Bolthole Index

Dillon County, South Carolina

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

55Index Score / 100
#38 of 46 in South Carolina

Dillon County, South Carolina issues building permits for construction and remodeling and follows up with inspections, but its published page does not say that every project requires one1. The county requires zoning permits for land uses in unincorporated Dillon County, while incorporated towns may apply their own building and zoning rules23. Where public or community sewer is unavailable, septic permits come from the state environmental agency (SCDES), not the county or any town, and must precede the county building permit4.

At a glance

Building permit
Issued for construction and remodeling; state law exempts specified minor residential work15
Zoning
Zoning permits are required for land uses in unincorporated Dillon County2
Septic
SCDES approval and installation permit come before the county building permit where sewer is unavailable4
Owner-builder
Conditional for an owner- or family-occupied home; personal supervision and a recorded notice are required6
Private well
SCDES Notice of Intent required before construction7
RV and tiny home
Occupancy rules were not confirmed; ask Planning & Zoning about the parcel and proposed use2
Conventional septic soils
Only about 2.1% of soils rate without severe limitations8
Property tax
Effective rate about 0.5%; median annual bill about $425910

Who to call

Building permits

Dillon County Building Code Enforcement and Planning & Zoning

Building permits and follow-up inspections; zoning permits, ordinance interpretation, project review and zoning enforcement

(843)841-3874

dilloncode17@dilloncountysc.org

401 W. Main St., Suite 201 P.O Box 256 Dillon, SC 29536

Septic permits

South Carolina Department of Environmental Services Onsite Wastewater Customer Support

General onsite-wastewater application, timeframe and application-hold questions

1-855-731-2504

OSWWCentral@des.sc.gov

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

Dillon County Building Code Enforcement issues permits for construction and remodeling, including electrical, plumbing and mechanical work, and provides follow-up inspections1. The county page does not say that every project requires a permit, so confirm the proposed work with the department before starting1. South Carolina exempts specified minor residential improvements from permit applications, including a one-story detached accessory structure no larger than 200 square feet and a fence no higher than 7 feet5. County staff review plans for code compliance and inspect residential, commercial, industrial and manufactured-home setup work during and after construction11. The current statewide code baseline is the 2021 South Carolina Building Codes, effective January 1, 202312.

Who is the Dillon County building department, and how do you reach it?

Dillon County combines Building Code Enforcement with Planning & Zoning at 401 W. Main St., Suite 201, Dillon, SC 29536; call (843)841-3874 or email dilloncode17@dilloncountysc.org13. The office issues building permits, conducts follow-up inspections, issues zoning permits and interprets the zoning ordinance13. We could not confirm Dillon County's current building-permit fees, submission location or review timeline; ask the office what the proposed project requires and costs14. A qualifying owner-builder must personally appear and sign the application, supervise construction, use properly licensed or registered workers where required, and promptly record notice with the register of deeds6. The licensing exemption does not remove county permit, code or zoning requirements6.

Does Dillon County have zoning?

Yes. Dillon County Planning & Zoning enforces the County Zoning Ordinance and issues zoning permits for land uses in unincorporated Dillon County2. The county's GIS zoning map can identify a parcel's category, but some proposed uses require rezoning and others may require a special exception, variance or conditional-use review15. Incorporated municipalities may apply separate rules, so first confirm whether the parcel is under county jurisdiction3. We could not confirm the county's minimum home size, minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage or building-height schedule. Ask Planning & Zoning for the parcel's district, allowed use and dimensional standards before choosing a house site. The online GIS may lag County Council action and is not exact for official purposes, so request current confirmation from county staff15.

How do septic permits work in Dillon County?

SCDES, not Dillon County, handles onsite-wastewater approval, permitting and inspection in Dillon County16. For a home or manufactured home on land without public or community sewer, submit the Onsite Wastewater System Application online with the property plat or deed and the $150 fee4. Under the traditional process, SCDES visits the site and issues a Permit to Construct if it approves the site; the permit is valid for 5 years4. SCDES approval must come before the county building permit4. A licensed installer must schedule the SCDES inspection before covering the system17. Only about 2.1% of Dillon County soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility an early purchase contingency8.

