Bolthole Index

Edgefield County, South Carolina

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

62Index Score / 100
#14 of 46 in South Carolina

Edgefield County, South Carolina requires permits for new homes and other permitted construction, including permits for every trade before work begins1. Zoning varies by location: county zoning maps include zoned and unzoned areas, while municipal rules may differ2. For land without public or community sewer, obtain an SCDES septic permit before the county can issue the building permit3.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new homes and other permitted construction1
Zoning
Varies; county maps include zoned and unzoned areas, and municipal rules may differ2
Septic permit
SCDES approval is required before the county building permit when sewer is unavailable34
RV during construction
Temporary use allowed during construction, subject to county conditions5
Long-term RV or tiny home
Not confirmed countywide; ask Building and Planning about the parcel's district6
Owner-builder
A conditional state exemption is available for qualifying residential owners7
Private well
Submit an SCDES Notice of Intent before construction8

Who to call

Building permits

Edgefield County Building and Planning Department

Building permits, code and ordinance enforcement, zoning, and land-development applications

803-637-4073

210 Penn St, Edgefield, SC 29824

Online permits →

Roads & driveways

Edgefield County Roads & Bridges

County road work orders routed through Edgefield County Planning

803-637-4073

[email protected]

210 Penn Street, Edgefield, SC 29824

Septic permits

South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) - Septic Tank Program

Onsite wastewater site review, permits and final inspections for property without public or community sewer

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

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

Yes. Edgefield County requires permits for new homes and other permitted construction, and permits for all trades must be issued before work begins1. The county's residential packet lists the codes in force, including the 2021 South Carolina building, residential, fire, plumbing, mechanical and fuel-gas codes, the 2020 National Electrical Code and the 2009 energy code9. A qualifying owner may act as builder for a home intended for the owner or family, but must personally appear and sign the application, supervise construction, use licensed contractors where required and record the statutory notice7. Sale or rent within two years after completion or issuance of the certificate of occupancy creates a presumption that the project was built for sale or rent7. A farm structure receives no building inspection or owner-builder disclosure, but licensed contractors still need permits and inspections for its electrical, mechanical and plumbing work10.

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

The Edgefield County Building and Planning Department is the first stop for building permits, inspections, zoning and land-development applications1112. Reach the office at 210 Penn St, Edgefield, SC 29824 or 803-637-407313. Edgefield County directs applicants to an online submission form and publishes separate guides for homes, land development, zoning, manufactured homes and subdivisions12. The published fee schedule includes valuation-based building fees, planning fees and reinspection charges, so calculate the project-specific total from the current schedule rather than assuming one flat permit price14. A residential permit expires after 180 days but may be extended another 180 days on written request with justifiable cause12. For a county-road work order, the county routes requests through Planning at 803-637-4073 and lists [email protected]15. The residential packet names separate county-road and state transportation contacts for driveways, but the applicable driveway approval requirement remains unconfirmed; ask Building and Planning which office controls the parcel's access.

Does Edgefield County have zoning?

Zoning varies across Edgefield County. The county's official maps delineate zoned and unzoned areas, and rules inside an incorporated municipality may differ from county rules216. In a zoned area, the district controls land and building use, placement, spacing and size, and the county publishes an updated use table16. Do not treat a rural-looking parcel as unrestricted: ask Building and Planning to identify the governing jurisdiction, map status and district before relying on a proposed use. We could not confirm complete current schedules for minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setbacks, building height, lot coverage or accessory dwellings, so ask the office for the standards tied to the parcel. If a tract will be divided, Edgefield County regulates minor and major subdivisions; the process can require a surveyor's plat, tax-clearance evidence, review and, for major projects, a pre-application meeting and public hearing17.

How do septic permits work in Edgefield County?

