Bolthole Index

Lexington County, South Carolina

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Lexington County, South Carolina

54Index Score / 100
#39 of 46 in South Carolina

Unincorporated Lexington County, South Carolina requires building permits and applies the county zoning ordinance; municipalities handle zoning inside their own limits12. Apply, request inspections, and upload project documents through the county's online building-permit portal3. For land without public or community sewer, obtain state septic approval before installing the system or seeking the county building permit45.

At a glance

Building permit
Required to construct, enlarge, renovate, move, or change occupancy of a building or structure1
Zoning
County zoning applies in unincorporated areas; municipalities control zoning inside their limits2
Septic permits
South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), not the county; county building permits depend on prior SCDES approval where public or community sewer is unavailable4
Owner-builder
Available for qualifying owner-occupied residential work, with personal supervision, licensed trades where required and recorded notice6
Manufactured homes
Mobile-home installation or replacement needs a permit; additional units are limited in unincorporated areas7
RV living
A single RV may be used temporarily with a primary residence in unincorporated areas, subject to zoning conditions and time limits8
Short-term rentals
A county zoning permit and annual renewal are required in unincorporated areas9
Septic soil difficulty
Only 18.2% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field10

Who to call

Building permits

Lexington County Building/Safety Inspection Division (Community Development)

Building, electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing permits, plan review and inspections for unincorporated Lexington County; offices are on the fourth floor of the county Administration Building

(803) 785-8130

[email protected]

212 South Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072

Zoning

Lexington County Zoning Division (Community Development)

New zoning applications, zoning map amendments and variances, zoning violation complaints, signs, short-term rentals and property-maintenance questions

(803) 785-8121

[email protected]

212 South Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072

Septic permits

South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), Columbia Local Office

Septic system site evaluations, installation permits and final inspections for Lexington County

(803) 896-0620

State Park Health Center, 8500 Farrow Road Bldg 12, Columbia, SC 29203

Online permits →

Floodplain permits

Lexington County Floodplain Management Program (Community Development / Land Development)

Floodplain determinations, Flood Insurance Rate Map review and floodplain-development compliance under the county's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance

(803) 785-8121

212 South Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072

Roads & driveways

Lexington County Public Works Department, Engineering Division

Encroachment permits for driveway and utility work in county road rights-of-way, plus maintenance of county roads and drainage

(803) 785-8201

[email protected]

440 Ball Park Road, Lexington, SC 29072

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 Lexington County, South Carolina?

Yes. Lexington County requires a permit to construct, enlarge, renovate, move, or change the occupancy of a building or structure; regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work also requires permitting1. Ordinary repairs, maintenance, and listed exempt work are exceptions, but installing or replacing a manufactured home requires a permit regardless of cost1. The Building Official must inspect covered work before issuing a certificate of occupancy11.

A qualifying residential owner-builder may do the work personally or use properly licensed contractors, but must appear and sign the permit application, personally supervise construction, comply with code and zoning, and record the required notice6. The home must be intended for the owner's or family's occupancy rather than sale or rent; sale or rental within two years creates evidence against the exemption unless the commission approves otherwise6.

Who is the Lexington County building department, and how do you reach them?

Lexington County's Building/Safety Inspection Division is the building-permit contact at 212 South Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 2907212. Call (803) 785-8130 or email [email protected]12. Applicants use the county's online portal to apply, request inspections, and upload documents to an existing project3.

Zoning questions go to the separate Lexington County Zoning Division at the same address13. Call (803) 785-8121 or email [email protected]13. County zoning applies only outside municipal limits, so a parcel inside a city or town must go through that municipality instead2.

Does Lexington County have zoning?

Yes, but jurisdiction matters. The Lexington County Zoning Ordinance governs unincorporated Lexington County, while municipalities administer zoning inside their city or town limits2. County maps, overlays, street classifications, and district rules determine what can be built on a parcel14. A residential accessory building must sit at least 5 feet from adjoining property lines, although a required buffer can supersede that setback15.

