Surfside Beach Local service guide

Building permit rules in Surfside Beach, SC

The short answer

Surfside Beach requires permits for regulated structure remodeling, renovations, and repairs that are not ordinary minor repairs. [Surfside Beach fee schedule] (opens in a new tab)
Separate permits cover electrical, plumbing, mechanical, pools, and signs. [Surfside Beach fee schedule] (opens in a new tab)
Permit fees start at $50 for work valued from $0 through $4,000. [Surfside Beach fee schedule] (opens in a new tab)

Last verified August 12, 2026 · Source: Town of Surfside Beach comprehensive fee schedule (opens in a new tab)

When a building permit is required

The town requires permits for regulated structure remodeling, renovations, and repairs that are not ordinary minor repairs. [Surfside Beach fee schedule] (opens in a new tab)

Separate permits cover electrical, plumbing, mechanical, pools, and signs. [Surfside Beach fee schedule] (opens in a new tab)

The permit schedule also covers foundations, swimming pool repairs, awnings, and marine construction. [Surfside Beach fee schedule] (opens in a new tab)

Town of Surfside Beach comprehensive fee schedule (opens in a new tab)

How to apply for a building permit

The town provides the building permit application on its building and zoning forms page. [Surfside Beach building and zoning forms] (opens in a new tab)

The application requests the property address, tax map number, zoning district, flood information, setbacks, and project scope. [Surfside Beach permit application] (opens in a new tab)

Applicants must state the proposed use, project area, construction value, and contractor details. [Surfside Beach permit application] (opens in a new tab)

Town of Surfside Beach building and zoning forms (opens in a new tab) · Town of Surfside Beach building permit application (opens in a new tab)

What a building permit costs

Effective July 1, 2026, the town uses the following permit fees. [Surfside Beach fee schedule] (opens in a new tab)

The minimum permit fee is $50 for work valued from $0 through $4,000. [Surfside Beach fee schedule] (opens in a new tab)

For work valued $4,001 to $49,999, the fee is $50 for the first $1,000, plus $5.25 per extra $1,000 or fraction. [Surfside Beach fee schedule] (opens in a new tab)

For work valued $50,000 to $99,999, the fee is $295 for the first $50,000, plus $4.75 per extra $1,000 or fraction. [Surfside Beach fee schedule] (opens in a new tab)

For work valued $100,000 to $499,999.99, the fee is $520 for the first $100,000, plus $3.75 per extra $1,000 or fraction. [Surfside Beach fee schedule] (opens in a new tab)

For work valued $500,000 and up, the fee is $1,920 for the first $500,000, plus $3.25 per extra $1,000 or fraction. [Surfside Beach fee schedule] (opens in a new tab)

A required plan review costs 50 percent of the building permit fee and is charged in addition to that fee. [Surfside Beach fee schedule] (opens in a new tab)

When the building official requires plan corrections or changes, a second plan review costs $200. [Surfside Beach fee schedule] (opens in a new tab)

Each third or later plan review for corrections or changes costs $100. [Surfside Beach fee schedule] (opens in a new tab)

Town of Surfside Beach comprehensive fee schedule (opens in a new tab)

Inspections and contractor licensing requirements

The issued permit grants town code enforcement officials access to the listed property. [Surfside Beach permit application] (opens in a new tab)

All permits are non-transferable and non-refundable. [Surfside Beach permit application] (opens in a new tab)

One inspection after the town identifies required corrections carries no added charge. [Surfside Beach fee schedule] (opens in a new tab)

Each later reinspection costs $100 and must be paid before the inspection. [Surfside Beach fee schedule] (opens in a new tab)

The application requires the contractor's state license number and town business license number. [Surfside Beach permit application] (opens in a new tab)

Town of Surfside Beach building permit application (opens in a new tab) · Town of Surfside Beach comprehensive fee schedule (opens in a new tab)

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