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

We could not confirm a Dillon County rule that broadly allows or prohibits long-term RV living on private land. We also could not confirm how the county classifies tiny homes or whether it sets a minimum dwelling size. Unincorporated Dillon County requires zoning permits for land uses, and the answer may depend on the parcel's zoning category and the proposed use215. Before buying an RV or tiny home for a site, ask Planning & Zoning for a written parcel-specific answer covering occupancy, utility connections, setbacks and temporary use during construction. A manufactured home is not automatically a proxy for a tiny home: Dillon County separately inspects manufactured-home setup during and after construction18. For manufactured homes, a unit counts as a Dillon County residential designed manufactured home only if it has at least 900 square feet of enclosed living area, among other design requirements; that figure is part of the definition, not a minimum size for every dwelling19.

How do you build a home in Dillon County?

  1. Ask Dillon County Planning & Zoning to confirm county jurisdiction, the parcel's zoning category, allowed residential use and dimensional standards215.
  2. Determine whether public or community sewer serves the parcel; if not, apply online to SCDES with the onsite-wastewater application, plat or deed, and $150 fee4.
  3. If drilling an individual residential well, submit the SCDES Notice of Intent before construction and budget the $70 fee7.
  4. Ask Dillon County Building Code Enforcement which plans and applications the project requires, because the published county process is incomplete14.
  5. If claiming the owner-builder exemption, appear personally to sign, supervise the work, use licensed trades where required and record the required notice20.
  6. Arrange county building inspections and have the licensed septic installer schedule the SCDES inspection before the system is covered1417.
  7. Obtain a certificate of occupancy before occupying a new building covered by South Carolina's Energy Standard21.

What should you check before buying land in Dillon County?

Start with jurisdiction and zoning: verify that the parcel is in unincorporated Dillon County, then obtain its current zoning category and allowed uses from Planning & Zoning because the online map may lag official action15. Check sewer before septic because SCDES cannot permit onsite wastewater where public sewer is accessible22. Only about 2.1% of county soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so do not close before resolving septic feasibility8. For an individual residential well, SCDES requires a Notice of Intent before construction7. Determine whether road frontage is county or state maintained; a qualifying residential entrance on a state-highway right-of-way falls under SCDOT's driveway program23. We could not confirm Dillon County's floodplain-development process, so ask Planning & Zoning who reviews the site. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, and the median annual bill is about $425910.

Watch-outs

  • Only about 2.1% of Dillon County soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so do not assume an undeveloped parcel will support a conventional system8.
  • The county's online GIS may lag zoning changes and is not exact for official purposes; request current parcel information from Planning & Zoning15.
  • We could not confirm Dillon County rules for RV occupancy, tiny homes, minimum dwelling size, setbacks or floodplain development; ask Planning & Zoning at (843)841-3874 before committing to a design or use13.

Sources

  1. Building, Code Enforcement and Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  2. Dillon County, SC — Building Code Enforcement & Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  3. Building, Code Enforcement and Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  4. Septic Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder, quoted and re-checked
  5. South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 40, Chapter 59, quoted and re-checked
  6. Code of Laws - Title 40 - Chapter 59 - Residential Home Builders, quoted and re-checked
  7. Private Drinking Water Wells, quoted and re-checked
  8. 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
  9. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  10. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  11. Building, Code Enforcement and Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  12. Building Code Adoption, quoted and re-checked
  13. Dillon County Building Code Enforcement and Planning & Zoning (dilloncountysc.org)
  14. Building, Code Enforcement and Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  15. Building, Code Enforcement and Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  16. Septic Tanks — Residential, Single Home Builder, quoted and re-checked
  17. Septic Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder, quoted and re-checked
  18. Building, Code Enforcement and Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  19. Sec. 34-46. Definitions, quoted and re-checked
  20. South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 40, Chapter 59, quoted and re-checked
  21. Code of Laws - Title 6 - Chapter 10, quoted and re-checked
  22. Professional Soil Classifiers - Sewer Accessibility Verification (South Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Engineering Directive ED-16: Driveway Entrances (South Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 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, Dillon County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleDillon CountyMarlboro CountyMarion CountyDarlington CountyFlorence CountyChesterfield CountyHorry County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsSCDESSC Dept. of Env. ServicesSCDESSCDESSCDESSC Dept. of Env. ServicesSCDES