Do not apply one district's dimensions countywide. Residential Detached (Limited) developments have lots of 4,000 to 5,000 square feet with at least 50 feet of width, dwellings limited to 50% lot coverage and 30 feet or two stories, and no secondary dwelling units16171819. Ask the Zoning Division to identify the parcel's district and controlling table before designing a house or accessory structure13.

How do septic permits work in Lexington County?

For a home or manufactured home without public or community sewer, obtain SCDES approval and a Permit to Construct before installing the septic system5. Lexington County also depends on that SCDES approval before issuing its building permit4. The SCDES Columbia local office covers Lexington County; call (803) 896-062020.

Before a new system is covered, the installer must contact SCDES to schedule an inspection21. If the inspector does not arrive within 30 minutes of the scheduled time, a licensed installer may self-inspect and must submit the approved final-inspection form21. Existing systems generally do not receive regular state inspections unless a local ordinance requires one21. Only 18.2% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation an early purchase contingency10.

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

Unincorporated Lexington County allows one camper, RV, or similar vehicle as a temporary residence when it accompanies a primary residential use and meets applicable density, buffering, and zoning provisions8. Ordinary temporary residential use is capped at an aggregate of one year8. When the RV is tied to construction of a primary home or the loss of an existing home, occupancy follows the associated building permit and ends no later than 30 days after final inspection or permit expiration8.

We could not confirm one countywide tiny-home or minimum-home-size answer. District rules matter: Residential Detached (Limited) developments prohibit secondary dwellings, but that rule does not answer other districts19. Ask the Zoning Division how the proposed unit is classified and which district standards apply13. Inside municipal limits, ask the city or town instead2.

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated, then ask the Lexington County Zoning Division for its district, permitted use, setbacks, and lot standards213.
  2. Verify public or community sewer availability; if neither serves the lot, obtain the SCDES septic approval and Permit to Construct45.
  3. Ask SCDES what approval applies before drilling a private well because we could not confirm that requirement.
  4. Apply through Lexington County's online building-permit portal and upload the required plans and documents3.
  5. Contact Floodplain Management about mapped flood risk and Public Works about work in a county road right-of-way2223.
  6. Request county building inspections through the portal as construction advances3.
  7. Arrange the SCDES inspection before covering a new septic system21.

What to check before you buy land in Lexington County

Start with jurisdiction and zoning: county rules apply in unincorporated Lexington County, while a city or town controls land inside its limits2. Check the parcel's mapped flood risk with Floodplain Management and confirm whether driveway work enters a county road right-of-way with Public Works2223. For recently divided land, confirm that every new parcel has access to a public road or approved private road plus adequate drainage, water, and sewer24.

Test the wastewater plan early because only 18.2% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field10. If rental income matters, an unincorporated short-term rental needs a zoning permit renewed annually; the county also requires septic documentation and pump-out9. Lexington County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, with a median annual bill of about $1,1362526.

Watch-outs

  • Lexington County zoning governs unincorporated parcels, while municipalities control land inside their limits; identify the jurisdiction before relying on a zoning answer2.
  • A new septic system must be inspected before it is covered, with a limited self-inspection path for a licensed installer if the scheduled SCDES inspector does not arrive within 30 minutes21.
  • An unincorporated short-term rental requires a $320 zoning permit, annual renewal, at least a two-night stay, and occupancy within both bedroom and septic-capacity limits9.

Sources

  1. Building Permits FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  2. Zoning FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  3. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  4. Septic Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder, quoted and re-checked
  5. Septic Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder, quoted and re-checked
  6. South Carolina Code Title 40, Chapter 59, quoted and re-checked
  7. Building Permits FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  8. Revised Zoning Ordinance Draft - Ordinance 23-17, quoted and re-checked
  9. New Short Term Rental Permitting Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  10. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  11. Building Code Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  12. Lexington County Building/Safety Inspection Division (Community Development) (lex-co.sc.gov)
  13. Lexington County Zoning Division (Community Development) (lex-co.sc.gov)
  14. Lexington County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  15. Lexington County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  16. Lexington County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  17. Lexington County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  18. Lexington County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  19. Lexington County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  20. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), Columbia Local Office (des.sc.gov)
  21. Septic Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder, quoted and re-checked
  22. Lexington County Floodplain Management Program (Community Development / Land Development) (lex-co.sc.gov)
  23. Lexington County Public Works Department, Engineering Division (lex-co.sc.gov)
  24. Subdivision FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

