Bolthole Index

Kershaw County, South Carolina

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

58Index Score / 100
#30 of 46 in South Carolina

Kershaw County, South Carolina requires building permits and enforces the statewide building codes through county Planning & Zoning12. The county also administers zoning and land-development regulations3. For land without public or community sewer, SCDES must issue the septic permit before the county can issue the building permit45.

At a glance

Building permit
Required, issued by Kershaw County Planning & Zoning under statewide SC building codes1
Zoning
Yes; confirm the parcel's district and applicable rules with Planning & Zoning3
Septic permit
SCDES approval is required where public or community sewer is unavailable45
Owner-builder exemption
Available conditionally for an owner-supervised family residence6
Private well
A residential or irrigation well needs an SCDES Notice of Intent before construction7
Manufactured home
Also needs SCDES septic approval before the county can issue any related permit8

Who to call

Building permits

Kershaw County Planning & Zoning (Building Permits and Inspections)

Building permits, inspections, and permit fee schedules for unincorporated Kershaw County

803.425.1500

515 Walnut St, Camden, SC 29020

Zoning

Kershaw County Planning & Zoning

Zoning permits, number of dwellings per parcel, accessory structures and apartments, and floodplain permitting under the county's Zoning and Land Development Regulations

803.425.1500

515 Walnut St, Camden, SC 29020

Septic permits

South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)

Site approval and septic construction permits for property not served by public or community sewer, statewide including Kershaw County

(803) 898-3432

info@des.sc.gov

2600 Bull St., Columbia, SC 29201

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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

Yes. Kershaw County Planning & Zoning issues building permits and inspections, and the county enforces South Carolina's mandatory building codes129. You can apply for a building permit and schedule inspections through the link on the county page9. An owner may act as the builder for a qualifying one- or two-family residence intended for the owner or family, but must personally supervise the work, use licensed contractors where required, sign the application in person, and record the required notice6. Selling or renting within 2 years creates a presumption that the project did not qualify for that exemption6. A residential owner also does not need a building permit for a one-story detached accessory structure up to 200 square feet, or a deck up to 200 square feet and no more than 30 inches above grade10. A farm structure such as a barn or shed can skip the building-code portion when the owner files the county farm-structure affidavit before construction; the affidavit states a 5000 square foot size limit, and residences are excluded11.

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

Kershaw County Planning & Zoning, at 515 Walnut St in Camden, 803.425.1500, handles building permits and inspections9. Once a permit is issued, the property must be clearly marked with proper address numbers under the county's 9-1-1 addressing requirements9. The mandatory South Carolina codes currently enforced by counties took effect in 2023, while local administrative procedures remain the county's responsibility2. The county fee schedule effective July 1, 2025 computes building permit fees from valuation of $88 per square foot of heated space, $35 for unfinished space, $51 for garages and $24 for porches and decks, or the contract cost, whichever is higher12. Ask Planning & Zoning for the current application checklist and plan-review fees9.

Does Kershaw County have zoning?

Yes, Kershaw County administers a Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations governing land use and the number of dwellings allowed per parcel3. The county's permit page points readers to rules for dwellings per lot, accessory apartments, and floodplain permitting13. The available facts do not establish that identical county zoning applies everywhere, so Accessory apartments are limited: the principal dwelling must be owner-occupied, the apartment cannot exceed 50 percent of its floor area or two bedrooms, a detached one must be at least 20 feet from the principal dwelling, and neither may be a manufactured home14. Call Planning & Zoning at 803.425.1500 to confirm whether the parcel is under county or municipal jurisdiction and to verify its district, allowed uses, setbacks, and dwelling limits13.

How do septic permits work in Kershaw County?

SCDES, not Kershaw County, issues septic approvals and permits for a home or manufactured home not served by public or community sewer, and the county cannot issue the building permit first45. The application fee is $150, and a Permit to Construct is valid for 5 years; renewal or modification after that requires a new application and fee5. Before the system is covered, the installer must schedule an SCDES inspection; if the inspector has not arrived within 30 minutes of the appointment, a licensed installer may self-inspect and submit the approved documentation15. Only 25.8% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation an early contingency16.

