Charleston Kitchen Remodel Permits 2026
Charleston kitchen remodel permit fees, plan review, and required inspections for 2026.
Charleston Kitchen Remodel permit basics
- Building department: City of Charleston Department of Planning, Permitting, and Engineering, Permit Center
- Department URL: https://www.charleston-sc.gov/856/Permit-Center
- Permit fee typical: $200 - $1,200 permit fee
- Plan review + approval: commonly 3 to 7 business days, longer for historic-district review
- Inspections required: 4-6 inspections (electrical rough, plumbing rough, framing, insulation, drywall, final)
Charleston Kitchen Remodel common issues
GFCI placement, ventilation requirements (microwave OTR vs hood), gas line work requires separate permit.
Charleston-specific permitting context
Charleston contractors register through the Customer Self Service portal to apply for permits and schedule inspections, and work in the historic district requires Board of Architectural Review approval before permits issue. Flood-zone elevation, hurricane wind ratings, and tidal-flooding rules add layers most inland markets never see.
Climate factors: A humid subtropical coastal climate with hot humid summers, a June-to-November hurricane season, and salt air plus tidal flooding that demand elevation, corrosion resistance, and wind-rated construction.
South Carolina licensing for Kitchen Remodel contractors
South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) - required: $135 (residential builder, RBL); GC and BCM also available. Board: https://llr.sc.gov.
Mechanics lien deadline in South Carolina: 90 days from last work. Preliminary notice: Notice of Furnishing required for subs.
Charleston Kitchen Remodel sales tax
South Carolina sales tax: 6% + local (~7.4% combined avg). Real property labor exempt. Local sales tax varies by county.
Verify with the South Carolina Department of Revenue.
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