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

Lexington County in South Carolina

54
County map
Lexington County highlighted among the South Carolina counties · colored by Index score

How Lexington County scores

Seclusion26100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency71100% ev.
Admin Boringness45100% ev.
Durability65100% ev.
Property Autonomy46100% ev.
Carry Cost73100% 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 →

$276kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$6,537Land / acre
46.5"Annual rain
7.8% of yrsSevere drought
18.2 / yr (+14.8)Mid-century 100°F days
16.3 daysMid-century dry spell
2.27" (+3.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.35×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,294Home insurance / yr
0.7% / yrInsurance growth
3.48%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
185,568People within 30 min
4,567,802People within 2 hr
201,687Radius comparison (15 mi)
442.8People / sq mi
0%Federal land
97.4%Land at 15% slope or less
18.2%Septic soil without severe limits
74,481 acWorkable land screen
65.9%Wooded land
52.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
63.5°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Lexington County

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

Lexington County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, enlargement, renovation, moving, occupancy changes, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work subject to the county Building Codes Ordinance.

    • Ordinary repairs and maintenance and listed exempt work do not require a permit.
    • A permit to install or replace a manufactured home is required regardless of installation cost.
    “A permit is required any time you construct, enlarge, renovate, move, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, renovate, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the Building Codes Ordinance.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Buildings and structures governed by the Lexington County Building Code Ordinance.

    • The Building Official must inspect the building or structure before issuing a certificate of occupancy.
    • Inspection and enforcement are limited to matters enforced by the Division of Building Inspections and Safety.
    “subject to inspection by the Building Official”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning regulation in unincorporated Lexington County.

    • Municipalities have jurisdiction within their own city and town limits.
    “The Lexington County Zoning Ordinance only pertains to unincorporated areas of the County. Municipalities have jurisdiction within their own city/town limits.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate of zoning jurisdiction across Lexington County.

    • The County zoning ordinance applies to unincorporated areas.
    • Municipalities administer zoning within their own city or town limits.
    • Municipal zoning requirements must be checked with the applicable City or Town Hall.
    “Municipalities have jurisdiction within their own city/town limits.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate conclusion for Lexington County: county zoning applies in unincorporated areas, while municipalities administer zoning within their own city or town limits.
      “Municipalities have jurisdiction within their own city/town limits.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Lexington County zoning districts and zoning maps for regulated unincorporated land.

    • The ordinance identifies zoning maps, overlays, street classifications, and district-specific regulations.
    • A complete district-by-district numeric table for every requested use was not extracted in this run.
    “The Zoning Maps will show the zoning district and the street classification. [...] the Zoning Ordinance is also available on the County web site. You may view it online, print the entire document, or simply print selected pages or selections.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Each dwelling unit in a Residential Detached (Limited) development.

    • The lot must conform to all applicable Lexington County Subdivision Ordinance requirements.

    minimum lot size: >= 4000 square feet (Residential Detached (Limited) development) · maximum lot size: <= 5000 square feet (Residential Detached (Limited) development) · minimum lot width: >= 50 feet (Residential Detached (Limited) development)

    “Each dwelling unit shall have a minimum 4,000 square foot lot size and a maximum of 5,000 square foot lot size. The lot size must be a minimum of 50 feet in width and conform to all applicable requirements of the Lexington County Subdivision Ordinance.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Setbacks for zoning-regulated activities in unincorporated Lexington County.