County locator

Dillon County in South Carolina

55
County map
Dillon County highlighted among the South Carolina counties · colored by Index score

How Dillon County scores

Seclusion35100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency61100% ev.
Admin Boringness45100% ev.
Durability50100% ev.
Property Autonomy46100% ev.
Carry Cost86100% 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 →

$125kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$2,757Land / acre
47.7"Annual rain
1.7% of yrsSevere drought
11.2 / yr (+9.4)Mid-century 100°F days
14.5 daysMid-century dry spell
2.14" (+8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.28×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,597Home insurance / yr
0.9% / yrInsurance growth
1.41%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
61,699People within 30 min
4,503,147People within 2 hr
61,400Radius comparison (15 mi)
68.4People / sq mi
0.4%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
2.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
5,562 acWorkable land screen
61.3%Wooded land
52 tonsBiomass / forest ac
63.3°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Dillon 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 Lake View · Town of Latta

Answers from the rulebook for Dillon County

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

Dillon County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction and remodeling projects handled by Dillon County Building Code Enforcement.

    • The county page states that the department issues permits for construction and remodeling projects.
    • Permit categories include electrical, plumbing, and mechanical.
    • Separate septic approval and permit are required before the county can issue a building permit where the property lacks public or community sewer.
    “The Dillon County Building Code Enforcement Department is responsible for issuing building permits and providing follow-up inspections for construction and remodeling projects in the county. These permits include electrical, plumbing and mechanical.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Construction and remodeling projects in Dillon County for which the county Building Code Enforcement Department administers permits.
      “The Dillon County Building Code Enforcement Department is responsible for issuing building permits and providing follow-up inspections for construction and remodeling projects in the county. These permits include electrical, plumbing and mechanical.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction, remodeling, and building projects inspected by Dillon County.

    • The county page states that follow-up inspections are provided and that residential, commercial, industrial, manufactured-home setup, and other buildings are inspected during and after construction.
    “Planning & Zoning staff reviews and approves building plans for code compliance- Inspects residential, commercial, industrial, manufactured home set-up and other buildings during and after construction to ensure that codes are met for public safety-”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning in unincorporated Dillon County.

    • The County Zoning Department enforces the County Zoning Ordinance adopted by County Council.
    • Zoning permits and applicable zoning approvals are required for land-use purposes.
    • The county page states that zoning data may not be current and cannot be used for official exact determinations; current information should be requested from County staff.
    “The Zoning Department is responsible for enforcing the County Zoning Ordinance set forth by the Planning Commission and adopted by the County Council. This includes the issuance of zoning permits for land use purposes and interpreting provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning regulation in Dillon County's unincorporated area.
      “The Zoning Department is responsible for enforcing the County Zoning Ordinance set forth by the Planning Commission and adopted by the County Council. This includes the issuance of zoning permits for land use purposes and interpreting provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning categories, zoning permits, zoning map, zoning ordinance, and specified zoning-district review processes in Dillon County.

    • The county states that zoning categories allow certain land uses and directs users to its GIS Zoning Map to determine whether a property has zoning and what it is.
    • A proposed land use may require rezoning through a zoning map amendment.
    • Special exceptions are for uses permitted by review in specified zoning districts.
    • Variances may be sought from dimensional terms of the Zoning Ordinance, and the Board of Zoning Appeals interprets unclear or indeterminate district boundaries.
    • The county warns that GIS data may lag Council action and cannot be used for official purposes of being exact; current information can be requested from County staff.
    • The page does not enumerate the names or dimensional standards of every zoning district.
    “Zoning categories allow certain types of land uses. Oftentimes, a proposed land use may require a rezoning process, otherwise known as a zoning map amendment. Explore the GIS Zoning Map to determine whether you have zoning and what it is.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    A manufactured home qualifying as a Dillon County residential designed manufactured home.

    • The 900-square-foot requirement is part of the definition of residential designed manufactured home and does not establish a general minimum size for every dwelling type.
    • The definition also requires a minimum width over 20 feet, a minimum 3:12 roof pitch, residential-type exterior material, and roof overhang of not less than eight inches.

    enclosed living area: >= 900 square feet

    “Has a minimum of 900 square feet of enclosed living area;”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    New construction and substantial improvements in Dillon County coastal high hazard areas.

