COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMIT & LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

 1.    A BUILDING PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR:

1.1.   Construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, or change of occupancy type of a building or structure. *

1.2.   Erection, installation, enlargement, alteration, repair, removal, conversion, or replacement of any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, or to cause any such work to be done. *
 

1.3  Retaining walls *

1.3.1.      All walls greater than 4’ in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall

1.3.2.      Walls of any height supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids. Examples of a surcharge include:

1.3.2.1.1.         Sloping retained soil greater than 1 to 3.

1.3.2.1.2.         Adjacent walls, fences, garages, buildings, patios, pools, driveways, etc. supported by the retained soil.

1.3.2.1.3.         Adjacent structure foundations supported by the retained soil

Note: Permit required for walls of any height supporting surcharges, such as below.

1.4.   Re-roofing work. **

1.5  Installation of automatic fire-extinguishing systems, permanently wired fire or smoke alarm systems, or related equipment. ***
 

1.5.   Sign erection, construction, enlargement, movement, or replacement. ****

2.    A PERMIT IS NOT REQUIRED FOR: *

2.1.   General Building Exceptions

2.1.1.      Fences not exceeding 6’ in height.

2.1.2.      Retaining walls less than 4’ in height (see retaining wall section for exceptions).

2.1.3.    Water tanks supported directly on grade < 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter does not exceed 2:1.

2.1.4.      One-story detached structures such as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet without electrical or plumbing service. (Zoning compliance is required.)

2.1.5.      Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30" above grade and not over any basement or story below and not part of an accessible route.

2.1.6.      Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar cosmetic finish work.

2.1.7.      Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets.

2.1.8.      Pre-fabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R3 occupancy, < 24” deep, < 5,000 gallons, installed entirely above ground.

2.1.9.      Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes.

2.1.10.      Window awnings supported by an exterior wall and do not project more than 54” from the wall and do not require exterior support. Group R3 and U occupancies.

2.1.11.      Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5' 9" in height.
 

2.2.   Electrical Exceptions

2.2.1.     Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.

2.2.2.     Installation of any temporary system for testing or servicing of electrical equipment.
 

2.3.   Gas Exceptions

2.3.1.      Portable heating appliances.

2.3.2.      Replacement of any minor part that does not alter the approval of the equipment or make it unsafe.
 

2.4.   Mechanical Exceptions

2.4.1.      Installation of portable HVAC systems, including evaporative coolers.

2.4.2.      Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment.

2.4.3.      Replacement of any part that does not alter the approval of the equipment or make it unsafe.

2.4.4.      Installation of self-contained refrigeration systems containing < 10 lbs of refrigerant.
 

2.5.   Plumbing Exceptions

2.5.1.      The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste, or vent pipes only.

2.5.2.      The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures.

2.5.3.      The removal and/or re-installation of toilets only.
 

2.6.   Emergency Work Exceptions

2.6.1.      Where equipment replacement and repairs must be performed in an emergency situation, the permit shall be applied for on the next business day.
 

2.7.   Repair Exceptions

2.7.1.      Structural & Egress: the following is not defined as ordinary repair and would require a permit:

2.7.1.1.       The cutting away of any wall.

2.7.1.2.       The removal or cutting of any structural beam, floor joist, pier, or any other load bearing support.

2.7.1.3.       The removal or change of any means of egress (exterior door) or rearrangement of any interior structure affecting egress.

2.7.2.     Plumbing & Mechanical: the following is not defined as ordinary repair and would require a permit::

2.7.2.1.       Addition to, relocation of, or alteration of any standpipe, gas piping, water supply, drain, vent, or waste pipes.

2.7.3.      Electrical: the following is not defined as ordinary repair and would require a permit::

2.7.3.1.       Addition to, relocation of, or alteration of electric wiring, fixtures, or outlets.
 

2.8.   Sign Exceptions

2.8.1.    Changing or replacing the permanent copy of an existing lawful sign, provided there is no change to the size or nature of the sign.

2.9.   Public Agency Exception

2.9.1.    A permit is not required for work performed on generation, transmission, distribution or metering equipment under the control of or owned by a public service agency.

3.    CLOVER BUSINESS LICENSE

3.1.   Any type of commercial work, irrespective of the permit requirements listed above, requires a Clover business license. There is no dollar limit threshold.

 

 Sources:

*         2006 International Building Code Section 105
**       Town of Clover Policy
***     2006 International Fire Code
****   Town of Clover Zoning Ordinance
*****  SC Law Title 40 Chapter 59  and/or SC Law Title 40 Chapter 11