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

Kershaw County administers zoning and regulates the number of dwellings allowed on a parcel, but we could not confirm the county's rules for living in an RV, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy, or minimum dwelling size313. A manufactured or tiny home using septic still needs SCDES approval before construction or placement when public or community sewer is unavailable5. Before buying for any of these uses, call Planning & Zoning at 803.425.1500 with the parcel number and ask about jurisdiction, zoning district, dwelling type, temporary occupancy, and required permits13.

How do you build a home in Kershaw County, South Carolina, step by step?

  1. Call Kershaw County Planning & Zoning at 803.425.1500 to verify jurisdiction, zoning, allowed dwellings, and the current application requirements13.
  2. If sewer is unavailable, apply to SCDES for septic approval; the county cannot issue the building permit until the septic permit is issued5.
  3. If you will use a private residential well, submit the required Notice of Intent to SCDES before well construction7.
  4. Decide whether to hire a licensed builder or use the conditional owner-builder exemption and complete its personal-appearance, supervision, disclosure, and recording requirements6.
  5. Apply through the county's building-permit link and schedule the required inspections9.
  6. Mark the property with its proper address numbers when the permit issues9.

What should you check before buying land in Kershaw County, South Carolina?

Confirm jurisdiction and zoning first, because Kershaw County regulates land use and dwelling count but the parcel-level district rules still need verification313. Make septic feasibility a contract contingency: SCDES issues the permit, and only 25.8% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field416. A private residential or irrigation well requires a Notice of Intent before construction; the listed fees are $70 for a residential well and $50 for an irrigation well, and SCDES has a 48-hour review period for a completed filing7. Also confirm floodplain constraints and legal driveway access with Planning & Zoning before closing13.

Watch-outs

  • Kershaw County cannot issue a building permit for a site needing septic until SCDES issues the septic permit, so start that process early5.
  • Kershaw County runs a Building Permit Allocation System under its own ordinance; ask Planning & Zoning whether it limits or delays your project before you buy9.
  • The owner-builder exemption requires personal supervision and recorded notice, and a sale or rental within 2 years creates a presumption against eligibility6.

Sources

  1. Kershaw County - Building Permits and Inspections (2026 county census)
  2. Building Codes in Effect for South Carolina, quoted and re-checked
  3. Kershaw County - Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development (2026 county census)
  4. Septic Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder, quoted and re-checked
  5. Septic Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder, quoted and re-checked
  6. South Carolina Code Title 40, Chapter 59, quoted and re-checked
  7. Private Drinking Water Wells, quoted and re-checked
  8. Septic Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder (South Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Kershaw County Planning & Zoning (Building Permits and Inspections) (kershaw.sc.gov)
  10. South Carolina Code of Laws, Section 40-59-265, quoted and re-checked
  11. Affidavit of Construction of a Farm Structure, quoted and re-checked
  12. Schedule of Fees, quoted and re-checked
  13. Kershaw County Planning & Zoning (kershaw.sc.gov)
  14. Accessory Apartments, quoted and re-checked
  15. Septic Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder, quoted and re-checked
  16. 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

Written October 10, 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, Kershaw County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleKershaw CountyLee CountyRichland CountyFairfield CountyLancaster CountySumter CountyChesterfield County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsSCDESSCDESSCDESSCDESSCDESSC DESSC Dept. of Env. Services

County locator

Kershaw County in South Carolina

58
County map
Kershaw County highlighted among the South Carolina counties · colored by Index score

How Kershaw County scores

Seclusion30100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency67100% ev.
Admin Boringness45100% ev.
Durability69100% ev.
Property Autonomy46100% ev.
Carry Cost82100% 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 →