    • Structures must be located landward of the reach of mean high tide and the first line of stable natural vegetation.
    • All applicable DHEC Ocean and Coastal Resource Management setback requirements also apply.
    • The cited county provision does not state a numeric setback distance.
    “All new construction and substantial improvements shall be located landward of the reach of mean high tide, first line of stable natural vegetation and comply with all applicable Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) setback requirements.”
  • Permit processPartial

    The published Dillon County process for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, zoning, and related construction approvals.

    • The county page identifies permit issuance and follow-up inspections but does not publish a complete application checklist, fee schedule, review timeline, or all permit forms on the page.
    • Planning and Zoning reviews and approves building plans for code compliance and inspects buildings during and after construction.
    • Rezoning, special exceptions, variances, conditional uses, and ordinance text amendments require public hearings with notice as described by the county.
    • Site plans may be approved by staff or presented to the Planning Commission.
    “The Dillon County Building Code Enforcement Department is responsible for issuing building permits and providing follow-up inspections for construction and remodeling projects in the county. These permits include electrical, plumbing and mechanical.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — County building-permit administration for construction and remodeling projects in Dillon County.
      “The Dillon County Building Code Enforcement Department is responsible for issuing building permits and providing follow-up inspections for construction and remodeling projects in the county.”

South Carolina rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An owner of residential property who improves the property or builds or improves structures or appurtenances for the owner's personal or family occupancy, including qualifying one-family or two-family residences, in Dillon County and elsewhere in South Carolina.

    • The owner must do the work personally, with the owner's employees, or with licensed contractors or registered entities or individuals.
    • The structure, structures, or appurtenances must be intended for the owner's sole occupancy or occupancy by the owner's family and not intended for sale or rent.
    • The general public may not have access to the structure.
    • The owner must personally appear and sign the building permit application.
    • The local permitting agency must provide the statutory disclosure statement.
    • The owner must supervise the construction personally.
    • The owner may build or improve a one-family or two-family residence for the owner's own use and occupancy.
    • 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.
    • The owner must promptly file a public-record notice with the register of deeds stating that the structure was constructed by the owner as an unlicensed builder; failure to do so revokes the statutory exemption.
    • Sale, rent, or offering the structure for sale or rent within two years after completion or issuance of a certificate of occupancy is prima facie evidence that the project was undertaken for sale or rent, unless otherwise approved by the commission.
    • The exemption does not exempt a person employed by the owner who acts as a builder or specialty contractor.
    • This claim concerns the residential-builder licensing exemption and does not itself eliminate local building-permit requirements.

    sale-or-rent presumption period: 2 years after completion or issuance of certificate of occupancy (unless otherwise approved by the commission) · one-family or two-family residence: qualifying residential occupancy (must be for the owner's own use and occupancy)

    “The exemption allows you, as the owner of your property, to act as your own builder even though you do not have a license.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Owner-builder exemption for residential property in Dillon County under South Carolina Code § 40-59-260.
      “This chapter does not apply to an owner of residential property who improves the property”
    • Available (with conditions) — An owner of residential property who builds or improves structures or appurtenances for the owner's or the owner's family's occupancy, subject to South Carolina Code Section 40-59-260.
      “To qualify for exemption under this section, an owner must personally appear and sign the building permit application.”
    • 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:”
    • Conditional — 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.
      “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.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Statewide adoption and enforcement framework for building, residential, gas, plumbing, mechanical, fire, energy, electrical, and related construction codes, including residential construction in county unincorporated areas.

