Bolthole Index

Clarendon County, South Carolina

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Clarendon County, South Carolina

61Index Score / 100
#16 of 46 in South Carolina

Unincorporated Clarendon County, South Carolina requires zoning certification and a building or manufactured-home permit before erecting a structure or placing, replacing or moving a manufactured home.1 Clarendon County administers zoning in the unincorporated area; Manning has its own zoning, and Turbeville issues its own building permits.234 SCDES issues septic permits where public or community sewer is unavailable, with septic approval required before the county building permit.5

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered construction, alteration, demolition, use changes and occupancy6
Zoning
County-administered zoning applies throughout the unincorporated area72
Septic permit
SCDES approval is required where public or community sewer is unavailable5
RV living
Temporary occupancy requires a permit and is limited to 30 days, with one 30-day extension for good cause8
Tiny home
No specific occupancy rule confirmed; district rules and building codes still apply910
Owner-builder
Conditional for a personally supervised home intended for the owner or family11
Private well
File a Notice of Intent before constructing an individual residential or irrigation well12

Who to call

Building permits

Clarendon County Planning and Zoning / Building Department

County zoning certification, building and manufactured-home permits, plan review and building inspections

803-435-8672

411 Sunset Drive Manning, SC 29102

Online permits →

Septic permits

South Carolina Department of Environmental Services — Onsite Wastewater

Onsite wastewater permit applications and general questions for Clarendon County

1-855-731-2504

OSWWCentral@des.sc.gov

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Clarendon County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Clarendon County, South Carolina?

In unincorporated Clarendon County, the appropriate permit or approval is required before covered construction, reconstruction, alteration, demolition, changes of use or occupancy.13 Clarendon County requires zoning certification and a building or manufactured-home permit before erecting a structure or placing, replacing or moving a manufactured home.1 The county has adopted the 2021 International Building Code with South Carolina modifications, effective January 1, 2023, along with other technical codes.14 Property owners are not exempt from required permits, inspections or fees merely because they do the work themselves.15 South Carolina has adopted the 2024 editions of its mandatory building codes, but local jurisdictions are not required to enforce them until 2027.16

Who issues building permits in Clarendon County, and how do you reach them?

Clarendon County Planning and Zoning is also the county Building Department; call 803-435-8672 or use its Cloudpermit account page for applications and inspection scheduling.17 These county building-permit instructions apply to unincorporated land; inside Turbeville, the town issues building permits.134 Septic permits in Turbeville remain with SCDES where public or community sewer is unavailable.18 County zoning certification generally starts with a tax map number or recorded plat; standard building-permit processing is 24 to 48 hours and plan review takes 7 to 14 business days.19 The published county schedule lists $10 for zoning certification, a $50 minimum residential building-permit fee excluding manufactured homes, and $175 for manufactured-home installation; residential building-permit fees rise with estimated construction cost.20 Ask the county office for current forms and fees because application materials change and application fees are nonrefundable.20

Does Clarendon County have zoning?

Clarendon County administers zoning and development controls in the unincorporated area; Manning has its own zoning ordinance and map.2123 SCDES remains the septic authority in Manning.22 Start with the parcel’s classification on the official county zoning map, maintained by the Planning Department, because permitted uses and dimensional standards vary by district.239 County detached-house minimum lots are 10,000 square feet with public water and sewer, 20,000 with only one public service, and 30,000 with a private well and septic system.24 Front setbacks vary by road class, while district tables govern required yards and impervious coverage.252627 For an ADU, coverage is limited to 15% on lots of at least 4,000 square feet; on smaller single-family lots, combined primary-home and ADU coverage cannot exceed 60%.28 Nonresidential and multifamily buildings at least 30 feet high need an additional foot of property-line setback for every foot above 30 feet; building heights and areas must also meet adopted fire and building codes.2629

How do septic permits work in Clarendon County?

SCDES, not Clarendon County, issues onsite wastewater permits for property without public or community sewer.30 SCDES site approval and the septic permit must come before the county building permit; a Permit to Construct remains valid for 5 years.31 Apply through the SCDES ePermitting portal; customer support is available at 1-855-731-2504 or OSWWCentral@des.sc.gov.32 Before a new system is covered, the installer must schedule an SCDES inspection; if the inspector has not arrived within 30 minutes of the appointment, a licensed installer may use the documented self-inspection option.33 For a manufactured-home setup using an existing system, the county requires a licensed installer's inspection letter no more than 1 year old.34 Only 0.1% of Clarendon County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility an early purchase contingency.35

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Clarendon County?

Clarendon County allows temporary RV occupancy outside approved parks once per calendar year for no more than 30 consecutive days with a Temporary RV Permit; the Planning Director may grant one 30-day extension for good cause.8 The temporary-RV rule also requires approved sanitation, developed property, applicable setbacks and zoning compliance, and RV placement remains subject to county floodplain requirements.836 We could not confirm a distinct tiny-home occupancy rule or minimum dwelling floor area in Clarendon County, so ask Planning and Zoning to verify the district's permitted use, setbacks, lot coverage and applicable building code.3717 Manufactured homes have separate setup and location rules, including age limits for certain lake-row sites in the Performance Zone.38

How do you build a home in Clarendon County, step by step?

