Permit process
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It is very important that a permit be obtained from the Codes Department for any work being done in the City of Greer. Obtaining the permit is not the responsibility of the homeowner, but of the contractor.
The purpose for this is to hold the contractor responsible for his work and ensure work is checked by the City Inspection personnel.
Before any contractor can purchase a permit, he shall be licensed by the state to do work in the City of Greer. Please, as a homeowner, check that your contractor meets all state and city requirements. This will help you be assured of getting the best job possible in accordance with the codes.
Who Needs A Permit
Any person, firm or corporation shall not erect, construct, enlarge, alter, prepare, move, convert, or demolish any building or structure or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a permit from the building department.
What are the necessary requirements to do work in the City of Greer:
1. Contractor
A) A City Business License
B) Registration as a specialty contractor with the Residential Home Builders Commission if the job exceeds $200.00.
C) A South Carolina State license for:
a. Residential work over $5,000 (Residential Home Builder)
b. Commercial work over $5,000 (General Contractors Licensing Board)
2. Electrical, plumbing, gas and mechanical Contractors:
A. Needs at least a Journeyman’s card
B. City Business License
C. Any commercial job that exceeds $5,000 requires a South Carolina Mechanical Contractor’s License.
3. A homeowner may do their own work on their own domicile.
4. Any individual doing work on someone else’s property is considered a contractor and is required to comply with #1 & 2.
CAUTION: If a contractor requests that you get the permit, don’t. You as the homeowner will assume all responsibility and the contractor may not be licensed or qualified to do the work.
How to Obtain A Building Permit
Your first step to obtain a permit will depend on the type of construction proposed. Select from the following options below:
1. Permits for additions, alterations or repairs to existing dwellings:
The process begins when you visit the Building Dept. You will be asked to identify the property, owner of the property and to fill out a permit application which details the work to be done. A plot plan showing the lot size and the location of all existing structures should be submitted to the City Planning Department. In addition, the contractor must present appropriate city and state licenses.
2. Permits for 1 & 2 family dwellings:
The contractor or homeowner must submit 2 copies of the plans for review and fill out a permit application. You must have the address, TMS. number, cost, owners name, current zoning application and appropriate city and state licenses.
3. Permits for multi-family and commercial structures:
Three set of plans must be submitted and specifications must be submitted. Along with these, site plans showing drainage calculations and detention must be submitted. If the building exceeds 5,000 sq, ft. or will be used as a place of assembly, institutional or educational it must be designed and stamped by a design professional. All plans must include structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, elevator and foundation details. Permits will take no more than 30 days to review. Permits will be issued upon written verification from the fire department, the city engineer, planning and appropriate other agencies. At that time you will be contacted that the permit is ready. There will be a plan review fee of one-half the permit fee. All checks shall be made out to the City of Greer.
4. City Building Inspectors will make routine inspections during construction of the buildings. When the completed structure meets all applicable codes, the structure will be finaled and a Certificate of Occupancy issued. A structure may not be occupied prior to the C of O being issued.
Other Helpful Information
- The City Planning/Zoning Department can assist you in determining if the intended use of the structure is permitted within the appropriate zoning classification. 864-848-5396.
- The size and intended use of the proposed structure will determine if extensive drawings will be required.
- Allow up to 30 days for a review of the complete set of plans that have been submitted to the Codes Department.
- The permit fee is based on contract or total cost to be paid prior to the issuance of the building permit.
- It is important that the contractor understand that it is his responsibility to call and request inspections at least 24 hours prior to inspection. 864-848-2175
- Construction Board of Appeals is available for the contractor or public to provide an opportunity to appeal any building code interpretation made by the inspection department
- The Codes Dept. has available a fax machine for the convenience of faxing the following permits: Mechanical, Gas, Signs, Roofing and Plumbing. Inspection requests may also be faxed to the Codes Dept. 864-801-2020.
- Permit applications and information may be downloaded on the City of Greer web site www.cityofgreer.org and click on zoning and building.
- Please check the following departments when applying for a permit:
Engineering—Approval is required for residential subdivisions and commercial projects for grading permits; ie: storm water management, sediment and erosion control, etc. 864-848-2181
City Planning Department - Approval of zoning, setbacks, subdivision regulations. 864-848-5396
Business License— The Business License Division will verify that the contractor has a business license prior to a building permit being issued. 864-848-2150
Fire Department— Any plans that are submitted require that the City of Greer Fire Marshal reviews these plans for compliance with the fire codes and sprinkler plans, if required. 864-848-2169
Building Department—Once all approvals are made, the Building Department will issue the required permits and conduct all inspections.
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