For an Edgefield County home or manufactured home without public or community sewer, SCDES approval and a septic installation permit come before the county building permit3. Apply online with the property plat or deed and the $150 fee; under traditional permitting, SCDES visits the site and issues a Permit to Construct when the site is suitable4. A Permit to Construct is valid for five years, and renewal or modification requires a new application and fee4. Before covering the system, the installer must schedule the SCDES inspection; if the inspector has not arrived within 30 minutes, a licensed installer may self-inspect using the required form18. SCDES issues approval to operate after a compliant installation18. About 63.1% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, but the parcel-specific review controls19. The county residential package requires either the septic permit or, for county water service, the Edgefield County Water and Sewer tap receipt20.

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

Edgefield County allows an RV or mobile office during a project's construction phase for no more than one year unless it is re-permitted, and the unit must be on the property to which it relates5. That construction allowance does not answer whether someone may live in an RV permanently. We could not confirm a current rule for long-term private-land RV living or a specific tiny-home classification. Because county maps include both zoned and unzoned areas and municipal rules may differ, take the parcel number and proposed dwelling type to Building and Planning before moving a unit onto the land2. The department's application page includes a compliance-petition category for RV and nonconforming matters13. For a tiny home, also confirm the building-permit path, lawful wastewater service and whether a county water-tap receipt or SCDES septic permit must accompany the application120.

Building a home in Edgefield County: the steps, in order

  1. Ask Building and Planning whether the parcel is in a zoned or unzoned area, which jurisdiction controls it and what use and dimensional standards apply216.
  1. Confirm legal access and ask whether the driveway is controlled by the county or state; the applicable approval rule remains unconfirmed.
  1. Obtain either the SCDES septic Permit to Construct or the required county water-tap receipt20.
  1. Upload the plans, application and contractor-license information, then pay the county permit fee; permits for every trade must be issued before work begins1.
  1. If using the owner-builder exemption, personally appear and sign, supervise the work, use licensed trades where required and record the notice7.
  1. Schedule county inspections at least 24 hours ahead as construction proceeds21.
  1. Schedule the SCDES septic inspection before covering the system18.
  1. Complete the final submissions and certificate-of-occupancy inspection; occupy the home only after the certificate is issued22.

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

Start by confirming the governing jurisdiction, zoning-map status, legal access and wastewater path; Edgefield County contains zoned and unzoned areas, and the home application requires either a septic permit or the applicable county water-tap receipt220. Edgefield County has 88.2% of its land at a slope of 15% or less and is 80.7% wooded, so budget for a survey and clearing rather than assuming the whole tract is ready for a homesite2324. About 63.1% of soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, but SCDES still decides suitability through site review194. Edgefield County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $8772526. We could not confirm the county's current floodplain-development requirements, private-well rule or complete driveway-approval rule; ask Building and Planning which offices must clear the specific parcel before purchase.

Watch-outs

  • Edgefield County's long-term private-land RV rule remains unconfirmed; the ordinance supports only temporary construction-phase use, so obtain a parcel-specific answer from Building and Planning52.
  • SCDES cannot issue an onsite wastewater permit where public sewer is accessible, so verify sewer availability before ordering a septic design27.
  • South Carolina's 2024 building codes are adopted but take effect locally on January 1, 202728.

Sources

  1. Building a Home in Edgefield County, quoted and re-checked
  2. Building and Planning | Edgefield County, quoted and re-checked
  3. Septic Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder, quoted and re-checked
  4. Septic Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder, quoted and re-checked
  5. Edgefield County Code of Ordinances, Clean Ordinance Combines, quoted and re-checked
  6. Combined Ordinance Changes, quoted and re-checked
  7. South Carolina Code Title 40, Chapter 59, quoted and re-checked
  8. Private Drinking Water Wells, quoted and re-checked
  9. Building a Home in Edgefield County, quoted and re-checked
  10. Building a Home in Edgefield County, quoted and re-checked
  11. Building and Planning, quoted and re-checked
  12. Building and Planning, quoted and re-checked
  13. Edgefield County Building and Planning Department (edgefieldcounty.sc.gov)
  14. Edgefield County Building and Planning Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  15. Edgefield County Roads & Bridges (edgefieldcounty.sc.gov)
  16. Edgefield County ordinance amendments, quoted and re-checked
  17. Plain-Language - Minor Subdivision, quoted and re-checked
  18. Septic Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder, quoted and re-checked
  19. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  20. Building a Home in Edgefield County, quoted and re-checked
  21. Building a Home in Edgefield County, quoted and re-checked
  22. Building a Home in Edgefield County, quoted and re-checked
  23. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Professional Soil Classifiers - Sewer Accessibility Verification (South Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. 2024 Building Code Modification Index (South Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written September 29, 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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County locator