  1. Take the tax map number or recorded plat to Planning and Zoning and confirm the district, permitted use, lot size, setbacks and lot-coverage limit.394027
  2. Confirm public-water and sewer availability: county rules require connection when the respective transmission lines are accessible within 200 feet of any part of the site and capacity is available.41 For an individual residential or irrigation well, file the state Notice of Intent before construction.12
  3. If public or community sewer is unavailable, obtain SCDES site approval and a septic permit before the county building permit.5
  4. Submit zoning certification, plans and the building-permit application to the county office or through Cloudpermit.117
  5. An owner-builder must personally supervise, use licensed trades where required, build for the owner or family, and record the required notice.11
  6. Schedule inspections and do not conceal electrical wiring or equipment before approval.4217
  7. Do not occupy the building until electrical, water and sewer service have begun.43

What should you check before buying land in Clarendon County?

Before dividing, selling or buying property in Clarendon County, ask Planning and Zoning whether the intended division and use are allowed.44 Most nonexempt subdivisions must complete county review before lots are sold or the plat recorded; the published schedule lists $150 for sketch-plan review and $400 plus $10 per lot for both preliminary-plan and final-plat review.4546 For flood-hazard land, ask Planning and Zoning which approval applies: the schedule lists a $300 Flood Hazard Area Permit and a $10 Flood Zone Certificate, but we could not confirm the complete parcel-level floodplain process.4717 Only 0.1% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility a purchase contingency.35 A driveway onto a South Carolina state highway needs a state transportation department permit before construction.48 Clarendon County’s median property-tax bill is about $848 a year at an effective rate near 0.6%, while typical home insurance is about $1,584 a year.495051

Watch-outs

  • Clarendon County's temporary-RV permit does not establish year-round RV living, and tiny-home occupancy and minimum dwelling floor area remain unconfirmed; ask Planning and Zoning at 803-435-8672 before committing to either use.817
  • A manufactured home in a lake-row location within the Performance Zone can face type and age limits in addition to the ordinary zoning certificate, setup permit and septic requirements.38
  • South Carolina's owner-builder exemption does not waive permits or codes, and selling or renting within 2 years creates a statutory presumption against the exemption.11

Sources

  1. Planning and Zoning | Clarendon County SC, quoted and re-checked
  2. Planning and Zoning | Clarendon County SC, quoted and re-checked
  3. Manning: Chapter 46 - Planning and Development (Clarendon County), quoted and re-checked
  4. Town of Turbeville: Sec. 10-69. Building permits (Clarendon County), quoted and re-checked
  5. Septic Tanks — Residential, Single Home Builder, quoted and re-checked
  6. Planning and Zoning | Clarendon County SC, quoted and re-checked
  7. Planning and Zoning | Clarendon County SC, quoted and re-checked
  8. Table III-3: Permitted, Conditional and Accessory Uses, quoted and re-checked
  9. Planning and Zoning | Clarendon County SC, quoted and re-checked
  10. Planning and Zoning | Clarendon County SC, quoted and re-checked
  11. South Carolina Code of Laws, Section 40-59-260, quoted and re-checked
  12. Private Drinking Water Wells (South Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Article III — Permitted, Conditional and Accessory Uses, quoted and re-checked
  14. Article XIII — Building and Building Regulations Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  15. Article XIII — Building and Building Regulations Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  16. 2024 Building Code Modification Index (South Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Clarendon County Planning and Zoning / Building Department (clarendoncountysc.gov)
  18. Town of Turbeville: Septic Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder (Clarendon County), quoted and re-checked
  19. Planning and Zoning | Clarendon County SC, quoted and re-checked
  20. Clarendon County Unified Development Code, Article IX Application Procedures and Fees, quoted and re-checked
  21. Planning and Zoning | Clarendon County SC, quoted and re-checked
  22. Manning: Septic Tanks - Who to Call (Clarendon County), quoted and re-checked
  23. Article III — Permitted, Conditional and Accessory Uses, quoted and re-checked
  24. media-002-us.cdn.govstack.com, quoted and re-checked
  25. Article V — Site Development Criteria, quoted and re-checked
  26. Article V — Site Development Criteria, quoted and re-checked
  27. media-002-us.cdn.govstack.com, quoted and re-checked
  28. Table III-3: Permitted, Conditional and Accessory Uses, quoted and re-checked
  29. Article V — Site Development Criteria, quoted and re-checked
  30. Manufactured Home Setup Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  31. Septic Tanks — Residential, Single Home Builder, quoted and re-checked
  32. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services — Onsite Wastewater (des.sc.gov)
  33. Septic Tanks — Residential, Single Home Builder, quoted and re-checked
  34. Manufactured Home Setup Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  35. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  36. Planning and Zoning | Clarendon County SC, quoted and re-checked
  37. Planning and Zoning | Clarendon County SC, quoted and re-checked
  38. Manufactured Home Setup Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  39. Planning and Zoning | Clarendon County SC, quoted and re-checked
  40. Article V — Site Development Criteria, quoted and re-checked
  41. Article V — Site Development Criteria, quoted and re-checked
  42. Article XIII — Building and Building Regulations Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  43. Article XIII — Building and Building Regulations Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  44. Planning and Zoning | Clarendon County SC, quoted and re-checked
  45. Clarendon County Unified Development Code, Article VI Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  46. Planning and Zoning | Clarendon County SC, quoted and re-checked
  47. Planning and Zoning | Clarendon County SC, quoted and re-checked
  48. scstatehouse.gov (South Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  49. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  50. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  51. Typical home insurance premium: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 11, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Clarendon County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleClarendon CountySumter CountyWilliamsburg CountyCalhoun CountyLee CountyOrangeburg CountyFlorence County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesNoYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsSC DESSC DESSCDESSCDESSCDESSCDESSCDES

