county · Horry County · South Carolina

Horry County, South Carolina Building Permits & Zoning

Regulatory data for residential homebuilders and land developers

5.8

Friction Index Moderate Regulatory Environment

Permit Timeline

40 days

5-7 weeks

Total Fees Est.

$6,650

per residential lot

Impact Fees

$4,200

per lot

Permit Fee

$1,800

residential

Plan Review Fee

$650

per application

Delay Risk

28%

probability of delay

Zoning & Requirements

Overlay Districts

Permitted By-Right Uses

Permitting Requirements

✓ Building permit application with site plan
✓ SCDHEC stormwater permit (land disturbance >1 acre)
✓ Soils and sedimentation control plan
✓ County road access permit (if new driveway)
✓ FEMA flood zone compliance documentation
✓ Zoning verification letter
✓ Health department approval (if on septic)
✓ Electric service application (Santee Cooper/Horry Electric)
✓ Water/sewer tap-in permit
✓ Subdivision plat approval (if new lot)

Process Notes

Staffing & Operations

High-growth county with understaffed permit department. Residential construction boom in Little River, Carolina Forest, and Murrells Inlet corridors has created backlog. Online portal (IPermits) available. Pre-application meeting recommended for subdivisions.

Recent Changes

Jan 2026: New stormwater fee schedule effective. County expanding permit office staff to address backlog. Road impact fees under review for potential 15% increase in 2026.

Rezone Probability

22%

Contact Information

Permit Office Phone

(843) 915-5090

Official Website

https://www.horrycounty.org/departments/planning

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