Edgefield County in South Carolina

62
County map
Edgefield County highlighted among the South Carolina counties · colored by Index score

How Edgefield County scores

Seclusion33100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency75100% ev.
Admin Boringness45100% ev.
Durability71100% ev.
Property Autonomy46100% ev.
Carry Cost80100% 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 →

$282kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$4,696Land / acre
46"Annual rain
10.5% of yrsSevere drought
19 / yr (+15.6)Mid-century 100°F days
15.5 daysMid-century dry spell
2.2" (+3.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.33×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,424Home insurance / yr
-0.2% / yrInsurance growth
1.54%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
99,733People within 30 min
2,975,678People within 2 hr
45,400Radius comparison (15 mi)
55.1People / sq mi
10.2%Federal land
88.2%Land at 15% slope or less
63.1%Septic soil without severe limits
201,278 acWorkable land screen
80.7%Wooded land
39.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
63.4°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Edgefield County

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

Edgefield County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New home construction and other permitted construction in Edgefield County.

    • Permits for all trades must be issued before work begins.
    • A septic permit or county water-tap receipt, plans, application, contractor-license information unless the homeowner is doing the work, and payment of the permit fee are required for the residential permit package.
    “Prior to any construction, you must first obtain a building permit from the Building Department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Proposed uses subject to Edgefield County permitting requirements.
      “The following permits/certificates shall be required whenever any of the following uses are proposed:”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Residential construction in Edgefield County.

    • The residential packet lists the codes in force as 2021 South Carolina Building and Residential Codes, 2021 Fire, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Fuel-Gas Codes, 2020 National Electric Code, and 2009 International Energy Conservation Code.
    “CODES IN FORCE 2021 SC Building Code 2021 SC Residential Code 2021 SC Fire Code 2021 SC Plumbing Code 2021 SC Mechanical Code 2021 SC Fuel-Gas Code 2020 National Electric Code 2009 International Energy Conservation Code”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted — Development regulated by Edgefield County Building and Planning.
      “The Edgefield County Building and Planning Department is responsible for enforcement of the adopted codes and ordinances regulating development.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Residential construction subject to an Edgefield County building permit.

    • The permit holder must schedule inspections at least 24 hours in advance.
    • Listed inspections include temporary power, footing/slab, foundation, floor joist, rough-in, insulation, final electrical, and certificate-of-occupancy inspection.
    • Reinspection fees apply after repeated failures.
    “A series of inspections must be made on the project during construction. It is up to the permit holder to schedule these inspections by contacting the building department at least 24 hours in advance.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    A permitted residential home before occupancy in Edgefield County.

    • The certificate-of-occupancy inspection is the last inspection.
    • Required submissions include IECC documentation, termite letter, duct test, Manual J, final septic approval, and owner-builder disclosure when needed.
    • The packet states that the home may be occupied after issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
    “*YOU MAY OCCUPY HOME AFTER ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    County zoning regulation in Edgefield County.

    “The staff provides support to the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Manufactured Home Appeals Committee as well as the County Transportation Committee.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    County aggregate of county, municipal, and unzoned areas; the county Building and Planning Department supports county zoning functions and issues permits and inspections for Edgefield, Johnston, and Trenton.