County locator

Clarendon County in South Carolina

61
County map
Clarendon County highlighted among the South Carolina counties · colored by Index score

How Clarendon County scores

Seclusion44100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency61100% ev.
Admin Boringness45100% ev.
Durability56100% ev.
Property Autonomy46100% ev.
Carry Cost87100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$182kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$3,051Land / acre
48.9"Annual rain
3.7% of yrsSevere drought
13.6 / yr (+11)Mid-century 100°F days
14.2 daysMid-century dry spell
2.04" (+5.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.29×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,584Home insurance / yr
-0.6% / yrInsurance growth
0.9%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
35,400People within 30 min
3,305,788People within 2 hr
41,930Radius comparison (15 mi)
51.1People / sq mi
4.7%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
0.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
391 acWorkable land screen
59.3%Wooded land
46.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
64.3°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Clarendon County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet researched: Town of Paxville · Town of Summerton

Answers from the rulebook for Clarendon County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Clarendon County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Erecting any structure, or placing, replacing, or moving a manufactured home in Clarendon County.

    • Zoning certification is also required.
    • The page does not state that every minor repair requires a permit.
    “Before you begin construction to erect any structure or place, replace or move a manufactured home in Clarendon County, you must contact the Planning Commission Department for zoning certification and a building or manufactured home permit.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, reconstruction, alteration, demolition, change of use, or occupancy of land, buildings, or structures covered by the county UDC.
      “It is unlawful to construct, reconstruct, alter, demolish, change the use of, or occupy, any land, building, or other structure, without first obtaining the appropriate permit, or permit approval, as described in this Code.”
    • Required — Erecting a structure or placing, replacing, or moving a manufactured home in Clarendon County.
      “Before you begin construction to erect any structure or place, replace or move a manufactured home in Clarendon County, you must contact the Planning Commission Department for zoning certification and a building or manufactured home permit.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Building-code regulation under the Clarendon County Unified Development Code.

    “They consist of: Zoning classifications and districts, listings of permitted and non-permitted uses for each district; site development criteria; subdivision regulations; road construction regulations; building codes; erosion control and stormwater management regulations; flood damage prevention regulations; and public water and sewer service regulations.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • InspectionsRequired

    County building work requiring a permit.

    • The county ordinance states that homeowners are not exempt from having the work inspected or paying required fees.
    • Inspection scheduling is handled through the county office.
    “This provision does not covey the right to violate any of the provisions of this chapter, neither is it to be construed as exempting any property owner from obtaining a permit and having the work inspected nor from paying the required fees therefore.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Electrical wiring or equipment in buildings regulated by the Clarendon County building ordinance.
      “It shall be unlawful to lath, seal, or in any manner conceal any electrical wiring or equipment until it has been inspected and notices posted that it has been approved.”
    • Limited — Electrical wiring and equipment in county-regulated buildings.
      “It shall be unlawful to lath, seal, or in any manner conceal any electrical wiring or equipment until it has been inspected and notices posted that it has been approved.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Planning, zoning, and building-code regulation throughout Clarendon County.

    • Before dividing, selling, or buying property, applicants should contact the Planning Commission Department for zoning and subdivision information.
    • Zoning certification is generally based on a tax map number and/or recorded plat.
    “All citizens in Clarendon County should be aware that the planning, zoning and building codes are in effect county wide.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Planning, zoning, and building codes for public and private development in unincorporated Clarendon County.
      “All citizens in Clarendon County should be aware that the planning, zoning and building codes are in effect county wide.”
    • Present — Planning, zoning, and building codes throughout Clarendon County.
      “planning, zoning and building codes are in effect county wide.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County-administered zoning under the Clarendon County Unified Development Code.

