Bolthole Index

Greenwood County, South Carolina

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

65Index Score / 100
#6 of 46 in South Carolina

Unincorporated Greenwood County, South Carolina requires a building permit before covered construction begins, with plan review and inspections through the joint Greenwood City/County Building Inspection Department12. Zoning depends on the parcel’s county, city or town jurisdiction3. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) issues septic permits inside and outside city limits; homes without public or community sewer need septic approval before the county building permit45.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new construction and renovation1
Zoning
Yes; parcel jurisdiction and zoning district determine the applicable rules63
RV living
Not allowed in a travel or camping trailer parked or stored in a residential district7
Septic permits
Issued by SCDES; the application fee is $1505
Owner-builder exemption
Conditional; the owner must supervise the work, meet licensing rules and record the required notice8
Well permit
Requires a Notice of Intent to SCDES and a $70 fee before drilling9
Driveway on a state highway
SCDOT permits and builds a standard driveway, up to 16 feet wide10

Who to call

Building permits

Greenwood City/County Building Inspection Department

Building permits, plan review and inspections for new construction, remodeling and additions countywide, including unincorporated Greenwood County

864-942-8424

1025 Deadfall Rd E, Greenwood, SC 29649

Online permits →

Planning & zoning

Greenwood City/County Planning Department

Zoning administration, comprehensive planning, subdivision review and land-use management for Greenwood County, the City of Greenwood, and the towns of Ninety Six, Troy and Ware Shoals

(864) 942-8636

planning-dept@greenwoodsc.gov

1025 Deadfall Road, Greenwood, SC 29649

Septic permits

SCDES Onsite Wastewater Program, Greenwood Regional Office

Septic (onsite wastewater) site evaluations, construction permits and final inspections for Greenwood County and five neighboring counties, for every address inside or outside city limits

(864) 227-5915

1736 South Main Street, Greenwood, SC 29646

Floodplain permits

Greenwood County Engineering Department (flood permits)

Flood permit and storm water review for building and development projects in Greenwood County

864-942-8639

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

Off-grid gear

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

Yes. Construction covered by the South Carolina Energy Standard cannot begin in unincorporated Greenwood County until a building permit is issued1. The Greenwood City/County residential checklist reflects the 2021 International Residential Code, but is a guide rather than a complete list of code changes11. The joint Greenwood City/County Building Inspection Department provides plan review, permitting and inspections for new construction, remodeling and additions countywide2. The local building official must periodically inspect work performed under a permit12. The builder, not the department, must request each inspection; requests made before 4:00 PM are scheduled for the next business day, and a $50 re-inspection fee applies when the work is not ready13. A building cannot be occupied until all inspections are approved and a certificate of occupancy is issued, which happens the business day after final approval14.

Who is the Greenwood County building department, and how do you reach them?

Building permits, plan reviews and inspections for the City of Greenwood and Greenwood County are handled by one joint department, reachable at 864-942-8424 at 1025 Deadfall Rd E in Greenwood2. An account is required before applying online, and the county provides online submission and printable forms; ask Building Inspection for the complete application requirements for your project152. Greenwood County publishes separate fee-schedule links for building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and sign permits, but the available facts do not establish the exact charges16. Zoning and subdivision review are handled separately by the Greenwood City/County Planning Department at the same complex, at (864) 942-86361718. SCDES handles septic permitting and inspection; its Greenwood regional office at 1736 South Main Street serves Greenwood County at (864) 227-59151920.

Does Greenwood County have zoning?

Greenwood County has zoning administration and enforcement through the joint Planning Department and Board of Zoning Appeals; the county district standards below apply to unincorporated land governed by the county ordinance63. The joint Planning Department serves Greenwood County, the City of Greenwood and the towns of Ninety Six, Troy and Ware Shoals, with different governing ordinances by jurisdiction173. Inside Ware Shoals, town zoning is administered by that same department; septic approval stays with SCDES when public or community sewer is unavailable2122. In county R-1, the minimum lot is 15,000 square feet, 100 feet wide and 150 feet deep, with front, side and rear setbacks of 40, 20 and 50 feet2324. In county R-2, the minimum lot is 10,000 square feet, 70 feet wide and 125 feet deep, with front, side and rear setbacks of 40, 10 and 40 feet2526. Planning provides allowable-use information, but we could not confirm a complete district map here; ask Planning to confirm the parcel’s jurisdiction, district and proposed use2717.

How do septic permits work in Greenwood County?