    • This aggregate conclusion does not claim that the county administers municipal ordinances.
    • Parcel-specific zoning maps and incorporated-municipality rules may differ.
    “Unzoned area means those areas of the county not included in a zoned area, as delineated on the official zoning maps of the county.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoned areas and zoning districts delineated by Edgefield County official zoning maps.

    • The ordinance defines zoning districts as specifically delineated areas governing use, placement, spacing, and size of land and buildings.
    • The official county Building and Planning page links to an updated Zoning Use Table.
    “Click Here to see our updated Zoning Use Table”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Edgefield County zoning districts and district-based use regulation.
      “Table 1: Schedule of Permitted and Conditional Uses, and Off-Street Parking Requirements, by Zoning Districts”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Use of an RV or mobile office during the construction phase of a project in Edgefield County.

    • The use is limited to the construction phase of a project.
    • The period may not exceed one year unless re-permitted.
    • The RV or mobile office must be placed on the property to which it is appurtenant.
    • Section 30-5 of the ordinance does not apply to this temporary use permit.

    maximum duration: <= 1 year (unless re-permitted)

    “RV’s and mobile offices are allowed for a period covering construction phase of a project not to exceed 1 year unless re-permitted; provided that such RV or mobile office be placed on the property to which it is appurtenant. Sec. 30-5 of this ordinance does not apply to this temporary use permit.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Residential building permits in Edgefield County.

    • The residential packet requires either a SCDES septic permit to construct or a water-tap receipt from Edgefield County Water and Sewer when on county water.
    • The packet separately identifies Edgefield County Water & Sewer as a water/sewer contact.
    “Once you have the plat approval, you will need to apply at the Department of Environmental Services (DES) for a septic tank permit or obtain authorization from the Edgefield County Water and Sewer Authority for water and/or sewer taps if applicable.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Farm structures in Edgefield County.

    • The building itself receives no inspections and does not require an owner-builder disclosure statement.
    • Electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work must be completed by South Carolina licensed contractors and must obtain permits and inspections.
    “Only the building receives no inspections and doesn’t require an Owner Builder/Disclosure Statement, but any electrical, mechanical or plumbing work shall be completed by SC licensed contractors and must get their permits and inspections.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Minor and major subdivisions in Edgefield County.

    • Minor subdivision means four or fewer new plots or plots five acres or greater; $10 fee; licensed surveyor plat and tax-clearance evidence required.
    • Major subdivision means more than five lots under five acres or creation of a new public street; pre-application meeting, preliminary and final plat review, fees, public hearing for preliminary plat, and improvement completion or 125% security are required.

    minor subdivision fee: 10 USD · major preliminary fee: 200 + 10 per lot + 10 administration fee USD · major final plat fee: 110 USD ($100 plus $10 administration fee)

    “Major Subdivision defined: Anytime there is the creation of more than five lots less than 5 acres in size, or anytime the creation of a new public street or road will occur.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Commercial and large-scale residential land development and subdivision in Edgefield County.
      “Plain Language guides to break down the application process in a step-by-step guide.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Edgefield County building, planning, subdivision, zoning, inspection, and trade permit fees.

    • Building fees may be valuation-based; commercial plan-review fees apply to commercial projects only.
    • Published schedule includes reinspection fees and planning fees.

    administration fee: 10 USD · minor subdivision: 10 USD · zoning verification letter: 10 USD · reinspection first: 40 USD · reinspection second: 80 USD

    “Planning Fees Admin Fee $ 10.00 Minor Subdivision $ 10.00 [...] Zoning Verification Letter $ 10.00 [...] Re-Inspection Fees First $ 40.00 Second $ 80.00 Third $ 120.00”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential building-permit and inspection process in Edgefield County.

    • Applications are submitted online.
    • The residential packet describes plat approval, septic or water/sewer authorization, plan upload, licensing information, fee payment, sequential inspections, corrections, reinspection, and certificate of occupancy.

    permit duration: 180 days (May be extended for an additional 180 days upon written request and justifiable cause)

    “Permits are good for 180 days (6 months) from the time of issuance or from the time of inspection. You may extend the permit for an additional time of 180 days (6 months). The extension should be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — County building, land-development, subdivision, zoning, and related permit applications.
      “please use the online submission form to apply for permits.”