    • The county states that zoning classifications and districts, permitted and non-permitted uses, site development criteria, subdivision regulations, and related land-use rules are part of the county UDC.
    “The Unified Development Code brings together all of the different county laws and ordinances relative to land use and development.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County-administered local zoning in Clarendon County, including countywide planning and zoning controls.
      “The Unified Development Code brings together all of the different county laws and ordinances relative to land use and development.”
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning districts and land-use controls in unincorporated Clarendon County.
      “Clarendon County is hereby divided into the zoning districts shown on the Official Zoning Map and is a part of this Code by reference;”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Clarendon County zoning classifications and districts and their dimensional standards.

    • District-specific permitted and non-permitted uses are listed in the Unified Development Code.
    • The site-development table includes CON, AGR I & II, INS, IND I & II, NC, GC, RE, SFR, RC, RMF, and PZ districts.
    • Performance Zone standards may be variable.
    “They consist of: Zoning classifications and districts, listings of permitted and non-permitted uses for each district; site development criteria; subdivision regulations; road construction regulations; building codes; erosion control and stormwater management regulations; flood damage prevention regulations; and public water and sewer service regulations.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Official zoning districts and zoning map for Clarendon County.
      “The Planning Department shall have the authority to adjust the boundaries on a parcel of five acres or less, in size that has two or more zoning district classifications;”
    • Published — Clarendon County zoning classifications, districts, and district-specific use and dimensional standards.
      “Clarendon County is hereby divided into the zoning districts shown on the Official Zoning Map and is a part of this Code by reference;”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Residential and other parcels governed by Clarendon County zoning districts.

    • Single-family detached residences require 10,000 square feet with public water and sewer, 20,000 square feet with public water and private septic or public sewer and well, and 30,000 square feet with private septic and well.
    • Patio homes require 4,000 square feet with central water and sewer service.
    • The table varies by zoning district.

    single-family detached lot size with public water and sewer: 10000 sq ft · single-family detached lot size with public water and private septic or public sewer and well: 20000 sq ft · single-family detached lot size with private septic and well: 30000 sq ft · patio-home lot size with central water and sewer: 4000 sq ft

    “The minimum lot size for single family detached residences is 10,000 sq. ft. with public water and sewer, 20,000 sq. ft. with public water and private septic system or public sewer and well, and 30,000 sq. ft. for private septic system and well.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Minimum lot area and dimensions by Clarendon County zoning district.
      “Table V-1 presents the minimum site development criteria by zoning district. The lot dimensions in the PZ district are variable, but shall be depicted in a development plan that is part of a development agreement between the County and the developer.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Setbacks governed by Clarendon County zoning districts and site-development criteria.

    • Front setbacks are 30 feet on local roads, 40 feet on collector roads, and 50 feet on arterial roads.
    • Accessory buildings may be no less than five feet from rear or side lot lines.
    • Patio homes and cluster housing have additional five-foot, ten-foot, and other specified setbacks.
    • Corner lots and lots fronting multiple streets have additional rules.

    front setback on local road: 30 ft · front setback on collector road: 40 ft · front setback on arterial road: 50 ft · accessory-building side/rear setback: >= 5 ft

    “Front setbacks are 30 ft. on local, 40 ft. on collector and 50 ft. on arterial roads.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Required yards and setbacks under Clarendon County zoning districts and site-development rules.
      “In addition to the front yard setback referenced in Table V-I, all non-residential and multifamily residential structures 30 feet, or more, in height shall be required to setback a minimum of one foot for each foot of height above 30 feet, from the adjacent property lines;”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Maximum impervious-surface lot coverage by zoning district.

    • The maximum percentage varies by zoning district.
    • The source defines lot coverage as structures, pavements, and other impervious surfaces.

    INS maximum lot coverage: 65 percent · IND I and II maximum lot coverage: 75 percent · NC maximum lot coverage: 60 percent · GC maximum lot coverage: 70 percent

    “(d) Percent of lot coverage by structures, pavements and other impervious surfaces.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Building heightSpecified

    Non-residential and multifamily residential structures 30 feet or more in height.

    • For structures 30 feet or more high, the setback increases by one foot for each foot of height above 30 feet from adjacent property lines.
    • All building heights and areas must comply with adopted Fire and Building Codes.

    height threshold: >= 30 ft · additional setback: per 1 ft per ft above 30 ft

    “all non-residential and multifamily residential structures 30 feet, or more, in height shall be required to setback a minimum of one foot for each foot of height above 30 feet, from the adjacent property lines;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Building-height and area standards under Clarendon County site-development criteria.
      “All building heights and areas shall be in compliance with the adopted Fire and Building Codes.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary RV camping or occupancy outside approved parks and similar facilities.