$261kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$3,888Land / acre
44"Annual rain
2.5% of yrsSevere drought
12.9 / yr (+11.2)Mid-century 100°F days
14.6 daysMid-century dry spell
2.19" (+5.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.37×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,362Home insurance / yr
0.8% / yrInsurance growth
2.33%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
80,094People within 30 min
4,608,064People within 2 hr
55,253Radius comparison (15 mi)
96.2People / sq mi
0.6%Federal land
92.9%Land at 15% slope or less
25.8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
119,268 acWorkable land screen
76.9%Wooded land
43.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
62.5°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Kershaw 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 Bethune · Town of Elgin

Answers from the rulebook for Kershaw County

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

Kershaw County rules

  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Accessory apartments in Kershaw County zoning jurisdiction.

    • The principal dwelling must be owner-occupied.
    • The apartment may not exceed 50 percent of the principal dwelling's gross floor area or two bedrooms.
    • It must have separate kitchen and bathroom facilities.
    • Only one apartment is allowed per single-family dwelling or lot.
    • It must meet yard setbacks and, if detached, be at least 20 feet from the principal dwelling.
    • A detached apartment readily apparent from the street must be compatible in appearance and orientation.
    • A third off-street parking space is required.
    • Neither the primary residence nor accessory apartment may be a manufactured home.

    maximum gross floor area: <= 50 percent of principal dwelling · maximum bedrooms: <= 2 bedrooms · detached apartment separation: >= 20 feet · off-street parking: >= 3 spaces (third space required)

    “The apartment, whether attached or detached, can not exceed fifty (50) percent of the gross floor area of the principal dwelling or contain more than two bedrooms. [...] Neither the primary residence nor the accessory apartment shall be a manufactured home.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Farm structures in Kershaw County for which the owner files the county farm-structure affidavit before construction.

    • The structure must be on a farm and not be a residence or attached structure.
    • It may include barns, sheds, and poultry houses, but not public livestock areas.
    • A structure later converted to another use is excluded.
    • The affidavit must be filed before construction and must state the purpose or intended use.
    • FEMA National Flood Insurance Program standards apply.
    • The affidavit states a 5,000-square-foot size limit.

    farm-structure size limit: <= 5000 square feet

    “The governing body of a county or municipality may not enforce that portion of a nationally recognized building code which regulates the construction or improvement of a farm structure. [...] NOTICE: There is a 5000 square foot size limit for Farm Structures”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Kershaw County building, zoning, and land-development permits covered by the county fee schedule.

    • The schedule is effective July 1, 2025.
    • Building permit valuation uses heated space at $88/square foot, unfinished space at $35/square foot, garages at $51/square foot, and porches/decks at $24/square foot, or contract cost, whichever valuation is higher.
    • Plan-review fees vary by construction-cost tier.

    effective date: 2025-07-01 · heated-space valuation: 88 USD per square foot · unfinished-space valuation: 35 USD per square foot · garage valuation: 51 USD per square foot · porch/deck valuation: 24 USD per square foot

    “SCHEDULE OF FEES EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025 [...] Building permit fees are computed on the following values: [...] Heated Space - $88 / sq.ft [...] Unfinished Space - $35 / sq.ft [...] Garages - $51 / sq.ft [...] Porches and Decks - $24 / sq.ft”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    The county administers a Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations governing dwellings per parcel and land use.

    Kershaw County - Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

South Carolina rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Residential-property-owner improvements in Kershaw County and elsewhere in South Carolina that fall within the statewide statutory exemptions from building permit application requirements.