SCDES handles septic site evaluations, construction permits, final inspections and approvals to operate for Greenwood County properties inside and outside city limits4. The Greenwood regional office is at 1736 South Main Street, Greenwood, and (864) 227-591520. A home or manufactured home without public or community sewer needs SCDES approval and a septic permit before the county building permit; the application fee is $150 and the construction permit lasts five years5. SCDES requires backhoe pits for soil evaluations above the Fall Line; ask the regional office what site preparation your evaluation requires520. About 56.4% of Greenwood County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation an early purchase contingency28. The installer must schedule inspection before covering the system; after a 30-minute inspector delay, a licensed installer may self-inspect and submit the approved final inspection form29. SCDES issues approval to operate when the installation meets state standards29.

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

Greenwood County does not allow temporary or permanent occupancy of a travel or camping trailer while it is parked or stored on a lot in a residential district7. The same rule allows no more than one such trailer per family living on the premises, but that storage allowance does not make the trailer habitable7. The cited rule does not answer occupancy in nonresidential districts or under a municipality's separately adopted rules, so ask Planning to identify the parcel's jurisdiction and district17. We could not confirm a specific tiny-home occupancy or minimum dwelling-floor-area rule for Greenwood County; ask Planning whether the proposed structure and use are allowed on the parcel17. A manufactured home without public or community sewer needs SCDES approval and a septic permit before the county can issue a building permit5.

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

  1. Ask the Greenwood City/County Planning Department to confirm the parcel's jurisdiction, zoning district, allowed use, setbacks, lot standards and whether subdivision review applies1730.
  2. If public or community sewer is unavailable, apply to SCDES for site approval and the septic permit before seeking the county building permit5.
  3. For a private residential well, submit a Notice of Intent before construction, pay the $70 fee and use a certified South Carolina well driller9.
  4. For an online application, create the required account and apply to the Greenwood City/County Building Inspection Department, using online submission or the published printable forms152.
  5. An owner-builder must personally appear and sign the permit application, build for the owner's or family's own occupancy, and record the statutory notice; selling or renting within two years creates a presumption against the exemption, and the work must still meet all building codes and zoning rules31.
  6. Complete the required inspections and obtain a certificate of occupancy before using the completed building1232.

What should you check before buying land in Greenwood County?

Obtain an SCDES site evaluation before closing on land that needs a septic system4. Confirm the parcel's governing jurisdiction and zoning district with Planning, since county, city and town ordinances can differ3317. For county R-1 or R-2 land, compare the survey with the district's minimum lot dimensions and setbacks before choosing a house site23242526. Ask whether a land division needs subdivision review before recording or building30. If the site needs flood review, Greenwood County directs applicants to the Engineering Department for a flood permit at 864-942-86393435. We could not confirm the flood-permit triggers or development standards; ask Engineering whether the proposed house site needs floodplain review3435.

Watch-outs

  • A travel or camping trailer parked or stored in a Greenwood County residential district cannot be occupied temporarily or permanently7.
  • SCDES, not Greenwood County, handles septic permitting and inspection through its Greenwood regional office19.
  • South Carolina's next mandatory code cycle (the 2024 editions) was adopted August 26, 2025 but doesn't take effect for local jurisdictions until January 1, 2027; check with Building Inspection about which code applies to your project's timeline36.
  • The joint Planning Department serves the county, the City of Greenwood and several towns, but the governing zoning ordinance varies by parcel jurisdiction3317.

