Dillon County, SC Building Permits, Zoning & Septic Rules

Dillon County, South Carolina requires building permits and inspects residential construction¹. The county administers zoning in unincorporated Dillon County². For land without public or community sewer, SCDES septic approval must come before the county can issue a building permit³.

At a glance

Building permit: Required; issued by Dillon County Building Code Enforcement¹
Zoning: Yes in unincorporated Dillon County⁴
Septic: SCDES approval is required before the county building permit where sewer is unavailable³
Owner-builder: Available for a qualifying owner- or family-occupied residence, subject to statutory conditions⁵
Private well: SCDES Notice of Intent required before construction⁶
RV and tiny home: County occupancy rules were not confirmed; ask Planning & Zoning for a parcel-specific answer⁴
Conventional septic soils: Only about 2.1% of soils rate without severe limitations⁷
Property tax: Effective rate about 0.5%; median annual bill about $425⁸⁹

Who to call

Building permits

Dillon County Building Code Enforcement and Planning & Zoning

Building permits and follow-up inspections; zoning permits, ordinance interpretation, project review and zoning enforcement

(843)841-3874

[email protected]

401 W. Main St., Suite 201 P.O Box 256 Dillon, SC 29536

Septic permits

South Carolina Department of Environmental Services Onsite Wastewater Customer Support

General onsite-wastewater application, timeframe and application-hold questions

1-855-731-2504

[email protected]

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

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

Yes. Dillon County Building Code Enforcement issues building permits and provides follow-up inspections for construction and remodeling projects; the permits include electrical, plumbing and mechanical work¹⁰. County staff also review plans and inspect residential, commercial, industrial and manufactured-home setup work during and after construction¹¹. The current statewide code baseline is the 2021 South Carolina Building Codes, effective January 1, 2023¹². South Carolina has adopted the 2024 editions, but local implementation begins January 1, 2027¹³. Ask the county office which code edition and application documents apply when you file because local administrative procedures remain the county's responsibility¹⁴.

Who is the Dillon County building department, and how do you reach it?

Dillon County combines Building Code Enforcement with Planning & Zoning at 401 W. Main St., Suite 201, Dillon, SC 29536; call (843)841-3874 or email [email protected]¹⁰. The office issues building permits, conducts follow-up inspections, issues zoning permits and interprets the zoning ordinance¹⁰. Building-permit fees are set locally, but we could not confirm Dillon County's current fee schedule; ask the office for the amount tied to the proposed project¹⁵. A qualifying owner-builder may build or improve a residence intended for the owner or family, but must personally supervise the work, use licensed trades where required, sign the application and record the required notice¹⁶.

Does Dillon County have zoning?

Yes. Dillon County administers zoning in the unincorporated county, where Planning & Zoning evaluates construction proposals and enforces the County Zoning Ordinance²⁴. Zoning categories allow particular land uses, and some proposals may require rezoning; county staff maintain the zoning map and review proposed development¹⁰. Incorporated municipalities may apply separate rules, so confirm whether the parcel lies inside municipal limits⁴. We could not confirm Dillon County's minimum home size, minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage or building-height schedule. Ask Planning & Zoning for the parcel's district, allowed use and dimensional standards before choosing a building location or purchasing a structure. The county warns that its online GIS data may lag official action, so obtain confirmation from staff¹⁰.

How do septic permits work in Dillon County?

SCDES, not Dillon County, approves and permits onsite wastewater systems¹⁷. For a home or manufactured home on land without public or community sewer, obtain SCDES approval and a Permit to Construct before seeking the county building permit¹⁸. The septic application fee is $150, and a Permit to Construct is valid for 5 years; renewal or modification requires a new application and fee¹⁸. SCDES evaluates the property for septic suitability, and the installer must schedule inspection before covering the system¹⁹²⁰. Only about 2.1% of Dillon County soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility an early purchase contingency⁷. SCDES cannot issue an onsite-wastewater permit where public sewer is accessible²¹.

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

We could not confirm a Dillon County rule that broadly allows or prohibits long-term RV living on private land. We also could not confirm how the county classifies tiny homes, or a countywide minimum dwelling size. Unincorporated Dillon County is zoned, and the county issues zoning permits for land uses, so the answer can depend on the parcel and proposed use⁴¹⁰. Before buying an RV or tiny home for a site, ask Planning & Zoning for a written parcel-specific answer covering occupancy, utility connections, setbacks and whether temporary use during construction is allowed. A manufactured home is not automatically a proxy for a tiny home: Dillon County separately inspects manufactured-home setup during and after construction¹¹.