    • The temporary RV permit and all Section 35 conditions apply, including the 30-day limit, one extension for good cause, approved sanitation, developed property, applicable setbacks, and zoning restrictions.

    maximum initial period: 30 days (one 30-day extension for good cause)

    “This article provides for the temporary occupancy of an RV for one time each calendar year for a period of no more than 30 consecutive days with a Temporary RV Permit obtainable from the Planning Director, with one 30-day extension for good cause.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Placement and occupancy of manufactured homes in Clarendon County, including Performance Zone lakefront and lake-row locations.

    • A zoning certificate is required before purchasing a manufactured home.
    • A setup permit and assessor decal are required for moving a manufactured home older than thirty years into the county.
    • Lakefront first-row homes must be double-wide and no more than five years old at placement.
    • Second-row lake homes must be no more than ten years old at placement.
    • Third-row lake homes must be no more than thirty years old at placement.
    • Permanent underpinning is required around the entire exterior.
    • A septic permit from DES is required for a new septic system, or an inspection letter for an existing septic system.

    lakefront first-row maximum age: 5 years (must be double-wide) · second-row lake-lot maximum age: 10 years · third-row lake-lot maximum age: 30 years

    “MHs situated on Second (2nd) Row Lake Lots within the Performance Zone shall not exceed ten (10) years of age at the time of placement. MHs placed or located within the Third (3rd) Row from the lake within the Performance Zone shall not exceed thirty (30) years of age at the time of placement.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Existing septic systems submitted for a manufactured-home setup permit in Clarendon County.

    • An inspection letter from a licensed septic installer is required.
    • The inspection letter must be no more than one year old.
    “Existing septic systems will require an inspection letter from a licensed Septic Installer and must be no more than 1 year old.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Development projects where public water or sewer transmission lines are accessible within 200 feet and capacity is available.

    • Public water connection is required under the stated accessibility and capacity conditions.
    • Public sewer connection is required under the stated accessibility and capacity conditions.

    distance to accessible transmission line: <= 200 feet (Capacity must also be available.)

    “All projects shall connect to a public water system when the transmission lines are accessible within 200 feet of any portion of the site and capacity is available;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Water and sewer (with conditions) — Buildings regulated by the county building ordinance.
      “It shall be unlawful for any person to begin residing in, operating, or conducting business within any building until electrical, water and sewer service to such building has begun.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division, sale, or purchase of property and subdivision review in Clarendon County.

    • The county directs property owners to contact the Planning Commission for zoning and subdivision information before dividing, selling, or buying property.
    “Before you divide, sell or buy property, you should contact the Planning Commission Department for zoning and subdivision information to determine whether or not you can divide or use the property for the purpose intended.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision review and platting in unincorporated Clarendon County.
      “Subdivision Sketch Plan Review 150 Subdivision Preliminary Plans Review 400 plus 10/lot Subdivision Final Plat Review 400 plus 10/lot Subdivision Minor Review 200”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivisions in unincorporated Clarendon County, including divisions of land into lots or building sites for sale, lease, or building development.
      “All subdivisions, other than the exemptions described in Section 60.02 above, shall comply”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development subject to Clarendon County flood-damage-prevention requirements.

    • The county Unified Development Code includes flood-damage-prevention regulations.
    • RV placement is expressly subject to Clarendon County floodplain requirements.
    “subject to Clarendon County floodplain requirements.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Planning, zoning, subdivision, building, manufactured-home, and related permit applications administered under Clarendon County's Unified Development Code.

    • Fees are nonrefundable where the schedule identifies them as application fees.
    • The County Council must review the fees at least annually.
    • The Building Official may substitute the contract price of a commercial, industrial, or institutional project as the basis for determining the building-permit fee.
    • Applicants must use current forms and fee requirements because the Department periodically revises application materials.

    subdivision exemption fee: 25 USD · subdivision sketch plan review fee: 150 USD · subdivision preliminary plans review base fee: 400 USD (plus 10 USD per lot) · subdivision final plat review base fee: 400 USD (plus 10 USD per lot) · subdivision minor review fee: 200 USD · zoning certification fee: 10 USD · one- and two-family residential minimum building permit fee: 50 USD (Manufactured homes excluded; higher fees apply based on estimated construction cost) · manufactured home installation fee: 175 USD · manufactured home moving permit fee: 25 USD · temporary use or temporary RV permit fee: 40 USD

    “Subdivision Sketch Plan Review 150 Subdivision Preliminary Plans Review 400 plus 10/lot Subdivision Final Plat Review 400 plus 10/lot”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County planning, zoning, subdivision, flood, temporary-RV, and building-permit applications.
      “The County Council shall, at least annually, review all the fees associated with the activities described herein; and Table IX-2 depicts the nonrefundable fees for the applications described therein.”
  • Permit processPartial

    County planning, zoning, building, and manufactured-home permit processes.