Sources

  1. South Carolina Energy Standard Act, quoted and re-checked
  2. Greenwood City/County Building Inspection Department (cityofgreenwoodsc.com)
  3. Planning - Greenwood County, SC, quoted and re-checked
  4. Septic Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder, quoted and re-checked
  5. Septic Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder, quoted and re-checked
  6. Planning - Greenwood County, SC, quoted and re-checked
  7. Sec. 6-3-145. Parking or storage of unlicensed vehicles, construction equipment, trucks and trailers, quoted and re-checked
  8. South Carolina Code Title 40 Chapter 59, quoted and re-checked
  9. Private Drinking Water Wells, quoted and re-checked
  10. Engineering Directive ED-16: Driveway Entrances (South Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Building Inspections Department Residential Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  12. South Carolina Energy Standard Act, quoted and re-checked
  13. Building Inspections Department Residential Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  14. Building Inspections Department Residential Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  15. Permits - Greenwood County, SC, quoted and re-checked
  16. Permits - Greenwood County, SC, quoted and re-checked
  17. Greenwood City/County Planning Department (greenwoodcounty-sc.gov)
  18. Planning - Greenwood County, SC, quoted and re-checked
  19. Septic Tanks - Who to Call, quoted and re-checked
  20. SCDES Onsite Wastewater Program, Greenwood Regional Office (des.sc.gov)
  21. Town of Ware Shoals: Code of Ordinances: Chapter 40 - ZONING (Greenwood County), quoted and re-checked
  22. Town of Ware Shoals: Septic Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder (Greenwood County), quoted and re-checked
  23. Sec. 6-3-33. R-1 single-family residential district, quoted and re-checked
  24. Sec. 6-3-33. R-1 single-family residential district, quoted and re-checked
  25. Sec. 6-3-34. R-2 single-family residential district, quoted and re-checked
  26. Sec. 6-3-34. R-2 single-family residential district, quoted and re-checked
  27. Planning - Greenwood County, SC, quoted and re-checked
  28. 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
  29. Septic Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder, quoted and re-checked
  30. Planning - Greenwood County, SC, quoted and re-checked
  31. South Carolina Code Title 40, Chapter 59, quoted and re-checked
  32. South Carolina Energy Standard Act, quoted and re-checked
  33. Planning - Greenwood County, SC, quoted and re-checked
  34. Planning - Greenwood County, SC, quoted and re-checked
  35. Greenwood County Engineering Department (flood permits) (greenwoodcounty-sc.gov)
  36. 2024 Building Code Modification Index (South Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

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, Greenwood County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleGreenwood CountyAbbeville CountySaluda CountyLaurens CountyMcCormick CountyEdgefield CountyNewberry County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesNoNoYesYesYes
Septic permitsSC DESSC Dept. of Env. ServicesSC DESSCDESSCDESSCDESSCDES

County locator

Greenwood County in South Carolina

65
County map
Greenwood County highlighted among the South Carolina counties · colored by Index score

How Greenwood County scores

Seclusion41100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency75100% ev.
Admin Boringness45100% ev.
Durability66100% ev.
Property Autonomy46100% ev.
Carry Cost85100% 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 →

$176kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$3,514Land / acre
45.5"Annual rain
10.7% of yrsSevere drought
14.3 / yr (+12.1)Mid-century 100°F days
15.2 daysMid-century dry spell
2.19" (+7.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.37×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,336Home insurance / yr
1.2% / yrInsurance growth
2.31%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
75,127People within 30 min
3,569,184People within 2 hr
91,227Radius comparison (15 mi)
152.5People / sq mi
4.1%Federal land
89.2%Land at 15% slope or less
56.4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
160,221 acWorkable land screen
77.9%Wooded land
58.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
62.5°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Greenwood 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 Hodges · Town of Troy

Answers from the rulebook for Greenwood County

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

Greenwood County rules

  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Residential construction inspected by the Greenwood City/County Building and Codes Department.

    • The checklist states it is a guide and does not include all code changes.

    residential code edition: 2021 International Residential Code

    “Attached is the Greenwood City/County Building and Codes Department Residential Checklist that reflects the 2021 edition of the International Residential Code.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Residential building inspections in Greenwood County.

    • The builder must request inspections before work proceeds beyond each successive inspection point; requests before 4:00 PM are scheduled for the next business day; a $50 re-inspection fee applies when the scheduled inspection is not ready; additional inspections may be requested at no charge as time permits.

    re-inspection fee: 50 USD (when the scheduled inspection is not ready)

    “The following sequence of inspections are currently enforced. It is the responsibility of the builder to contact the department to request an inspection.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Occupation of buildings covered by the Greenwood City/County residential inspection process.

    • All inspections must be completed and approved before occupancy; the certificate is issued the following business day after final inspection approval.
    “No building shall be occupied until all inspections have been completed and approved and a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning administration and enforcement in Greenwood County through the joint City/County Planning Department and Board of Zoning Appeals.

    • The planning organization is multi-jurisdictional and also serves the City of Greenwood and the Towns of Ninety Six, Troy, and Ware Shoals.
    • Specific zoning applicability may differ by incorporated municipality.
    “The Joint Board of Zoning Appeals for Greenwood County is the local body that considers and makes decisions concerning: Appeals where it is alleged there is an error in an order, requirement, decision, or determination made by the staff in the enforcement of the zoning ordinance.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across Greenwood County, including county, city, and town jurisdictions; the county-level claim does not mean Greenwood County administers each local ordinance.

