City of Georgetown, South Carolina

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Building and Planning FAQ


 

 

How long is a permit good for?

The permit shall become invalid unless the work authorized is commenced within six (6) months after its issuance and work is completed within 18 months after its issued.    


What inspections will I need?

1.      Footing Inspection: To be done after the trenches are excavated and the placement of any required structural steel and prior to placement of any concrete.  Building setbacks will be checked during the footing inspection.  String lines need to be located from corner to corner of the property lines prior to the inspection.  If the inspector cannot clearly identify all setbacks the inspection will fail and a re-inspection fee will apply. Sanitation facilities must be on site for this inspection.

 

2.      Slab plumbing Inspection:  To be done once all under-slab plumbing has been placed in the ditch and properly connected and sealed.  Test drain lines with a 10’ stack full of water or 5#s. of air. Water supply lines w/fittings must be tested w/50#s of air, with water added.  Sleeves are required for penetrations of block walls or through or under footings.  Drain lines less than 2” may not be used underground.

 

3.      Slab-poly/wire Inspection: (Slab floors only) To be made after slab plumbing has been approved and covered.  Soil shall be compacted; the Inspector may require a separate compaction test. Interior load bearing footings in place with reinforcement, termite treatment complete, 6 mil (minimum) poly moisture barrier in place and wire installed (if required) All penetrations through the poly must be sealed as well as poly seams.  Block wall construction will be matched to plans at this inspection.

 

4.      Bond Beam Inspection: To be made prior to pouring concrete masonry units to check continuous lateral steel connected to dowels to top of block work, with no openings allowed in top of block, i.e., openings for access or ventilation. (Note: Bond Beam must be continuous around entire perimeter.

5.      Floor Framing Inspection: (for wood floors and decking only) To be done prior to placement of sub-flooring.  Pier placement, foundation strapping and anchors, joist spans, nailing, ledgers, clearances, cutting and notching of bearing and bridging members will be checked at this time.

6.      Sheathing Inspection: To be done prior to any roof covering or exterior siding or stucco being applied. Nailing patterns must match pattern called for on plans.  Doors and windows cannot be installed prior to passing this inspection.

7.      Brick Inspection:  To be done prior to the installation of brick or stone veneers.  House wrap, flashing applied under house wrap, all wall ties, must be evident, even at the gable ends. A detail drawing of brick requirements is available upon request.

8.      Rough-In Inspection: To be made prior to the covering or concealment of interior walls or ceilings.  This inspection will include framing, strapping, electrical, mechanical, and a plumbing inspection.

 

9.      Insulation Inspection: To be done prior to installation of drywall. This will assure proper R-values of the insulation as well as baffle and strap placement. (Insulation Inspection of any blown-in insulation will be done as part of the Final Inspection.)

 

10. Electrical Compliance Inspection: To be done when temporary electrical service is requested (good only for 90 days, a written request is required for an extension of this time period).  All electrical devices are to be installed, the panel, meter base, and disconnect must all be completed. Do not back wire the electrical service.  Your completed Roster Card is due at this time. Your “Finished Construction” Elevation Certificate is also due at this inspection if your project is in a Flood Zone.  A copy of this certificate must be on site at the ELC inspection so the Inspector may verify flood elevations.

Note: No furniture may be placed in the house and no occupancy of the house may occur until issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.  Furnishing or occupancy prior to C.O. is grounds for immediate disconnection of electric service to the house.

 

11. Final Inspection: To be done when the building is complete and ready for occupancy.  Proper posting of the 9-1-1 addresses, hose bib frost and back flow protection, electrical circuit testing, handrails and guardrails, attic blown in insulation, a working telephone in all elevators, are some of the items for this inspection. 

12. Certificate of Occupancy will be issued after all necessary inspections have been performed and passed.

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT NOT ALL INSPECTIONS OR POINTS MENTIONED WILL APPLY TO EVERY SITUATION.

 

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Is my home or business located in the historic district?