    • Zoning certification generally requires a tax-map number and/or recorded plat.
    • The county states a standard permit processing timeframe of 24 to 48 hours.
    • Plan review is stated to take 7 to 14 business days.
    • Permit issuance hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

    standard permit processing timeframe: 24 to 48 hours · standard plan review timeframe: 7 to 14 business days

    “To obtain zoning certification in most cases, you simply need a tax map number and/or a recorded plat. [...] Effective immediately, the Clarendon County Planning Department will begin issuing permits with a standard processing timeframe of 24 to 48 hours. The hours for issuing permits are Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If you are submitting plans for review, the standard timeframe for plan review is 7 to 14 business days.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — Clarendon County planning, zoning, building, and manufactured-home permit process.
      “Effective immediately, the Clarendon County Planning Department will begin issuing permits with a standard processing timeframe of 24 to 48 hours. The hours for issuing permits are Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.”
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning, development, subdivision, and building-permit applications.
      “Public notice of all applications for development approval shall be as provided in Table IX-1.”

South Carolina rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    An owner of residential property who builds or improves structures or appurtenances for the owner’s or family’s sole occupancy, statewide in South Carolina.

    • The owner must do the work personally, with the owner’s own employees, or with licensed contractors or registered entities or individuals.
    • The structure or improvements must be intended for the owner’s sole occupancy or occupancy by the owner’s family and must not be intended for sale or rent.
    • The general public must not have access to the structure.
    • The owner must personally appear and sign the building permit application.
    • The owner must supervise construction and may build or improve a one-family or two-family residence.
    • The owner may not hire an unlicensed person as a residential builder or specialty contractor.
    • Construction must comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, building codes, and zoning regulations.
    • If the owner sells or rents the building within two years after construction is complete, the law presumes it was built for sale or rent unless otherwise approved by the commission.
    • The owner must promptly file a public notice with the register of deeds stating that the residential building or structure was constructed by the owner as an unlicensed builder; failure to do so revokes the statutory exemption.
    • The exemption does not authorize hiring a person or entity that is not licensed or registered under the Residential Home Builders Act.

    sale-or-rent presumption period: 2 years after construction is complete (unless otherwise approved by the commission)

    “This chapter does not apply to an owner of residential property who improves the property or who builds or improves structures or appurtenances on the property if: (1) the owner does the work himself, with his own employees, or with licensed contractors or registered entities or individuals; (2) the structure, group of structures, or appurtenances, including the improvements, are intended for the owner's sole occupancy or occupancy by the owner's family and are not intended for sale or rent; and (3) the general public does not have access to this structure.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Residential property owners acting as their own builder for personal-use residential construction in Clarendon County.
      “an owner of residential property who improves the property or who builds or improves structures or appurtenances on the property if:”
    • Conditional — An owner-builder improving residential property or building or improving structures or appurtenances on that property for the owner's or the owner's family's occupancy.
      “This chapter does not apply to an owner of residential property who improves the property or who builds or improves structures or appurtenances on the property if:”
  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater permits and inspections for properties without public or community sewer service.

    • SCDES approval and a permit are required before installing a septic system.
    • The county cannot issue its building permit without the septic permit.
    “If you are planning to build a home or place a manufactured home on property not served by a public or community sewer system, you must first obtain SCDES's approval and a permit to install a septic system.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Septic tank and onsite wastewater permitting applicable in Clarendon County.
      “Septic information will consist of a Permit to Construct and Approval to Operate from SCDES.”
    • State — Statewide permitting and administration of individual onsite wastewater and septic systems in South Carolina.
      “South Carolina law requires site approvals and permits for all septic systems. If you are planning to build a home or place a manufactured home on property not served by a public or community sewer system, you must first obtain SCDES's approval and a permit to install a septic system.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction of a home or placement of a manufactured home on property not served by a public or community sewer system.

    • SCDES approval and a permit to install the septic system must be obtained first.
    • Without the septic permit, the county cannot issue a building permit.
    • Permits to Construct are good for five years; renewal or approved changes require a new application and fee.
    • The rule applies where public or community sewer does not serve the property.

    permit validity: 5 years (Renewal or modifications require a new application and fee.)

    “If you are planning to build a home or place a manufactured home on property not served by a public or community sewer system, you must first obtain SCDES's approval and a permit to install a septic system. Without this permit, your county will not be able to issue you a building permit.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New septic systems serving manufactured-home sites and other applicable development in Clarendon County.
      “SEPTIC TANK & WELL PERMITS - Apply online at DES.SC.GOV 803-778-775-6548 for a septic tank and well permit.”
    • Required — New homes or manufactured homes on property not served by public or community sewer.
      “Permits to Construct are good for five years. To renew your permit after five years or to make changes to it once approved, you will need to complete a new application and pay the fee again.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    A nonwater-carried sewage treatment system used for toilet wastes where water under pressure will be connected to the structure and gray water is generated statewide in South Carolina.