    • The South Carolina Building Codes Council must adopt by reference and amend only the latest editions of the listed nationally recognized codes.
    • Code appendices may be adopted as needed, but the specific appendix or appendices must be referenced by name or letter designation at adoption.
    • Provisions concerning the qualification, removal, dismissal, duties, responsibilities, and administrative procedures of building officials and inspectors do not apply unless adopted by the municipal or county governing body.
    • Counties and municipalities must enforce only the national building and safety codes provided in Chapter 9.
    • The Council must promulgate regulations for building-code provisions affecting one-family or two-family dwellings, and those provisions are not enforceable until the required regulations become effective.
    • A regulation mandating automatic residential fire sprinklers in one-family or two-family dwellings could not become effective before July 1, 2015.
    • Section 501.3 of the 2012 International Residential Code must not be enforced.
    • A county may not enforce the portion of an adopted nationally recognized fire-prevention code regulating outdoor burning for forestry, wildlife, and agricultural purposes as regulated by the South Carolina Forestry Commission.

    residential fire sprinkler regulation earliest effective date: >= 2015-07-01 (One-family and two-family dwellings)

    “The council shall adopt by reference and amend only the latest editions of the following nationally recognized codes and the standards referenced in those codes for regulation of construction within this State: building, residential, gas, plumbing, mechanical, fire, and energy codes as promulgated, published, or made available by the International Code Council, Inc. and the National Electrical Code as published by the National Fire Protection Association.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — South Carolina building codes applicable to local jurisdictions, including Dillon County.
      “The South Carolina Building Codes Council adopted the 2021 South Carolina Building Codes at their meeting on October 6, 2021. The Council approved an effective date of January 1, 2023.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Mandatory South Carolina building codes and statewide modifications enforced by South Carolina counties and municipalities.
      “The South Carolina Building Codes Council adopted the 2021 South Carolina Building Codes at their meeting on October 6, 2021. The Council approved an effective date of January 1, 2023.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — The 2024 editions of the mandatory South Carolina building, residential, fire, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, and electrical codes adopted for statewide use.
      “On August 26, 2025, the South Carolina Building Codes Council (the “Council”) adopted the latest editions of the mandatory codes and select appendices with modifications, as referenced in S.C. Code Ann. §6-9-50 (1976, as amended), to be enforced by all municipalities and counties in South Carolina. [...] The Council established the implementation date for local jurisdictions as January 1, 2027.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Buildings covered by South Carolina's Energy Standard.

    • A building constructed after the effective date of the Energy Standard must not be used or occupied until a certificate of occupancy has been issued.
    • The statute provides an exception where otherwise provided in the Energy Standard.
    • The cited provision has an effective date of July 1, 2009.
    “A building constructed after the effective date of the Energy Standard must not be used or occupied until a certificate of occupancy has been issued.”
  • Who permits septicState

    Onsite wastewater/septic permitting and inspection in Dillon County.

    • SCDES approval and a septic permit are required for homes or manufactured homes on property not served by public or community sewer.
    • The official page states that South Carolina law requires site approvals and permits for all septic systems.
    “Incorrectly installed septic systems can harm water quality and make people sick, which is why South Carolina law requires site approvals and permits for all septic systems.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — On-site wastewater permitting and inspections for Dillon County.
      “An SCDES inspector will visit your property to determine whether the land is suitable for a septic system”
    • 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

    Residential septic systems for homes or manufactured homes on property in Dillon County not served by public or community sewer.

    • 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.
    • A Permit to Construct is issued after site evaluation and approval for a traditional septic system.
    • Permits to Construct are good for five years; renewal or modifications require a new application and payment of the fee again.

    permit validity: 5 years (Renewal or modification requires a new application and fee)

    “Because incorrectly installed septic systems can harm water quality and make people sick, 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. Without this permit, your county will not be able to issue you a building permit.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Residential septic systems and manufactured homes on property not served by public or community sewer.
      “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.”
    • Required — Construction of a home or placement of a manufactured home on property not served by a public or community sewer system.
      “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.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation inspection for septic systems in Dillon County.

    • Before the septic system is covered, the installer must contact SCDES and schedule an inspection.
    • If an SCDES inspector does not arrive within 30 minutes of the scheduled time, a licensed installer may proceed with self-inspection.
    • The installer must provide documentation to SCDES on the approved Final Inspection form.

    inspector-arrival grace period: 30 minutes (Licensed installer may self-inspect if SCDES inspector does not arrive within this period)

    “inspection of the septic system before it is covered”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Septic-system installations regulated by SCDES.
      “Before completing the installation of the septic system, the installer must contact SCDES to schedule a time for the inspection of the septic system before it is covered.”
    • Limited — Existing septic systems and new-home construction using a septic system statewide in South Carolina.
      “While S.C. law does not require property owners to have existing systems inspected, some towns have passed ordinances that require their local residents to have their septic systems inspected regularly (See next question). If you live in an area that does not have a local inspection ordinance in place, the only time you would be required to have your septic system inspected is when you're building a new home that will use a septic system.”
  • 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 — Individual residential wells and irrigation wells in Dillon County.
      “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.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Use of an onsite wastewater system where public sewer service may be accessible.