    • South Carolina counties and municipalities enforce the statewide building codes within their jurisdictions.
    • The statutory exemptions apply only to an owner of residential property improving the property.
    • Exempt building improvements include one-story detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet; fences not over 7 feet high; retaining walls not over 4 feet high measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall unless supporting a surcharge; water tanks supported directly upon grade up to 5,000 gallons with a height-to-diameter-or-width ratio not exceeding 2 to 1; sidewalks and driveways; painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work; prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; swings and other playground equipment; exterior-wall-supported window awnings projecting no more than 54 inches and requiring no additional support; and decks no more than 200 square feet and no more than 30 inches above grade at any point.
    • Electrical exemptions include listed cord-and-plug-connected temporary decorative lighting; reinstallation of attachment-plug receptacles but not outlets; replacement of branch-circuit overcurrent devices of the required capacity in the same location; wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts; minor repair work including lamp replacement or connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
    • Gas exemptions include portable heating, cooking or clothes-drying appliances; replacement of a minor part that does not alter equipment approval or make the equipment unsafe; and portable-fuel-cell appliances not connected to a fixed-piping system or power grid.
    • Mechanical exemptions include portable heating, ventilation and cooling appliances; steam or hot- or chilled-water piping within heating or cooling equipment regulated by the South Carolina Residential Building Code; replacement of a minor part that does not alter equipment approval or make the equipment unsafe; portable evaporative coolers; self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant or actuated by motors of 1 horsepower or less; and portable-fuel-cell appliances not connected to a fixed-piping system or power grid.
    • Plumbing exemptions include stopping leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe, but concealed defective traps or pipes requiring removal and replacement with new material are new work requiring a permit and inspection under the South Carolina Residential Building Code; and clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures and removing and reinstalling water closets when the repairs do not involve or require replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.
    • The statute states that the listed improvements are exempt from building permit application requirements; it does not establish a blanket exemption for other construction.
    “The improvements delineated in subsection (A) are exempt from building permit application requirements and an owner of residential property who makes these improvements is not required to have a residential builder or residential specialty contractor's license or be subject to the penalties provided in this chapter.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction of a home or placement of a manufactured home on property in South Carolina that is not served by a public or community sewer system, including property in Kershaw County.
      “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.”
    • Limited — Construction regulated by South Carolina building-code law, with permits issued and administered by the applicable county or municipal building authority.
      “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.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

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

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

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

    “This chapter does not apply to an owner of residential property who improves the property or who builds or improves structures or appurtenances on the property if: (1) the owner does the work himself, with his own employees, or with licensed contractors or registered entities or individuals; (2) the structure, group of structures, or appurtenances, including the improvements, are intended for the owner's sole occupancy or occupancy by the owner's family and are not intended for sale or rent; and (3) the general public does not have access to this structure.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — An owner of residential property improving the property or building or improving structures or appurtenances for the owner's or the owner's family's use.
      “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 — 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:”
  • 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 — Mandatory South Carolina building, residential, fire, plumbing, mechanical, fuel-gas, electrical, energy, and accessibility codes applicable in South Carolina counties and municipalities.
      “On October 6, 2021, the South Carolina Building Codes Council adopted the latest editions of the mandatory codes [...] implementation date [...] 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.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Buildings and building-code inspections in Kershaw County, including the county's unincorporated area, under South Carolina's statewide building-code enforcement framework.

    • South Carolina requires counties to enforce the listed building codes and requires each county to appoint or contract with a building official covering the unincorporated area.
    • Buildings must be inspected under the codes in effect for the locality on the date the original building permit was issued.
    • If no original permit issuance date can be found, use the date the completed application was submitted to the local authority.
    • If neither an application date nor permit issuance date is available, the applicable county planning and development service director or similar agency determines the nearest possible date using available documents, including property-transfer, mortgage, tax, or rent records.
    • A building inspection connected with a structural change must use the applicable code in effect on the application or permit date.
    • A building inspection connected with a change of use must use the applicable code in effect on the inspection date, with the inspection intended to avoid extreme hardship whenever practical.
    • The statute states that allocation of inspection duties among local officials remains a matter for the local authority.
    • The statute provides a county-service exception: a county that cannot arrange required services within the recommended fee schedule may submit an affidavit seeking exemption; the exemption lasts until financially feasible or for five years, whichever is less, and may be renewed at five-year intervals.
    • A municipality or county may establish an agreement with another governmental entity to issue permits and enforce building codes.
    “Buildings must be inspected in accordance with the codes in effect for the locality on the date of the issuance of the original building permit”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Building inspections performed under South Carolina building-code enforcement by the applicable county or municipal building official.
      “Buildings must be inspected in accordance with the codes in effect for the locality on the date of the issuance of the original building permit”
  • Who permits septicState