    • The applicant must submit plans from a Registered Professional Engineer licensed in South Carolina meeting Appendix S paragraph (2)(a) through (f) requirements for all toilet wastes.
    • The applicant must apply for and obtain a Department permit to construct and approval to operate an onsite wastewater system for gray-water treatment.
    • The gray-water system must meet all permit, licensing, and onsite wastewater-system requirements under Regulation 61-56.
    • The initial gray-water system size may be reduced by twenty-five percent.

    initial gray-water system size reduction: 25 percent (The system must otherwise meet all permit, licensing, and onsite wastewater-system requirements under Regulation 61-56.)

    “the initial system size may be reduced by twenty-five (25) percent.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Nonwater-carried sewage treatment systems, including biological, composting, or incinerating toilets, for toilet wastes statewide in South Carolina.
      “The permitting of nonwater-carried sewage treatment systems, such as a biological, composting, or incinerating toilet, may be considered for toilet wastes”
  • Well permitRequired

    Construction of individual residential wells and irrigation wells statewide in South Carolina.

    • Before construction, the owner, owner's agent, or well driller must submit a Notice of Intent for coverage under the General Permit.
    • A $70 fee applies to each individual residential well and a $50 fee applies to each irrigation well.
    • The Department reviews a completed NOI within 48 hours.
    • The driller must notify SCDES 48 hours before installation with the exact date, time, and location.
    • The permit does not authorize public water-supply wells or wells prohibited by another regulation, local ordinance, or law.
    • Wells serving multiple households or a small business follow public-water-supply permitting procedures.
    • Withdrawals exceeding 3 million gallons in any month require a Groundwater Withdrawal Permit.

    individual residential well NOI fee: 70 USD · irrigation well NOI fee: 50 USD · NOI review period: 48 hours (The General Permit states the period excludes weekends and legal state holidays.) · installation notice: 48 hours (Notice must provide exact date, time, and location.) · monthly withdrawal threshold: > 3000000 gallons (A Groundwater Withdrawal Permit is required under R.61-113.)

    “Prior to construction of any individual residential well or irrigation well, a Notice of Intent (NOI) to obtain coverage under the General Permit is submitted by the well owner, agent of the well owner, or well driller.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Well permits associated with manufactured-home setup and septic/well service in Clarendon County.
      “SEPTIC TANK & WELL PERMITS - Apply online at DES.SC.GOV 803-778-775-6548 for a septic tank and well permit.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Exemption from the federal Produce Safety Rule administered through the South Carolina Department of Agriculture for qualifying growers.

    • The grower must meet an exemption category and submit an application to SCDA.
    • The application requires information about the operation and certification of compliance; SCDA then issues a certificate of exemption.
    • Recognized categories include produce rarely consumed raw; produce for personal or on-farm consumption; produce receiving qualifying commercial processing; and average produce sales below $25,000 over the previous three years, adjusted for inflation.
    • A qualified exemption requires annual food sales below $500,000 adjusted for inflation and more than 50% of annual food sales to qualified end-users located in South Carolina, the same Indian Reservation, or within 275 miles of the farm.

    previous three-year average produce sales threshold: < 25000 USD (Adjusted for inflation using 2018 as the baseline year.) · previous three-year annual food sales threshold for qualified exemption: < 500000 USD (Adjusted for inflation.) · sales to qualified end-users: > 50 percent (Qualified end-users must be in South Carolina, the same Indian Reservation, or within 275 miles of the farm.)

    “In South Carolina, if a grower meets the requirements for an exemption they must submit an application to secure that exemption.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Construction or improvement of qualifying farm structures in South Carolina.
      “may not enforce that portion of a nationally recognized building code which regulates the construction or improvement of a farm structure.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Construction or improvement of qualifying farm structures in South Carolina, other than residences or structures attached to residences.
      “may not enforce that portion of a nationally recognized building code which regulates the construction or improvement of a farm structure.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Residential driveway entrances within the right-of-way of South Carolina state highways.

    • The driveway must provide ingress and egress to abutting property.
    • Access must not constitute hazardous conditions.
    • The property must be an existing developed residential property or property being developed for the owner's personal use.
    • Commercial, speculative, and resale purposes are excluded.
    • A standard driveway has a maximum paved throat width of 16 feet and may include up to a 30-inch diameter pipe where required for drainage.
    • Additional paved width or a larger pipe is discretionary and excess installation cost may be charged to the property owner.
    • Additional driveways require approval and may be constructed at the owner's expense.
    • The directive is effective December 6, 2024.

    maximum paved throat width: <= 16 feet (standard driveway) · maximum drainage pipe diameter: <= 30 inches (where required for drainage)

    “The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) shall permit and construct, at its expense, a single, all-weather driveway for the portion within the right-of-way of state highways, to provide ingress and egress to the abutting property at locations where access does not constitute hazardous conditions.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Private driveways or side-road entrances and exits opening onto highways in the State highway primary system that are not controlled-access facilities.
      “unless a permit for such driveway or side-road entrance or exit shall have been obtained from the Department.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Camping at South Carolina state-park campsites.

