Residential Patio Covers and Carports
Constructing a Wood Deck (make sure you are using the adopted codes)
Base your drawings and regulations on the correct code based on the code adopted at the time of construction. The adopted codes are listed on the Building Department homepage.
Prescriptive_Residential_Wood_Deck_Construction_Guide
I Built Without a Permit--What Now?
Structures Built Without Proper Building Permits and Building Inspections.
Please note that in some cases Lancaster County may not be able to approve a permit for your structure. Allowable uses, setbacks to property lines, wetland issues, building height limits, Department of Environmental Health issues and flood hazard requirements are examples of items that may pose restrictions preventing permit issuance. Removal of the non-permitted structure may be the only option for compliance. Please check for any possible problems before obtaining structural plans and any required reports. For stand alone structures or additions to existing structures, you will need to contact the Lancaster County Zoning Department at (803) 416-9777 to secure a zoning permit as well. The Zoning department staff will advise if your use is allowed by the Unified development Ordinance. If you are finishing or remodeling existing space, no Zoning permit is required.
A South Carolina state licensed engineer must inspect the building for all structural requirements, including both lateral and gravity loads. The engineer may require removal of portions of siding and/or sheetrock or other invasive inspections to certify the structure meets minimum structural requirements. The engineer must provide a report stating the structural portions meet minimum building code requirements of the current adopted International Building Code, or list any deficiencies and provide a design to correct them. Deficiencies must be corrected by a South Carolina Licensed contractor. The engineers report must bear the seal of the South Carolina state licensed engineer.
Any electrical work such as additional outlets, branch circuits, feeders panels added to the project must have a report from a licensed electrical contractor stating the work complies with the 2012 International Residential Code or 2011 National Electrical Code as adopted by Lancaster County.
If plumbing work, such as adding fixtures or moving the kitchen sink has been done, a report, noting that the work complies with the 2012 International Plumbing Code, from a Licensed Plumber must be provided prior to a permit being issued.
If mechanical work, such as installing a new furnace or fireplace has been done, a report from a Licensed Mechanical installer is needed. The report shall note that all aspects of the work complies with the equipment's’ listing and installation requirements, the mechanical portion of the 2012 International Residential Codeand/or the International Fuel Gas Code. The report must be provided prior to a permit being issued. In addition, the mechanical contractor shall provide a Manual J and Manual D calculation for the space.
(Mechanical work that includes minor changes such as adding a heat supply duct or a bathroom fan may not require a mechanical report.)
Upon receipt and approval of all the required reports as outlined above, a final inspection will be performed for inspection of life safety features such as, but not limited to smoke detection system, carbon monoxide alarm systems, emergency escape and rescue openings, steps and landings located on the interior and exterior of the structure.
Engineer of record ____________________ P.E. Seal__________________________
Date__________________________
Building Contractor ______________________
South Carolina License Number_____________
Electrical Contractor______________________
South Carolina License Number_____________
Plumbing Contractor______________________
South Carolina License Number_____________
Mechanical Contractor____________________
South Carolina License Number_____________
Insulating an Attic Access
Insulate that attic opening and keep that energy from going through the roof !
AA-Atticaccess 00-768
Metal Buildings
What are the requirements for anchoring a metal building or a carport ?
Metal Building Anchoring
Retaining Wall Requirements
Building permits are required for all retaining walls 4 feet in height or which support a surcharge or impounding Class I , II or IIA liquids. See attachment for requirements.
Retaining Wall Requirements
Sample Drawings for Addition to Single family Residence
Submittable fill in the blank drawings for an addition to your home
Lanc 2012 Addition
Sample Pole barn Drawings
Submitable drawings to construct a pole barn
Lancaster 2012 pole-barn
Sample drawings for a Detached Accessory Structure
Drawings for a detached garage
Lancaster 2012 garage
Sample Drawings for finishing a basement
Submitable drawings to finish a basement
Lancaster 2012 basement
Sample residential drawings
Fill in the blank drawings you can submit for your project.
Residential Plan Review Handout
Single Family Residence Re-roofing
Everything you need to know about re-roofing your house
Lancaster 2012 roof
Span Charts
Here is a helpful chart to tell you how far you can span lumber
Span tables joists and rafters
Typical Accessible Restroom Layouts
Examples of typical accessible restrooms with dmensions.
Typical accessible restroom layouts