South Carolina rules that apply here

  • 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:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Owner-builder exemption for residential property in South Carolina, including Edgefield County.
      “To qualify for exemption under this section, an owner must personally appear and sign the building permit application.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Owners of residential property performing qualifying work for personal or family occupancy statewide, including Edgefield County.
      “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:”
  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Residential onsite wastewater systems in Edgefield County where public or community sewer is unavailable.

    • SCDES approval and permit are required before construction of a home or placement of a manufactured home on property not served by public or community sewer.
    “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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Onsite septic systems in Edgefield County where property is 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.”
    • 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

    Building a home or placing a manufactured home on property in Edgefield County that is not served by a public or community sewer system.

    • SCDES approval and a septic-system installation permit must be obtained before construction or placement.
    • Without the septic permit, Edgefield County cannot issue a building permit.
    • The application fee is $150.
    • The application must be submitted online through the SCDES ePermitting Portal with a copy of the property plat or deed.
    • Under the traditional permitting method, SCDES conducts a site visit and, if the site is suitable, issues a Permit to Construct.
    • A Permit to Construct is valid for five years; renewal or approved modifications require a new application and another fee.
    • Before the septic system is covered, the installer must schedule a SCDES final inspection; if an inspector does not arrive within 30 minutes of the scheduled time, a licensed installer may perform a self-inspection using the SCDES-approved form.
    • For Edgefield County, the SCDES OSWW organization chart places the county in the Sandhills OSWW coverage area, with the Aiken office listed at 206 Beaufort Street NE, Aiken, SC 29801, phone (803) 642-1637. SCDES also directs after-submission permit questions to [email protected] or the applicable regional office.

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

    “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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New homes or manufactured homes on property without public or community sewer service.
      “South Carolina law requires site approvals and permits for all septic systems.”
    • Required — Residential septic systems in Edgefield County where public or community sewer is unavailable.
      “Application Fee: $150 [...] Permits to Construct are good for five years. To renew your permit after five years or to make changes to it once approved, you will need to complete a new application and pay the fee again.”
    • 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

    Residential septic installations in Edgefield County.

    • Before the installation is covered, the installer must contact SCDES to schedule inspection.
    • If an SCDES inspector does not arrive within 30 minutes of the scheduled time, a licensed installer may self-inspect and must provide Form D-4432.
    • After construction, SCDES inspects the installation and issues approval to operate if it meets South Carolina standards.

    self-inspection waiting period: 30 minutes (Only if the SCDES inspector does not arrive)

    “Once the septic system is constructed, the SCDES inspector will return to the site to inspect the septic system installation. If it meets South Carolina standards, they will issue an approval to operate permit.”
    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.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Individual residential wells and irrigation wells in Edgefield 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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 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.”
  • 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.”

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 in Edgefield County zoning districts.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in Edgefield County zoning districts.
  • Setbacks — Building setbacks in Edgefield County zoning districts.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage limits in Edgefield County zoning districts.
  • Building height — Building-height limits in Edgefield County zoning districts.
7 more unanswered
  • 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.

Living off-grid in Edgefield County, South Carolina

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

Edgefield County scores 62/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 46″/yr rainfall plus 80.7% wooded land. Watch-outs: about 99,733 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Edgefield 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.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Edgefield County is allowed on a temporary basis only: Use of an RV or mobile office during the construction phase of a project in Edgefield County. The use is limited to the construction phase of a project. The period may not exceed one year unless re-permitted. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

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

Land in Edgefield County runs about $4,696 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Edgefield County?

Edgefield County gets about 46" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 10.5% of years.

How remote is Edgefield County?

A representative private-land location has about 99,733 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,975,678 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.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Edgefield compares in South Carolina

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