    Residential onsite wastewater permitting and inspection described by SCDES for property not served by public or community sewer.

    • Local inspection ordinances may impose additional requirements.
    • The source directs applicants to contact local government to determine water and sewer availability.
    “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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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

    A home or manufactured home on property not served by a public or community sewer system.

    • SCDES approval and a permit to install the septic system must be obtained before the county can issue a building permit.
    • The source states South Carolina law requires site approvals and permits for all septic systems.
    • Permits to Construct are good for five years; renewal or modification requires a new application and fee.

    application fee: 150 USD · Permit to Construct validity: 5 years (Renewal or modifications require a new application and fee.)

    “South Carolina law requires site approvals and permits for all septic systems.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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 of a residential septic system subject to SCDES permitting.

    • The installer must contact SCDES before the system is covered.
    • If an SCDES inspector does not arrive within 30 minutes of the scheduled time, a licensed installer may self-inspect.
    • Self-inspection documentation must be provided on SCDES-approved form D-4432.
    • Existing systems generally are not subject to regular inspection under state law unless a local ordinance requires it.

    inspector arrival period: 30 minutes (Licensed installer may proceed with self-inspection if the inspector does not arrive within this period.)

    “the SCDES inspector will return to the site to inspect the septic system installation.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Individual residential and irrigation wells in Kershaw 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”
    • Required — New individual residential and irrigation wells in Kershaw 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. [...] A fee of $70.00 for each individual residential well and a fee of $50.00 for each irrigation well should accompany the NOI for it to be considered a complete application. [...] Upon receipt of a completed NOI, SCDES has 48 hours to accomplish its review.”
  • 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.”
  • 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 processPublished (with conditions)

    The SCDES residential septic permit process for homes or manufactured homes on property not served by public or community sewer.

    • Submit the D-1740 application online through ePermitting with a plat or deed.
    • SCDES reviews the paperwork and may issue correction requests.
    • A site visit is required under the traditional permitting method.
    • After a Permit to Construct, a licensed installer may install the system.
    • The installer must schedule the pre-cover inspection; a licensed installer may self-inspect after a 30-minute delay, with D-4432 documentation.
    • Permits to Construct last five years.
    “submitted online through the ePermitting Portal.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Building-code permitting and administrative procedures across South Carolina municipalities and counties.
      “Administrative policies and procedures are the sole responsibility of each local jurisdiction.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Camping at South Carolina state-park campsites.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in Kershaw County.
  • Local zoning — The aggregate presence and variation of zoning administered by Kershaw County and incorporated local governments within the county.
  • Zoning districts — Published Kershaw County zoning districts and district boundaries.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum floor area for dwellings in unincorporated Kershaw County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum residential lot area in Kershaw County zoning districts.
9 more unanswered
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • 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 Kershaw 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 Kershaw County, South Carolina

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

Kershaw County scores 58/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 80,094 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

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

Land in Kershaw County runs about $3,888 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Kershaw County?

Kershaw County gets about 44" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.5% of years. On water rights, Kershaw County lies in the Santee-Lynches Capacity Use Area — Newest CUA (2021); whole of Clarendon, Lee, Sumter plus portions of Chesterfield, Kershaw, Richland. Permit required >=3 MG/month; a new domestic household well is exempt..

How remote is Kershaw County?

A representative private-land location has about 80,094 people within a 30-minute drive and 4,608,064 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 Kershaw compares in South Carolina

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