    • An onsite wastewater permit cannot be issued where public sewer is accessible.
    • Public sewer accessibility must be verified before applying for an onsite wastewater permit.
    • The cited source addresses sewer availability; it does not establish a statewide requirement to connect to municipal water.
    “Please Note: Onsite wastewater permits cannot be issued where public sewer is accessible. If a professional soil classifier is contracted by an individual to conduct a site and soil evaluation for the issuance of an onsite wastewater permit, verification of public sewer accessibility prior to onsite wastewater application is the responsibility of the PSC and/or the applicant.”
  • 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.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and land-development plans in South Carolina jurisdictions that have adopted land-development regulations under Title 6, Chapter 29.

    • The statutory definition covers divisions of a tract or parcel into two or more lots, building sites, or other divisions for sale, lease, or building development, including divisions involving new streets or changes to existing streets.
    • The combination or recombination of previously platted lots with no increase in total lots and resultant lots meeting governing-authority standards is included only for notice and record purposes.
    • Division into parcels of five acres or more where no new street is involved is included only for notice and record purposes; plats must be received as information by the planning agency and marked accordingly.
    • Combination or recombination of entire lots of record with no new street or change in existing streets is included only for notice and record purposes.
    • Local regulations must require that land-development plans, including subdivision plats, are not approved unless building sites can be used safely without danger from flood, inundation, or other threats to health, safety, or public welfare.
    • Local regulations may require streets, water, sewers, septic tanks, and other utilities or facilities as conditions precedent to plan approval.
    • After local land-development regulations are adopted, no subdivision plat or land-development plan may be filed or recorded, and no building permit may be issued, until the plan or plat bears the required approval stamp and signature.
    • The governing authority may adopt or amend land-development regulations only after a public hearing with at least thirty days' published notice.
    “the local planning commission may prepare and recommend to the governing body or bodies for adoption regulations governing the development of land within the jurisdiction.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and land-development approval within municipalities or counties that have adopted land-development regulations under South Carolina law.
      “no subdivision plat or other land development plan within the jurisdiction of the regulations may be filed or recorded”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision plats and other land-development plans in South Carolina jurisdictions that have adopted local land-development regulations under the state statutory framework.
      “After the local governing authority has adopted land development regulations, no subdivision plat or other land development plan”
  • 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.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Fees charged by local building inspection departments for functions performed under South Carolina's Energy Standard.

    • Each local jurisdiction may establish its own fee schedule.
    • The cited provision does not establish a single statewide fee amount.
    “Each local jurisdiction may establish a schedule of fees”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — Building-code permitting fees in South Carolina.
      “These functions include, but are not limited to, permitting, fees, required construction documents, and approval of alternate means and methods.”
  • 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.

  • Local zoning — Whether zoning varies among Dillon County, its municipalities, and other local jurisdictions.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size requirements in Dillon County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage requirements in Dillon County.
  • Building height — Building-height requirements in Dillon County.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term RV occupancy on private land in Dillon County.
6 more unanswered
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Building in a floodplain
  • 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 Dillon 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 Dillon County, South Carolina

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

Dillon County scores 55/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 47.7″/yr rainfall plus 61.3% wooded land. Watch-outs: about 61,699 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Dillon County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), Onsite Wastewater. 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 Dillon County, South Carolina?

Land in Dillon County runs about $2,757 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Dillon County?

Dillon County gets about 47.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.7% of years. On water rights, Dillon County lies in the Pee Dee Capacity Use Area — Designated 2004; permit required >=3 MG/month. A new single-family domestic well is exempt..

How remote is Dillon County?

A representative private-land location has about 61,699 people within a 30-minute drive and 4,503,147 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 Dillon compares in South Carolina

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