    • Accessory buildings serving residential activities must be at least 5 feet from adjoining property lines.
    • Other setback distances vary by activity type and location and are listed in Section 23.60.
    • Road-adjacent setbacks are measured from the proposed right-of-way when that width exceeds the existing right-of-way.
    • For residential detached or mobile-home activities on qualifying existing dead-end roads, the existing road right-of-way is used.

    accessory building setback: >= 5 feet (residential accessory buildings)

    “must maintain a minimum 5-foot setback from adjoining property lines.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Accessory buildings to residential activities and other activities governed by the County Zoning Ordinance.
      “minimum 5-foot setback from adjoining property lines”
    • Specified — Accessory buildings to residential activities in unincorporated Lexington County.
      “Accessory buildings to residential activities must maintain a minimum 5-foot setback from adjoining property lines.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Dwelling units within Residential Detached (Limited) developments.

    • Accessory structures to the principal dwelling, including swimming pools, playgrounds, or other personal recreational items, do not have to conform to the maximum lot coverage requirement.
    • There is no maximum lot coverage for proposed amenity areas, utilities, or other permissible nonresidential uses located on lots within and intended to serve these developments.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 50 percent (dwelling units within Residential Detached (Limited) developments)

    “The maximum lot coverage for dwelling units within Residential Detached (Limited) developments shall be 50 percent (%). Accessory structures to the principal dwelling, including swimming pools, play grounds, or other personal recreational items do not have to conform to the maximum lot coverage requirement.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Height controls for zoning-regulated activities in unincorporated Lexington County.

    • Height regulations use a height-control slope based on the district and activity.
    • A 20-foot rise is permitted at the property line perpendicular to the property line before the applicable slope is applied.
    • Residential detached or residential attached two-dwelling-unit activities meeting a 5-foot setback from adjoining property are exempt from the height requirements described in the cited section.

    initial property-line rise: 20 feet

    “Height regulations are based on the establishment of a height control slope.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Dwelling units in Residential Detached (Limited) developments and other county-regulated height-control areas.
      “The maximum height of a dwelling shall be two (2) stories and, in no instance, be taller than 30 feet above finished grade.”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    A single camper, recreational vehicle, or similar-type vehicle used as a temporary residence in conjunction with a primary residential use in unincorporated Lexington County.

    • The use must be a single camper, recreational vehicle, or similar-type vehicle.
    • The vehicle must be used as a temporary residence in conjunction with a primary residential use.
    • The location must comply with applicable density requirements.
    • The location must comply with buffering restrictions of the principal activity.
    • The location must comply with Section 21.21 l and m of the Zoning Ordinance.
    • The location must comply with Article 5 of the Zoning Ordinance.
    • The temporary residential use must not exceed a total aggregate period of one year.
    • When the temporary use is connected with construction of a primary residence or is necessary because of total or partial loss of the existing primary residence, the allowed timeframe follows the validity of the associated building permit and may not exceed 30 days after final inspection or expiration of the building permit, whichever occurs first.
    • A temporary RV use under the construction or loss-of-residence circumstance is exempt from density requirements.
    • The County Zoning Ordinance applies only in unincorporated areas; municipalities have jurisdiction within their own city or town limits.

    ordinary temporary residential use: <= 1 year aggregate maximum · construction or total/partial loss temporary use: validity of associated building permit, not to exceed 30 days following final inspection or expiration of the building permit, whichever occurs first (Exempt from density requirements)

    “The temporary use of a single camper, recreational vehicle, or similar-type vehicle as a temporary residence in conjunction with a primary residential use, is an allowed accessory, provided the location complies with applicable density requirements, buffering restrictions of the principal activity, Section 21.21 l and m of this Ordinance, Article 5 of this Ordinance, and the temporary residential use does not exceed a total aggregate time period of one (1) year.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Temporary only (with conditions) — Use of a single camper, recreational vehicle, or similar vehicle as a temporary residence in conjunction with a primary residential use in unincorporated Lexington County.
      “The temporary use of a single camper, recreational vehicle, or similar-type vehicle as a temporary residence in conjunction with a primary residential use, is an allowed accessory, provided the location complies with applicable density requirements, buffering restrictions of the principal activity, Section 21.21 l and m of this Ordinance, Article 5 of this Ordinance, and the temporary residential use does not exceed a total aggregate time period of one (1) year.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured-home occupancy and mobile-home parks in unincorporated Lexington County.