How do you build a home in Dillon County?

Ask Dillon County Planning & Zoning to confirm the parcel's jurisdiction, zoning district, allowed residential use and dimensional standards⁴¹⁰.
Determine whether public sewer is accessible; where it is not, secure SCDES septic approval before the county building permit³²¹.
If drilling an individual residential well, submit the SCDES Notice of Intent before construction and budget the $70 fee⁶.
Submit plans and the permit application to Dillon County Building Code Enforcement, which reviews plans and issues permits¹¹¹.
If claiming the owner-builder exemption, personally sign and supervise, use licensed trades where required and record the required notice¹⁶.
Arrange county building inspections and the SCDES septic inspection before covered work becomes inaccessible¹¹²⁰.
Obtain the required certificate of occupancy before occupying a covered new building²².

What should you check before buying land in Dillon County?

Start with jurisdiction and zoning: verify that the parcel is in unincorporated Dillon County and obtain its official district and allowed uses from Planning & Zoning⁴¹⁰. Check sewer before septic because SCDES cannot permit onsite wastewater where public sewer is accessible²¹. Soil ratings are a serious warning sign: only about 2.1% of county soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional drain field⁷. For a private residential well, SCDES requires a Notice of Intent before construction⁶. Determine whether road frontage is county or state maintained; a qualifying residential entrance on a state-highway right-of-way falls under SCDOT's driveway program²³. We could not confirm Dillon County's floodplain-development process, so ask Planning & Zoning who reviews the parcel before finalizing a house site. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, and the median annual bill is about $425⁸⁹.

Watch-outs

Only about 2.1% of Dillon County soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so do not assume an undeveloped parcel will support a conventional system⁷.
The county's online GIS may lag zoning changes and is not exact for official purposes; request current parcel information from Planning & Zoning¹⁰.
We could not confirm Dillon County rules for RV occupancy, tiny homes, minimum dwelling size, setbacks or floodplain development; ask Planning & Zoning at (843)841-3874 before committing to a design or use¹⁰.

Sources

Written September 27, 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.

How Dillon County scores

Seclusion35100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency61100% ev.

Admin Boringness45100% ev.

Durability50100% ev.

Property Autonomy46100% ev.

Carry Cost86100% 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 →

$125kTypical home

0.5%Property tax

$2,757Land / acre

47.7"Annual rain

1.7% of yrsSevere drought

11.2 / yr (+9.4)Mid-century 100°F days

14.5 daysMid-century dry spell

2.14" (+8%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.28×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,597Home insurance / yr

0.9% / yrInsurance growth

1.41%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

61,699People within 30 min

4,503,147People within 2 hr

61,400Radius comparison (15 mi)

68.4People / sq mi

0.4%Federal land

100%Land at 15% slope or less

2.1%Septic soil without severe limits

5,562 acWorkable land screen

61.3%Wooded land

52 tonsBiomass / forest ac

63.3°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Dillon County

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

Dillon County rules

InspectionsRequired
Construction, remodeling, and building projects inspected by Dillon County.
- The county page states that follow-up inspections are provided and that residential, commercial, industrial, manufactured-home setup, and other buildings are inspected during and after construction.
“Planning & Zoning staff reviews and approves building plans for code compliance- Inspects residential, commercial, industrial, manufactured home set-up and other buildings during and after construction to ensure that codes are met for public safety-”
Building, Code Enforcement and Planning & Zoning ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
County zoning regulation in Dillon County's unincorporated area.
- The county page states that zoning is administered through a County Zoning Ordinance and that construction proposals are evaluated in the unincorporated County.
- Incorporated municipalities may have separate local rules; no municipal ordinance was established in this research.
“The Zoning Department is responsible for enforcing the County Zoning Ordinance set forth by the Planning Commission and adopted by the County Council. This includes the issuance of zoning permits for land use purposes and interpreting provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.”
Building, Code Enforcement and Planning & Zoning ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026

