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Building Permits

When is a building permit required?

A building permit is required when constructing something new, making changes to an existing building, or performing any electrical, plumbing, or heating and cooling work.

  • It is also necessary to turn utilities back on after a fire or other damage.
  • Cosmetic changes, such as painting, installing new carpet, or putting up wallpaper, wouldn't require a permit unless they were part of a larger renovation project
  • If you're building, changing, or making major repairs to your property, you will likely need a building permit first.

When in doubt, call the town and ask for clarification. Our team can be reached at 843-341-4757.

All projects, whether they need a permit or not, must comply with the adopted building codes and regulations and the Hilton Head Island Municipal Code.

Who can submit a building permit?

In most cases, the contractor you hire will submit the permit application for the project on your behalf. If you are completing the work yourself on your own home, you will need to submit an Unlicensed Residential Builder's Disclosure Statement with Beaufort County. This form allows an owner of a property to act as their own contractor if they are using the residence for their own use and do not sell or rent it out for a period of two years from the completion of the project.

How can I submit a building permit?

The simplest and quickest way to submit a building permit is to use the Building & Development Citizen Self Service Center (CSS) portal. This portal allows contractors to manage projects, request inspections and apply for permits online.

What regulations must be followed?

All projects, whether they need a permit or not, must comply with the adopted building codes and regulations and the Hilton Head Island Municipal Code.


Building Permit Process

Step 1. Submit Application for Permit

Submit the application online via our Building & Development Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal

Building & Development Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal

- OR -

Submit PDF via email to cdic@hiltonheadislandsc.gov or in person at Town Hall, 1 Town Center Court.

Building Permit Application

* Use the Permit Checklists to ensure that your application is complete. Incomplete applications will be returned.

View Permit Checklists

Step 2. Plan Review

Depending on your project's scope, plans may be reviewed by staff in some or all of the following divisions to ensure they comply with all applicable codes and regulations:

  • Addressing
  • Building
  • Fire
  • Floodplain
  • Natural Resources
  • Stormwater
  • Zoning

Plans are reviewed within 20 business days of receipt of your complete permit application, however the average for the initial review has been around 9 to 10 days. Once all reviews are complete you will be notified either that:

  • Your permit is ready to pick up
  • Your plans require some corrections to comply with all applicable codes and regulations.
    • The corrected plans should be submitted to cdic@hiltonheadislandsc.gov.
      The subject of the email should be "Corrections - Permit #" for ease of processing.

Step 3. Permit Issued

When all required reviews are approved, all fees are paid, and there are no outstanding items required, the Town will issue your permit.

  • Permits must be posted on site.
  • Any plans that were approved as part of the permit must be available on site for the inspection team.

Step 4. Inspections

Once you receive your permit, you will be provided with a list of required inspections.

  • You can also view this list in your CSS portal associated with each permit.
  • Some inspections must be completed before you can schedule subsequent ones. For more details, please refer to your inspection list or check the CSS portal.

To schedule inspections, you can either use the CSS portal or call 843-341-4757.

  • Inspection requests must be made by 3 pm to be scheduled for the following business day.

Step 5. Final Inspections and Certificate of Occupancy

A permit will be finalized once the final inspection has been scheduled and successfully passed.

  • Final inspections can be scheduled only after all required paperwork has been submitted and all previously mandated inspections have been completed.
  • New structures cannot be occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.

After passing all other required inspections and submitting any requested paperwork, you will receive a Certificate of Occupancy. .

Building Permit Expiration

  • A permit expires if work authorized is not started within six months of the date of issue or if work is abandoned or suspended for a period of six months.
  • If an extension is required, please submit your request in writing, specifying the reason for the delay in completing of the project.

Questions?

Contact the Community Development Information Center at cdic@hiltonheadislandsc.gov or 843-341-4757

Resources

Building Construction Fees

Forms & Applications

Adopted Codes