The boundaries for the City of Georgetown National Register Historic District are Church Street to the north, Wood Street to the west, the Sampit River to the south and Meeting Street to the east.

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When do I need to come before the City's Architectural Review Board?

Any exterior changes to a structure in the historic district must come before the Board. Fences, alterations, signage and additions and all new construction are some examples of items that need Board approval. Changes in color or routine maintenance (using in kind materials) are items that do not need Board approval.

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Can I cut a tree in my yard?

The City has a tree protection ordinance that applies to trees on private property. Call the Building and Planning Department to determine if your tree is on the City's list of significant trees.

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Can I have a business in my home?

Customary home occupations are allowed for some types of businesses with conditions in specific zoning districts. Check with the Building and Planning Department to see if your home business is permitted.

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Do I need a permit to erect a sign at my business?

Yes. Signs are addressed in Article X of the Zoning Ordinance. Contact the Zoning Administrator at 545-4010 to inquire about obtaining a sign permit.

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Do I need a permit to have a yard sale?

Yes. Yard sale permits cost $3.00 and can be obtained from the Building and Planning Department. Permits are good for two consecutive days. You are allowed to have four yard sales per year. To conduct a sale in front of a business or on an empty lot (as opposed to a residence) you will need a peddler's license and a hold harmless agreement signed by the property owner. See the Finance Department about acquiring a peddler's license.

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How is my property zoned?

The City has 17 different zoning districts: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, HB, MR, CC, NC, WC, GC, IC, HI, LI, CP, PD and PS. A map showing the districts is located in the Building and Planning Department and in the GIS and Maps section of the Building & Planning web page. Call 545-4010 to inquire about the zoning for your property. It is helpful to have a tax map number, address or the cross streets adjacent to your property when calling.

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Do I need a permit to erect a fence on my property?

No, but if you are located in the historic district you will need to apply to the Architectural Review Board for approval of the fence. Contact the Building and Planning Department for an application. Fences in the R1, R2, R3, R4 and MR districts can be a maximum of eight feet high and twelve feet high in the IC, CC, GC, LI and HI zoning districts. Opacity levels cannot exceed 75% for fences outside of the setback area that are greater than six feet high.

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There is a "public notice" sign in my neighborhood. What does this mean?

One of two things--either the property owner has requested for a rezoning change or the property owner has applied a variance to the City's Zoning Ordinance concerning this property. Call 545-4010 with questions about any public notice.

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How do I rezone my property?

Contact The Building & Planning Department at 545-4010 for a rezoning application. There is a $150 application fee for all zoning request, with the exception of request for a rezoning change to Planned Development (PD).  Charges for request for rezoning to Planned Development (PD) are as follows:

Minor Subdivisions (1-3 Acres):

 

·         Residential/Commercial/ Industrial Planned Developments shall be charged a base fee of $ 500.00, plus $10.00 per acre for every acre over the required minimum of one (1) acre.

 

·         Mixed Use Planned Developments shall be charged a base fee of $500.00, plus $15.00 per acre for every acre over the required minimum if one (1) acre.

Request for changes to existing Minor Planned Developments shall be charged a base fee of $100.00 plus $3.00 per acre of affected area Residential and $5.00 per acre of affected commercial/industrial/mixed use area of development.

 

Major Subdivisions (Over 3 acres):

 

·         Residential/Commercial/Industrial Planned Developments shall be charged a base fee of $ 500.00, plus $3.00 per acre for every acre over the required minimum of (3) acres.

 

·         Mixed Use Planned Developments shall be charged a base fee of $ 500.00, plus $5.00 per acre for every acre over the required minimum of three (3) acres.

 

·         Request for Major changes to existing Major Planned Developments shall be charged a base fee of $200.00 plus $5.00 per acre of affected area Residential and/or $10.00 per acre of affected commercial/industrial/mixed use area of development.

·         The Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing and make a recommendation to the City Council.

 

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