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.”
South Carolina Code Title 6, Chapter 9 — Building Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
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.
- The owner must do the work personally, with the owner's employees, or with licensed contractors or registered entities or individuals.
- The structure, structures, appurtenances, or improvements must be intended for the owner's sole occupancy or occupancy by the owner's family and not intended for sale or rent.
- The general public must not have access to the structure.
- Sale, rent, or offering for sale or rent by the owner-builder within two years after completion or issuance of a certificate of occupancy is prima facie evidence that the project was undertaken for sale or rent, unless otherwise approved by the commission.
- The owner must personally appear and sign the building permit application.
- The owner must supervise the construction personally and may not hire an unlicensed residential builder or specialty contractor.
- Construction must comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, building codes, and zoning regulations.
- The owner must promptly file a public notice with the register of deeds stating that the 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 chapter.
“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:”
South Carolina Code Title 40, Chapter 59 — Residential Builders ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Building code adoptedAdopted (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 on October 6, 2021.
- The effective date for the 2021 codes was January 1, 2023.
- Counties and municipalities enforce the State Building Code Council statewide modifications within their jurisdictions.
- Administrative policies and procedures are the responsibility of each local jurisdiction and are not included in adoption of the mandatory codes.
- Certain state and school district projects are excepted under S.C. Code Ann. § 6-9-110.
adoption date: 2021-10-06 · effective date: 2023-01-01
“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.”
Building Code Adoption ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Adopted (with conditions) — South Carolina building codes applicable to local jurisdictions, including Dillon County.
  “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.”
  Building Code Adoption ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- 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.”
  2024 Building Code Modification Index ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Certificate of occupancyRequired
Buildings covered by South Carolina's Energy Standard.
- A building constructed after the effective date of the Energy Standard must not be used or occupied until a certificate of occupancy has been issued.
- The statute provides an exception where otherwise provided in the Energy Standard.
- The cited provision has an effective date of July 1, 2009.
“A building constructed after the effective date of the Energy Standard must not be used or occupied until a certificate of occupancy has been issued.”
Code of Laws - Title 6 - Chapter 10 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Who permits septicState (with conditions)
On-site wastewater permitting and inspections for Dillon County.
- SCDES administers septic approval, permitting, site evaluation, and inspection described on the official pages.
- Local government should be contacted to determine water and sewer availability.
“An SCDES inspector will visit your property to determine whether the land is suitable for a septic system”
Septic Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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 Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Residential septic systems and manufactured homes on property not served by public or community sewer.
- SCDES approval and a permit to install are required before construction or placement.
- The application fee listed on the page is $150.
- Permits to Construct are good for five years; renewal or modification requires a new application and fee.
application fee: 150 USD · permit duration: 5 years (Permits to Construct)
“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 Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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 Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Septic inspectionLimited
Existing septic systems and new-home construction using a septic system statewide in South Carolina.
- S.C. law does not require regular inspection of existing systems.
- Some towns have local ordinances requiring regular inspections.
- For a new home using a septic system, SCDES must evaluate the building site before issuing the septic construction permit.
- During installation, the installer must contact SCDES for a final inspection before the system is covered.
“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.”
Septic Tanks - Frequently Asked Questions ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Septic-system installations regulated by SCDES.
  “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.”
  Septic Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
Private Drinking Water Wells ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Individual residential wells and irrigation wells in Dillon 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.”
  Private Drinking Water Wells ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
Professional Soil Classifiers - Sewer Accessibility Verification ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
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.”
South Carolina Department of Agriculture: Produce Safety Rule Exemption ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision and land-development approval within municipalities or counties that have adopted land-development regulations under South Carolina law.
- After local land-development regulations are adopted, a subdivision plat or land-development plan may not be filed or recorded, and no building permit may be issued, until the plan bears the required approval stamp and signature.
- A combination or recombination of previously platted lots with no increase in total lots is treated only as an information-record exception when resultant lots meet governing-authority standards.
- A division into parcels of five acres or more with no new street is treated only as an information-record exception; the plats must be received as information and marked accordingly.
- A combination or recombination of entire lots of record with no new street or change in existing streets is treated only as an information-record exception.
exception parcel size: >= 5 acres (No new street; plat must be received as information by the planning agency and marked accordingly.)
“no subdivision plat or other land development plan within the jurisdiction of the regulations may be filed or recorded”
South Carolina Local Land Development Regulation Provisions ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
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.”
Engineering Directive ED-16: Driveway Entrances ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Permit feesVariable (with conditions)
Building-code permitting fees in South Carolina.
- Local jurisdictions have authority over permitting and fees.
- The source does not establish a single statewide fee amount.
“These functions include, but are not limited to, permitting, fees, required construction documents, and approval of alternate means and methods.”
Building Codes Council Frequently Asked Questions ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Permit processPartial
Building-code permitting and administrative procedures across South Carolina municipalities and counties.
- Mandatory building codes must be enforced by every South Carolina municipality and county.
- Administrative policies and procedures are the sole responsibility of each local jurisdiction.
- Local administrative policies and procedures must be adopted by ordinance before they can take effect.
- The South Carolina Building Codes Council established January 1, 2023 as the implementation date for the latest mandatory code editions.
implementation date: 2023-01-01
“Administrative policies and procedures are the sole responsibility of each local jurisdiction.”
Building Codes in Effect for South Carolina ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
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.”
South Carolina Code Title 51, Chapter 3, State Parks ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
county zoning authorityGeneral
South Carolina counties adopting zoning ordinances for all or specific parts of unincorporated areas.
- A county may exercise the chapter's powers in the total unincorporated area or specific parts of the unincorporated area.
- A zoning ordinance may be adopted 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.
- Zoning regulations must be made in accordance with the comprehensive plan and must be uniform for each class or kind of building, structure, or use within each district, although regulations may differ between districts.
- Before enacting or amending zoning regulations or maps, the governing authority or authorized planning commission must hold a properly advertised public hearing; if no established procedures exist, at least fifteen days' newspaper notice is required.
- A municipality may exercise these powers within its corporate limits, and adjacent unincorporated areas may be added to municipal jurisdiction only through ordinances adopted by the municipality and county councils establishing boundaries, limitations of authority, and representation.
“A county may exercise the powers granted under the provisions of this chapter in the total unincorporated area or specific parts of the unincorporated area. [...] 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.”
South Carolina Code Title 6, Chapter 29 — Local Government Comprehensive Planning ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
county building authorityGeneral
South Carolina counties enforcing building codes and providing building-official jurisdiction for unincorporated areas, including residential construction.
- Counties must enforce only the national building and safety codes provided in Chapter 9, Title 6.
- The statutory building-code provisions do not apply to certain electric cooperatives, the Public Service Authority, or specified public utility corporations, subject to the residential-housing exception stated in the statute.
- Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations preempt the chapter where applicable to manufactured-housing construction and installation.
- Each county must appoint a building official or contract with another political subdivision so that its unincorporated area is under a building official's jurisdiction.
- A county may prescribe construction-permit and inspection fees through the building official or appointing authority.
- A county may submit a financially based affidavit for exemption 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.
- The state Building Codes Council adopts by reference only the latest editions of the listed nationally recognized building, residential, gas, plumbing, mechanical, fire, and energy codes; code provisions concerning building-official administration do not apply unless adopted by the county or municipality.
- The statute's Section 6-9-10 history states that the 2003 amendment was effective July 2, 2003.
“All municipalities, as defined by Section 5-1-20, and counties in this State shall enforce building, energy, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, and fire codes, referred to as building codes in this chapter, relating to the construction, livability, sanitation, erection, energy efficiency, installation of equipment, alteration, repair, occupancy, classification, or removal of structures located within their jurisdictions and promulgate regulations to implement their enforcement. [...] Each county shall appoint a building official or contract with other political subdivisions as authorized in Section 6-9-20 so that the unincorporated area of the county is under the jurisdiction of a building official.”
South Carolina Code Title 6, Chapter 9 — Building Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026

