Building, Licensing and Zoning

Richard T. Bowers,
Building Official

803-283-4253
803-286-5927 (fax)
blz@lancastercitysc.com

Welcome to the Building, Licensing and
Zoning Department’s web page!

Our department is dedicated to helping customers take some of the inconvenience out of construction activity and provide a one-stop-shop to help meet industry needs. From building a home, acquiring property zoning information, to the start of a new business – important information is immediately available.

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
PUBLIC HEARING & REGULAR MEETING
February 15, 2010 - 5:30 PM - City Hall Council Chambers
Click here for agenda.

Planning Commission Meeting
February 2, 2010 - 6:30 PM - City Hall Council Chambers
Click here for agenda.

BUSINESS LICENSE

In accordance with Section 12-1 of the City of Lancaster Code of Ordinances, every person engaged or intending to engage in any calling, business, occupation or profession, in whole or in part, within the City is required to obtain a business license and pay a license fee.

Further, Sectioin 12-4 requires such fee to be paid, for each business subject to a business license fee, on or before May 31 of each year.

Please direct any questions you may have to the
Building, Licesnsing & Zoning office,
216 South Catawba Street - (803) 283-4253.

Planning to start a new business?

Steps to Preparing for Your New Business In the City of Lancaster…

• When you have found a desirable location, verify proper zoning through department personnel.

• With zoning approval, you will need to complete a Zoning & Inspection Occupancy Permit Application. 

• Once the application receives zoning approval, it will be forwarded to the Fire Department where an inspection can be set up between you and the Fire Marshal. This inspection will determine the safety of the building prior to occupancy. If repairs or remodeling is warranted, a building permit may be required.

• When the inspection has been completed and the Fire Marshal has approved occupancy, you can then complete a New Business License Application.   Based on the first year’s estimated gross receipts, upon calculation and fee payment, a business license can be issued.

• If a business sign is desired, a Sign Permit Application will need to be completed and returned for approval. Fees are applicable.

Planning to build/remodel?

No matter the extent of your project, be sure to call the Building, Licensing & Zoning Department to verify if your project will require a building permit. If a permit is required, the first step is completing a Building Permit Application. The complexity of the project determines the review time needed.    Common Types of Projects that Require a Building Permit…

• Grading
• New ground up construction
• Room additions or expansions
• Structural repairs, remodeling, vinyl siding installation, re-roofing and alterations
• Accessory structures such as sheds, gazebos, decks, patio slabs, swimming pools, etc.
• Carports and detached garages
• Fences over 6’ in height

Who needs a building permit?

Any person, firm, business or corporation planning to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, convert or demolish any building or structure within the corporate limits of Lancaster.

During “New Construction” process:

The City of Lancaster requires contractors to be in compliance with South Carolina State License Regulations for residential work. General Contractor certification is required when the total value of non-residential work exceeds $5,000. All contractors and sub-contractors must possess a current City of Lancaster business license. In addition to a building permit, other permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas) may be required. Also, your project may require the submission of a sketch or professional drawing. All plans submitted require a plan review. Plan reviews normally take 3 – 10 business days, depending on the complexity of the project.

Other Types of Permits Required:

• Electrical   Electrical installations (permanent and temporary)
  Low voltage (commercial security systems)
• Plumbing   Water systems
  Sewer systems
  Irrigation systems
  Cross connection control
• Mechanical  Air conditioning equipment
  Heating equipment
  Boilers
  Combustion and ventilation air
  Chimneys and vents
  Ventilation and Exhaust systems
  Solar energy utilization
  Refrigeration
  Ducts and duct systems
  Incinerators
  Insulation
• Gas  Piping installation (Air test required on all gas line work)
  Venting
  Heating Equipment

• Grading

The City of Lancaster requires electrical, plumbing, gas and mechanical contractors to possess a Master Qualification Card (purchased through the Building, Licensing & Zoning Department), City of Lancaster business license and a South Carolina Contractor’s License or certification through the Municipal Association of South Carolina.

Verification of Zoning

The City of Lancaster has eleven (11) zoning classifications. Verifying zoning prior to building, or even purchasing property, is very important. For your convenience, a zoning map may be purchased in the Building, Licensing & Zoning Department for a fee of $25.00. We have maps for reference use at no charge. For all city zoning questions, we are available.

For more information contact our office
at (803) 283-4253.

Building Official – Richard Bowers

Code Enforcement Officer – Louis Streater

Administrative Assistant – Devin Stevenson