    • A mobile-home permit is required for installation or replacement.
    • The County Zoning Ordinance limits a parcel or adjoining parcels to two mobile homes, or three when the property owner resides in one; more are treated as a mobile-home park requiring a special exception.
    • Additional state, building-code, registration, and health requirements may apply.
    “only allows two mobile homes on a parcel”
  • Accessory dwellingsProhibited

    Secondary dwelling units in Residential Detached (Limited) developments.

    • The prohibition is specific to Residential Detached (Limited) developments.
    “Regardless of density, a secondary dwelling unit is prohibited within these developments.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of property and recording of plats under Lexington County subdivision review.

    • Each new lot or parcel must have access to a publicly maintained road or approved private road, adequate storm drainage, water, and sewer.
    • Private-road access requires Lexington County Planning Commission approval.
    • Plats are reviewed by Community Development in conjunction with stormwater, public works, and environmental-health rules.
    “Yes. Any dividing of property is considered a subdivision and each new lot or parcel must be provided with access to a publicly maintained road (or an approved private road), adequate storm drainage, water, and sewer.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision plats and land-development plans in unincorporated Lexington County.
      “no subdivision plat or other land development plan may be filed or recorded”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals in unincorporated Lexington County.

    • Effective January 1, 2025, a short-term-rental zoning permit is required.
    • Short-term rentals are rentals of one to twenty-nine consecutive days.
    • The permit fee is $320 and permits are valid for one year with annual renewal.
    • Minimum stay is two nights.
    • The booking guest must be at least 25 years old.
    • Maximum occupancy is two persons per bedroom, excluding minor children under five per bedroom; occupancy cannot exceed septic capacity.
    • A septic Good Operating Condition Report inspection within 30 days of application and septic pump-out are required.

    rental duration: 1-29 consecutive days · permit fee: 320 USD · permit validity: 1 year (annual renewal required) · minimum stay: >= 2 nights · minimum booking guest age: >= 25 years · maximum occupancy: per 2 persons per bedroom (minor children under five per bedroom excluded; septic capacity still controls)

    “If your rental activity falls within the above occupancy and length of stay guidelines noted above, a short-term rental permit is required. [...] The fee for a Short-Term Rental Permit is $320. [...] All Short-Term Rental permits are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Short-term rental land-use activities in unincorporated Lexington County.
      “Beginning January 1, 2025, Lexington County will begin regulating Short-Term Rental land use activities”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Lexington County development-review and building-permit fees.

    • The fee schedule is identified as effective July 1, 2025.
    • Building permit fees are calculated by staff at issuance using ICC building valuation data.
    • The schedule lists a $50 minimum permit fee, specific occupancy-related fees, inspection fees, and other permit charges.

    minimum permit fee: 50 USD · replacement certificate of occupancy: 31 USD · temporary power for occupancy permit: 50 USD · additional re-inspection: 60 USD

    “DEVELOPMENT REVIEW and PERMIT FEES - EFFECTIVE 7/1/2025”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit applications, inspection requests, and document uploads.

    • The County directs applicants to its Online Building Permits Portal.
    • General building-permit questions are handled by the County at 803-785-8130.
    • The County provides printable commercial and residential plan-review/submittal forms.
    “To apply for a permit, request an inspection, or to upload documents to an existing project”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published — County building-permit application, inspection-request, and document-upload process.
      “To apply for a permit, request an inspection, or to upload documents to an existing project please visit:”
    • Partial — Short-term-rental permit applications in unincorporated Lexington County.
      “Zoning staff will review your application and send comments back to the designated contact person on the application within approximately 20 business days.”

South Carolina rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Owner-builder work on residential property in South Carolina, including Lexington County.