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 Dillon County.
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size requirements in Dillon County.
Setbacks — Building setbacks in Dillon County.
Lot coverage — Lot-coverage requirements in Dillon County.
Building height — Building-height requirements in Dillon County.

8 more unanswered

Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Manufactured homes
Accessory dwellings
Off-grid sanitation
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 Dillon 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) ↗

Pee Dee Capacity Use Area
Designated 2004; permit required >=3 MG/month. A new single-family domestic well is exempt.
SCDES — Groundwater Capacity Use Areas, Pee Dee ↗

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 Dillon County, South Carolina

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

Dillon County scores 55/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 47.7″/yr rainfall plus 61.3% wooded land. Watch-outs: about 61,699 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

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

Land in Dillon County runs about $2,757 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Dillon County?

Dillon County gets about 47.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.7% of years. On water rights, Dillon County lies in the Pee Dee Capacity Use Area — Designated 2004; permit required >=3 MG/month. A new single-family domestic well is exempt..

How remote is Dillon County?

A representative private-land location has about 61,699 people within a 30-minute drive and 4,503,147 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.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who is the Dillon County building department, and how do you reach it?

Does Dillon County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Dillon County?

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

How do you build a home in Dillon County?

What should you check before buying land in Dillon County?

Watch-outs

Sources

Dillon County in South Carolina

How Dillon County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Dillon County

Dillon County rules

South Carolina rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Water rights & wells in Dillon County

Living off-grid in Dillon County, South Carolina

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

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

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

What is the water situation in Dillon County?

How remote is Dillon County?

How Dillon compares in South Carolina