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The City of Charleston’s Permit Center has the following modified operations until further notice in response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.
The Permit Center is open Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for limited in-person services to the public as follows:
Please note when visiting the Permit Center:
For All Other Permit Center Services:
Digital Permit Submittals
Payments
Inspections
Business License
Renewal business licenses and hospitality payment options:
New business license applications, please email hamiltoni@charleston-sc.gov
Contact Us
Please contact us if you have questions or need guidance:
Commercial and Residential projects are to be submitted at stations 5 & 6 with a Development Coordinator. Development Coordinators also answer questions relating to most permitting processes and other City related inquires.
Stations 1 through 4 are the Permit Center's Permit Technicians. Building Permits, Sub Trade Permits and Business Licenses are issued at these stations.
Desk Phone: 843-742-3711
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
Desk Phone: 843-573-6416
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
Plats to be recorded at Charleston and Berkeley County can be dropped off with the Engineering Technician at station 10 in the Permit Center.
Desk Phone: 843-579-6417
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