Permit Center

New Permit Center Office Hours

Beginning May 24, 2021 the Permit Center will be open to the public from 9a.m. to 2p.m., Monday - Friday (except City holidays)

We Upgraded Our Online Customer Portal

The City of Charleston is excited to announce a new Customer Self Service (CSS) portal.  This website will replace the City’s Customer Access Portal (CAP) and provides our customers with an all-new HTML platform experience that can be used on your desktop and mobile devices.  Please note the following:

  • The new CSS application works optimally using Google Chrome browser.
  • You will continue to use your active CAP account credentials. HOWEVER, when you initially log into CSS, you will need to reset your password using “Forgot Password” option in the login screen (see below). CSS Log In Screen

Permit Center Services Changes

The City of Charleston’s Permit Center has the following modified operations until further notice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Permit Center is open to the public Monday through Friday 9:00a.m. to 2:00p.m.

When visiting the Permit Center:

  • Members of the public are suggested to wear face coverings when entering the building.  
  • Applicants are encouraged to have all appropriate applications completed prior to entering the Permit Center.
  • We highly recommend submitting all sub/trade permit applications via businesslicense@charleston-sc.gov.
  • We highly recommend submitting all other permit applications, construction documents, and plans via permits@charleston-sc.gov.
  • We are only accepting .pdf format files. Any links, JPEG files, embedded documents, or other file types are not accepted.
  • To successfully receive a permit, applicants must have a CSS account.  Please register through The City’s Customer Self service (CSS).
  • The information on this page is subject to change at any time, so we encourage our customers to review often.

Digital Permit Submittals

  • The City is accepting digital (.pdf files) development and construction related permit applications and construction documents for processing.  Please see below for specific permit guidance. 
  • All sub/trade permit applications must be submitted via businesslicense@charleston-sc.gov.
  • All permit applications, construction documents, and plans must be submitted via permits@charleston-sc.gov.
  • The City is only accepting attached .PDF file format documents.  We will not open any links, JPEG files, embedded documents, etc.
  • All digital permit submittals must be accompanied by the appropriate application.
  • Once the permit application is approved, an e-mail notification will be sent to the applicant advising them on payment and printing the permit placards (if applicable)

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Payments

  • Permit payments can be accepted via our Customer Self service (CSS).  
  • Apply for a Customer Self service (CSS),
  • Once the permit application is approved, the applicant will receive an e-mail notification to log in to their CSS account to pay for the permit. Once the permit is paid, permit status will be updated to ‘Issued’ in 1 – 2 business days.
  • Once the permit status is ‘Issued’, the applicant can log into their CSS account, print the permit placard for display at the project site, and work can commence.
  • Business and Hospitality License renewal payments options
  • Mail to P.O. BOX 22009, Charleston SC 29413
  • Submit through our Customer Self service (CSS)

 

Inspections

  • Building, Fire, Zoning, BAR/DRB, and Engineering inspections will continue, when practical, based on guidance from Center for Disease Control (CDC), South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), and City leadership.
  • For more information, visit:
  • Building Inspections Division for building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fuel-gas inspections
  • Fire Marshals Division for fire related permit inspections
  • Engineering Division for engineering and right-of-way inspections
  • DRB/BAR Division related inspections

Business License
Renewal business licenses and hospitality payment options:

 

 

Contact Us

Please contact us if you have questions or need guidance:

Permit Center Flow

Commercial and Residential projects are to be submitted at stations 11 & 12 with a Development Coordinator. Development Coordinators also answer questions relating to most permitting processes and other City related inquires.

The Customer Service Coordinator at the front of the Permit Center processes all new Single Family projects. This process can be initiated using our Customer Self Service Portal or by coming into the Permit Center.

Permit Issuance

Stations 1 through 4 are the Permit Center's Permit Technicians. Building Permits, Sub Trade Permits and Business Licenses are issued at these stations.

Business Licensing

You can renew or apply for a new Business License, Home Occupation License, Business license CO, Taxi and Limousine licenses and more. 

Desk Phone: 843-742-3711

 Zoning Division:

The Zoning Division is located at station 7. They answer citizen inquiries regarding the interpretation and application of the zoning ordinance. You can also submit for the Technical Review Committee (TRC). For application information visit their page.
Desk Phone:  843-579-6414

Building Plan Review

Building Code reviewers at station 9 in the Permit Center verify code compliance with South Carolina and City of Charleston building codes and ordinances.



Desk Phone:  843-579-6416

Board of Architectural Review and Design Review Board 

At station 8 the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) and the Design Review Board (DRB) oversees permitting in the Old and Historic District, Old City District and Design Review sections of the City.

Desk Phone: 843-579-6415


Plat Review and Submission

Plats to be recorded at Charleston and Berkeley County can be dropped off with the Engineering Technician at station 6 in the Permit Center.


Desk Phone:  843-579-6417


Fire Marshal Division

The Fire Marshal Division is responsible for conducting plan review and inspections of permit required work. Plans and applications will be reviewed during the intake process and assigned to one of five levels based on the type and size of the project. Their office is located on the third floor.

Office Phone: 843-724-3429

Permit Center

Outside of the Permit Center
Permit Center Doors