    • The Greenwood City/County Planning Department serves Greenwood County, the City of Greenwood, and the Towns of Ninety Six, Troy, and Ware Shoals.
    • The Joint Planning Commission recommends zoning ordinances and amendments, while the appropriate county, city, or town council reviews rezoning requests.
    • Specific applicability depends on the governing jurisdiction and its zoning ordinance.
    “Long-range planning items and rezoning requests are reviewed by the Planning Commission and a recommendation is made to the appropriate county, city, or town council.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate of local zoning across Greenwood County, including county territory and the City of Greenwood and Towns of Ninety Six, Troy, and Ware Shoals.
      “multi-jurisdictional planning organization”
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate of zoning administration across Greenwood County, the City of Greenwood, and the Towns of Ninety Six, Troy, and Ware Shoals.
      “Long-range planning items and rezoning requests are reviewed by the Planning Commission and a recommendation is made to the appropriate county, city, or town council.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning-district use information made available through the Greenwood City/County Planning Department.

    • The opened page references allowable uses in zoning districts but did not provide the district map or complete district schedule.
    • The source does not establish which individual unincorporated parcels are county-zoned rather than within municipal zoning jurisdiction.
    “Permitting a New Building [...] Allowable Uses in Zoning Districts [...] Re-zoning Application 864-942-8765”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    All uses and each dwelling in the Greenwood County R-1 single-family residential district.

    • The standards are district-specific.
    • Minimum lot width and depth also apply under the same development-standard table.

    minimum lot area: 15000 sq. ft. · minimum lot area per dwelling: 15000 sq. ft. · minimum lot width: 100 ft · minimum lot depth: 150 ft

    “Minimum lot area 15,000 sq. ft. Minimum lot area (per dwelling) 15,000 sq. ft. Minimum lot width 100 ft. Minimum lot depth 150 ft.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — All uses and each dwelling in the Greenwood County R-2 single-family residential district.
      “Minimum lot area 10,000 sq. ft. Minimum lot area (per dwelling) 10,000 sq. ft. Minimum lot width 70 ft. Minimum lot depth 125 ft.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    All uses in the Greenwood County R-1 single-family residential district.

    • The standards are district-specific.
    • Minimum bufferyard requirements are separately governed by article E, and off-street parking and loading regulations by article H.

    minimum front yard setback: 40 ft · minimum side yard setback: 20 ft · minimum rear yard setback: 50 ft

    “Minimum front yard setback 40 ft. Minimum side yard setback 20 ft. Minimum rear yard setback 50 ft.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Temporary or permanent occupancy of a travel or camping trailer parked or stored on a lot in a Greenwood County residential district.

    • No more than one travel or camping trailer per family living on the premises is permitted on a lot in any residential district.
    • The trailer may not be occupied temporarily or permanently while parked or stored.
    • The cited section does not establish rules for nonresidential districts or independently adopted municipal regulations.

    travel or camping trailers per family living on premises: <= 1 trailer (The trailer shall not be occupied temporarily or permanently while parked or stored.)

    “Not more than one travel or camping trailer per family living on the premises shall be permitted on a lot in any residential district, and the trailer shall not be occupied temporarily or permanently while it is parked or stored.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and development review administered through the Greenwood City/County Planning Department and Joint Planning Commission.

    • The Planning Commission reviews preliminary and final development reviews and subdivision-related planning matters.
    • Specific approval requirements and dimensional standards were not established from the opened page.
    “The Department's function includes comprehensive planning, long-range planning, development review, subdivision review, land use management, census coordination, and other special projects.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and development review within the Greenwood City/County planning jurisdiction.
      “Preliminary and final development reviews and variances to the Land Development Regulations are reviewed by the Planning Commission without a public hearing.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development requiring flood review in Greenwood County.

    • The official planning page directs applicants to the Engineering Department for a Flood Permit.
    • The source does not establish the full floodplain ordinance, mapped areas, standards, or exceptions.
    “Contact Engineering Department [...] Storm water Review 864-942-8639 [...] Flood Permit 864-942-8639”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — New building and development projects in Greenwood County that require floodplain review.
      “Contact Engineering Department [...] Storm water Review 864-942-8639 [...] Flood Permit 864-942-8639”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and sign permit fees.

    • The county publishes fee-schedule links by permit type; the underlying schedules were not opened, so exact amounts and effective dates are not established here.
    “Building Permit [...] Fee Schedule [...] Electrical Permit [...] Fee Schedule [...] Mechanical Permit [...] Fee Schedule [...] Plumbing Permit [...] Fee Schedule [...] Sign Permit [...] Fee Schedule”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County online permit application process.

