Permitting / Codes
111 Chesterfield St. S • Aiken, SC 29801 • 803-642-7675

City of Aiken Permitting / Codes

The Planning Department can assist you in determining if the structure’s intended use is permitted within the appropriate zoning classification. Call 803-642-7608.

Please see our Adopted Building Codes web page for a list of building codes adopted by the City of Aiken.

Permit applications can be found in our Forms & Applications section.

The size and intended use of the proposed structure will determine if extensive drawings will be required.

Allow up to 60 days for a review of the complete set of plans that have been submitted to the Building Inspection Division.

The permit fee is based on the contract amount or construction cost and is to be paid before the building permit issuance. The Building Permit Fee Schedule can be found in our Forms & Applications section.

The contractor must understand that it is their responsibility to call and request inspections at least 24 hours before an inspection by calling 803-642-7784 or emailing birequest@cityofaikensc.gov by 4:00 P.M. Inspections will be done within two business days, excluding holidays. Please get in touch with the main office line at 803-642-7675 by 10:00 A.M. for cancellations.

The Building Code Board of Appeals is available to the contractor or public to provide an opportunity to appeal any building code interpretation made by the Building Inspection Division. Call 803-642-7675.

We strongly recommend that you check with the following departments before applying for a permit to ensure that your plans meet the standards involved (This could save you a great deal of time because then you will know when you are submitting plans that your plans will not require significant changes. For instance, you may have been advised by the Planning Department early in your project development that your building will not meet the setback requirements of the City Zoning Ordinance and therefore had to reconfigure it on the site. It was better to know that early on rather than after you had fully designed your plan):

  • Planning Department – Approval of zoning, setbacks, and subdivision regulations. 803-642-7608.
    Engineering & Utilities Department – Approval is required for residential subdivisions and commercial projects for grading permits, i.e., stormwater management, sediment and erosion control, etc. 803-642-7610.
  • Business License Division – Approval of new business license applications and business license application renewals, as well as verification of a contractor’s business license before a building permit is issued. 803-642-7642.
  • Fire Division – Commercial plans submitted must be reviewed by the City of Aiken Fire Marshal for compliance with Fire Codes and any required sprinkler plans. 803-642-7620.

Helpful Links

Additional Topics

City of Aiken Building Inspection Division

111 Chesterfield St. S • Aiken, SC 29801 • 803-642-7675
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