Building plans and applications are required to be submitted online through our application portal. Our Online Services webpage explains how to do that.

We strive to turn comments back around to you via email within 10 business days. However, please note:

• Most commercial projects require multiple submittals prior to approval, and permit processing may take another 2 business days after plans are approved.
• If any aspects of the plan need to be reviewed by a City board (the Board of Historic Review, Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission, etc.), you should expect that process to take several additional weeks. We will explain these additional processes to you through our plan review comments if they are applicable.

Permit Fee Calculator

How to Calculate Commercial Building Permit Fees (PDF)

Other fees may also be due prior to building permit issuance, such as zoning fees; water and sewer impact and tap fees; and sewer basin fees. Sewer basin fees would be due at this stage if the land use is known; however, if the building permit is for a shell only, they would be paid at the time an upfit permit is issued instead.

• Fee Schedule (PDF)

South Carolina Licenses

Contractors and subcontractors must have the required State licenses for the work they are performing.

The City of Rock Hill does not recognize out of state licenses. Contact the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation to find out if your license will reciprocate. 

City of Rock Hill Business Licenses

Design professionals (such as architects of record), contractors, and subcontractors must have a City of Rock Hill business license before the building permit can be issued.

• If requesting a business license on a "per job" basis, you are required to submit a copy of your signed contract or other proof of the cost of the project.

2021 South Carolina Code Adoptions

The City also has adopted the 2021 International Existing Building Code.

International Building Codes

Work Exempt from Building Permits (PDF)

Construction & Fire Prevention Code Board of Appeals

Information for property owners about:

• Why hire a licensed contractor
• How to check a contractor's license
• What types of work require a building permit
• Doing your own repair/remodeling work at your home or business
• Who to call with a major electric, sewer, or water problem
• Who to call before you dig a hole
• Incentives that are available for electric appliances
• What you need to know if your property is located in a floodplain area

Building Permit Application (PDF) (use for all non-residential buildings as well as apartments)

Building Plan Review Checklist (PDF)

• 2021 South Carolina Building Code Summary for All Commercial Projects (PDF)
• Architectural Seal Requirement (PDF)
• Energy Code Requirements for Commercial Uses (PDF)
• Special Inspections Packet (PDF)

Commercial Building Plans Submittal Form (PDF)

Electrical Load Data Form (PDF)

Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Information

Construction Trailer Permit Application

Construction Dumpsters

Submit a commercial demolition permit application application before:

1. Demolishing any building or structure.
2. Demolishing any interior walls or ceilings. 

State Regulations

You must notify the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control at least 10 business days prior to the demolition of any facility that it regulates even if you believe that no asbestos is present. The structure must be inspected for the presence of asbestos before any renovation or demolition can begin.

• SCDHEC website
• Asbestos Information from SCDHEC

Use this checklist to request a building permit for an upfit, remodeling, or alterations that will take place entirely in an existing building or tenant space:

• Interior Upfit Checklist (PDF)

Related topics

• If the project is planned to include any work on the exterior of the building or any site work, use the Interior-Exterior Renovations Checklist (PDF) instead.
• If you plan to install any storage racks or shelving over 6 feet tall, use the Storage Racks/Shelving Plan Review Checklist (PDF) instead.

Use this checklist to request a building permit for an upfit, renovations, or alterations that includes work on the exterior of the building, or that includes any site work:

• Interior-Exterior Renovation Checklist (PDF)

Related Topics

• If the upfit or renovations are planned to occur only inside the building, use the Interior Upfit Checklist (PDF) instead. 
• If you plan to install any storage racks or shelving over 6 feet tall, use the Storage Racks/Shelving Plans Checklist (PDF).

Irrigation System Permit Application (PDF) 

Related Information

• SC DHEC Cross Connection Information
• SC DHEC List of Certified Testers of Backflow Prevention Equipment 
• Backflow Prevention Requirements: Information for Property Owners (PDF)
• Cross Connection Control Test Form (PDF)

Submit the following prior to moving a building into or out of the City of Rock Hill or relocating any building within the City:

• Structure Moving Permit
• Building Permit Packet (if moving to a location within the City of Rock Hill)

The mover should contact the Police Department, Utilities Department, phone company, etc. to schedule the move. 

To obtain a permit to install a paint booth, submit the following information through our online permitting portal:

• Building Permit Application (PDF)
• Floor Plan
• Construction Drawings and Specifications from the paint booth manufacturer
• Fire Suppression System drawing
• Electrical Plan and electrical load data form
• Mechanical Plan showing any required ventilation

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control also regulate paint booths. 

Building permit application

Use for:                                              

• Repairs other than roofing                                         
• Replacing windows                         
• Adding or removing walls            
• Adding or removing siding       

Steps in Application Process

1. Determine sign sizes and heights using the Zoning Ordinance's regulations using these documents:

• Signage fact sheet (also see Chapter 8 in the Rock Hill Zoning Ordinance)
• Signage for Historic Properties 

2. Submit the sign permit application with the items listed on the checklist. Be sure to use the PROJECT section, not the PERMIT section of the online services page. Most sign permit applications are reviewed in approximately three business days.

• All electrical work is required to be done by an electrician who is licensed in South Carolina.
  • Electrical Load Data Form
• Both the sign contractor and the electrician are required to have a City business license. 
• Fee Schedule

3. Locate Utilities for Freestanding Signs: See the "Before You Dig" section at the bottom of this page. 

4. Install Signs and Call for Inspections

• Freestanding signs require the following inspections:
  • Footing - before concrete is poured
  • Temporary Power (if sign has electrical service)
  • Final - after all work is complete to close out permit
    
    
• Wall signs typically require only a final inspection

To request an inspection, do one of the following at least one day before:

• Request an inspection on cityofrockhill.com/onlineservices or call 803-329-5590 with your permit number

Permits are required for all sizes of accessory structures, such as storage buildings, trellises, pergolas, etc. There are two processes we use, depending on the size of the structure:

1)  If the structure is larger than 200 square feet, submit a building permit application.

2)  If the structure is smaller, submit this application instead.

The installation of storage racks, pallet racks, and other shelving that is 6 feet tall or taller requires a separate building plan review and permit.

• Storage Rack/Shelving Plan Checklist (PDF)

Related Topics

• Interior Upfit Checklist (PDF) - For upfits or renovations that are planned to occur only inside an existing building or tenant space.
• Interior-Exterior Renovations Checklist (PDF) - For upfits, renovations, or alterations that are planned to occur to the interior and exterior of an existing building, or that include any site work.

Tent Permit Application 

A Temporary Use Permit also may be required for your event. When both permits are required, the higher of the two permit fees is charged.