    • An account is required before applying online.
    • The county provides online submission and printable forms for listed permit types.
    • Temporary Event Permits require a signed letter from the property owner allowing the proposed event.
    “Before you can apply for a permit online, you MUST have an account. Please complete this local contractor billing account form to apply for an account.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Greenwood County online building-permit process.
      “Before you can apply for a permit online, you MUST have an account.”

South Carolina rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Construction regulated by South Carolina building-code law, with permits issued and administered by the applicable county or municipal building authority.

    • Each county must place its unincorporated area under a building official's jurisdiction, and each municipality must provide a building official within municipal limits.
    • Municipalities and counties may establish agreements with other governmental entities to issue permits and enforce building codes.
    • A municipality or county may submit an affidavit and become exempt from the chapter's service requirements when it cannot arrange services within the recommended fee schedule; the exemption lasts until financially feasible or five years, whichever is less, and may be renewed at five-year intervals.
    • South Carolina law contains specific permit exemptions, including certain owner-performed residential improvements under S.C. Code Ann. § 40-59-265 and wheelchair ramps built with Medicare or Medicaid dollars when performed, overseen, or inspected by an ADA inspector.
    • The South Carolina Building Codes Council states that the 2021 South Carolina Building Codes had an effective date of January 1, 2023; later code editions and local modifications may apply.
    “Municipalities and counties may establish agreements with other governmental entities of the State to issue permits and enforce building codes in order to provide the services required by this chapter.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction of buildings subject to the South Carolina Energy Standard in Greenwood County.
      “the construction of a building must not begin until a building permit is issued.”
  • 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Owner-builder exemption for residential property in Greenwood County.
      “The exemption allows you, as the owner of your property, to act as your own builder even though you do not have a license.”
    • Conditional — Owner-builder residential construction in Greenwood County under S.C. Code §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:”
  • Who permits septicState

    Onsite wastewater permitting and inspection serving Greenwood County.

    • SCDES operates a Greenwood regional office covering Greenwood County.
    “Onsite Wastewater Regional Office Contact Information [...] Greenwood | (864) 227-5915 | 1736 South Main Street Greenwood, SC 29646 | Abbeville, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry, Saluda”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Onsite wastewater systems serving Greenwood County properties.
      “If the land is suitable for a septic system, the SCDES inspector will issue a permit to construct.”
    • 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 Greenwood County property not served by a public or community sewer system.

    • SCDES approval and a septic installation permit must be obtained before the county can issue a building permit.
    • The application fee is $150.
    • A site visit and suitability evaluation apply when using SCDES's traditional permitting method.
    • Permits to Construct are good for five years; renewal or modifications require a new application and payment of the fee.
    • Sites above the South Carolina Fall Line require backhoe pits for soil evaluation.

    application fee: 150 USD · permit validity: 5 years (Renewal after five years requires 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 — Homes and manufactured homes on property without public or community sewer.
      “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.”
    • 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

    New septic system installation in Greenwood County.

    • The installer must schedule inspection before the system is covered.
    • If the SCDES inspector does not arrive within 30 minutes, a licensed installer may self-inspect using approved form D-4432.
    • SCDES issues approval to operate if the installation meets South Carolina standards.

    inspector delay threshold: 30 minutes (licensed installer may proceed with self-inspection)

    “the installer must contact SCDES to schedule a time for the inspection of the septic system before it is covered.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Septic system installations in Greenwood County.
      “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 Greenwood 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”
  • 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.”
  • 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.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements in Greenwood County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage limits in Greenwood County.
  • Building height — Building-height limits in Greenwood County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in Greenwood County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Greenwood County.
3 more unanswered
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • 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.

Living off-grid in Greenwood County, South Carolina

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

Greenwood County scores 65/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 45.5″/yr rainfall plus 77.9% wooded land. Watch-outs: about 75,127 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Greenwood County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SC DES). 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.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Greenwood County is prohibited: Temporary or permanent occupancy of a travel or camping trailer parked or stored on a lot in a Greenwood County residential district. No more than one travel or camping trailer per family living on the premises is permitted on a lot in any residential district. The trailer may not be occupied temporarily or permanently while parked or stored. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

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

Land in Greenwood County runs about $3,514 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Greenwood County?

Greenwood County gets about 45.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 10.7% of years.

How remote is Greenwood County?

A representative private-land location has about 75,127 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,569,184 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 Greenwood compares in South Carolina

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