    • The owner must do the work personally, with the owner's employees, or with licensed contractors or registered entities or individuals.
    • The structure 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.
    • The owner must personally appear and sign the building permit application.
    • The owner must supervise the construction and may build or improve a one-family or two-family residence.
    • Sale or rent 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.
    • A notice stating that the structure was constructed by the owner as an unlicensed builder must be filed with the register of deeds; failure to do so revokes the statutory exemption.
    • The work must comply with applicable laws, ordinances, building codes, and zoning regulations.

    sale or rent presumption period: 2 years (after completion or issuance of a certificate of occupancy)

    “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: (1) the owner does the work himself, with his own employees, or with licensed contractors or registered entities or individuals; (2) the structure, group of structures, or appurtenances, including the improvements, are intended for the owner's sole occupancy or occupancy by the owner's family and are not intended for sale or rent; and (3) the general public does not have access to this structure.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — 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.
      “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:”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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.”
  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Onsite septic system approval, permitting, and installation inspection in Lexington County.

    • County building permit issuance depends on prior SCDES septic approval and permit where public or community sewer is unavailable.
    • Local ordinances may impose additional inspection requirements.
    “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.”
    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 permitRequired

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

    • SCDES approval and a permit to install a septic system must be obtained first.
    • Without the septic permit, the county cannot issue a building permit.
    • The application fee is $150.
    • The application requires an Onsite Wastewater System Application (D-1740) submitted through the ePermitting Portal and a copy of the property plat or deed.
    • Using the traditional permitting method, a site visit is required; if the site is approved, SCDES issues a Permit to Construct.
    • Permits to Construct are valid for five years; renewal after five years or approved changes require a new application and payment of the fee again.
    • Sites above the South Carolina Fall Line require backhoe pits for the soil evaluation before permit issuance; sites below the Fall Line do not require backhoe pits.
    • Soil evaluations may be delayed when soil is too wet.

    application fee: 150 USD · Permit to Construct validity: 5 years (A new application and fee are required for renewal after five years or for approved changes.)

    “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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New septic systems serving a home or manufactured home on property not served by public or community sewer.
      “Because incorrectly installed septic systems can harm water quality and make people sick, South Carolina law requires site approvals and permits for all septic systems.”
    • 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

    New septic system installation in Lexington County.

    • The installer must contact SCDES to schedule inspection before the system is covered.
    • If an SCDES inspector does not arrive within 30 minutes of the scheduled time, a licensed installer may self-inspect.
    • The installer must submit the SCDES-approved D-4432 Final Inspection form.
    • Existing systems generally are not subject to regular inspection under state law unless a local ordinance requires it.

    inspector-arrival self-inspection threshold: 30 minutes (licensed installer may proceed with self-inspection if SCDES inspector does not arrive)

    “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. If a SCDES inspector does not arrive within 30 minutes of the scheduled time, a licensed installer has the option to proceed with a self-inspection of the installation.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction and operation of on-site septic systems in Lexington County.
      “return to the site to inspect the septic system installation”
    • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificate-of-occupancy requirements in Lexington County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Lexington County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping in unincorporated Lexington County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Lexington County.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in Lexington County.
1 more unanswered
  • Building in a floodplain

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 Lexington 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) ↗

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 Lexington County, South Carolina

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

Lexington County scores 54/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 46.5″/yr rainfall plus 65.9% wooded land. Watch-outs: about 185,568 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Lexington 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 Lexington County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Lexington County is allowed on a temporary basis only: A single camper, recreational vehicle, or similar-type vehicle used as a temporary residence in conjunction with a primary residential use in unincorporated Lexington County. The use must be a single camper, recreational vehicle, or similar-type vehicle. The vehicle must be used as a temporary residence in conjunction with a primary residential use. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

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

Land in Lexington County runs about $6,537 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Lexington County?

Lexington County gets about 46.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7.8% of years. On water rights, Lexington County lies in the Western South Carolina Capacity Use Area — Designated 2018 after declining aquifer levels; permit required >=3 MG/month. A new single-family domestic well is exempt..

How remote is Lexington County?

A representative private-land location has about 185,568 people within a 30-minute drive and 4,567,802 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 Lexington County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Lexington compares in South Carolina

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