    • Camping is subject to state-park facility rules and department permission.
    • A campsite may not be occupied for more than fourteen consecutive days without permission from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.
    • The rule concerns state parks and does not establish a statewide rule for private land or locally administered campgrounds.

    maximum consecutive campsite occupancy without department permission: <= 14 days (Longer occupancy requires permission from the department.)

    “No person or persons shall occupy a campsite for a consecutive period longer than fourteen days without permission from the department.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    South Carolina counties may adopt zoning ordinances for all or specific portions of their unincorporated areas when the statutory comprehensive-plan prerequisite is satisfied.

    • A local planning commission must have prepared and recommended the land-use element of the comprehensive plan.
    • The county governing body must have adopted at least the land-use element of the comprehensive plan before adopting a zoning ordinance.
    • A county may exercise the chapter's powers in the total unincorporated area or in specific parts of the unincorporated area.
    • Adjacent unincorporated areas may be placed under municipal jurisdiction only through ordinances and a formally approved agreement between the municipality and county councils, with boundaries, authority limitations, and representation specified.
    • Zoning regulations must be made in accordance with the comprehensive plan.
    • Regulations must generally be uniform for each class or kind of building, structure, or use within each district, although regulations may differ between districts.
    • The statute expressly permits regulation of building and land use, density, building size, location, height, bulk, number of stories, land dimensions, yards, courts, and other open spaces.
    “When the local planning commission has prepared and recommended and the governing body has adopted at least the land use element of the comprehensive plan as set forth in this chapter, the governing body of a municipality or county may adopt a zoning ordinance to help implement the comprehensive plan.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    South Carolina counties' authority and duty to administer building-code enforcement and require building permits for new construction and renovation, including in unincorporated areas.

    • Each county must appoint a building official or contract with another political subdivision so that its unincorporated area is under the jurisdiction of a building official.
    • A county may prescribe fees for construction permits and inspections.
    • A county may submit an affidavit for exemption if it cannot arrange services for an annual period at costs totally within the schedule of fees recommended in the building codes; the exemption lasts until services become financially feasible or for five years, whichever is less, and may be renewed at five-year intervals after another determination.
    • Counties may establish agreements with other governmental entities to issue permits and enforce building codes.
    • All counties must require by law or ordinance that building permits be issued for persons engaging in new construction or renovation, and permits must correspond to minimum Department of Revenue requirements.
    • Counties and municipalities must enforce only the national building and safety codes provided in Chapter 9.
    • A county may not enforce the adopted fire-prevention-code portion regulating outdoor burning for forestry, wildlife, and agricultural purposes as regulated by the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
    • A permit is not required for a wheelchair-access ramp built with Medicare or Medicaid dollars when construction is performed, overseen, or inspected by an Americans with Disabilities Act inspector.

    permit-copy delivery to county assessor: <= 10 days (After issuance of each building permit)

    “All counties shall require by law or ordinance that building permits be issued to persons engaging in new construction or renovation and such permits shall correspond to minimum requirements of the department. The county shall furnish a copy of the building permit to the assessor within ten days after such issuance.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificate-of-occupancy requirements for county-regulated buildings.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Clarendon County.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term RV occupancy on private land in Clarendon County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Clarendon County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in Clarendon County.
1 more unanswered
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Water rights & wells in Clarendon County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from South Carolina’s water agency.

Actively managed

This basin is under active state management — new water use is scrutinized, though a domestic well is usually still allowed.

Household wellExempt — no permit or water right

S.C. Code 49-5-70(A)(4) exempts a person withdrawing groundwater at a single-family residence for noncommercial use; no withdrawal permit for a household well anywhere in SC, including inside a Capacity Use Area.

Limit: single-family/household use exempt; permit only >=3 MG/month (~100,000 gpd)

SC Groundwater Use and Reporting Act, S.C. Code 49-5-70(A)(4) ↗

Regulated-riparian state (large uses permitted). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the South Carolina state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Clarendon County, South Carolina

Is Clarendon County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Clarendon County scores 61/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 48.9″/yr rainfall plus 59.3% wooded land.

Do you need a building permit in Clarendon County, South Carolina?

Clarendon County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (DES) - Onsite Wastewater/Septic Tank Program. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Clarendon County, South Carolina?

Land in Clarendon County runs about $3,051 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Clarendon County?

Clarendon County gets about 48.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.7% of years. On water rights, Clarendon County lies in the Santee-Lynches Capacity Use Area — Newest CUA (2021); whole of Clarendon, Lee, Sumter plus portions of Chesterfield, Kershaw, Richland. Permit required >=3 MG/month; a new domestic household well is exempt..

How remote is Clarendon County?

A representative private-land location has about 35,400 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,305,788 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Clarendon compares in South Carolina

Compare side-by-side →See all 46 South Carolina counties ranked →