What You Should Know About Deck Building Permits in Greenville, SC

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You just dreamed up a cozy deck for your backyard. It’ll be the perfect place for BBQs, morning coffee, and quiet evenings.

But here’s the thing: dreams don’t just materialize. There’s a process. And that process includes permits. 

Getting the proper permits for your project is one of the more confusing bits you’ll need to wade through during the deck-building process. It’s the part that often makes homeowners want to bash their heads against a wall. 

At DG Builders, we’ve been navigating the ins and outs of permitting for years. We understand how confusing it can be, so today, we’d like to un-confuse you by giving you some specifics on deck-building permits in Greenville. 

Let’s get started!

Why Permits Matter (And Why They Should Matter to You)

Before you grab a saw or hire a builder, hit pause. In Greenville, SC, you need a permit to build a deck. And skipping the permitting step could really cost you. 

Here’s why it matters:

  • Safety – Permits make sure your deck is built to code. That means strong railings, solid footings, and safe stairs.
  • Protection – A permit keeps your insurance valid. Without a permit, a simple injury could turn into a legal nightmare.
  • Property Value – Trying to sell someday? Unpermitted decks are red flags for buyers—and banks.
  • Fines – Greenville County can hit you with fees or even require you to tear the deck down.
Trying to sell someday? Unpermitted decks are red flags for buyers—and banks.

No one wants a stop-work order or a rebuild. That’s why you need a permit to ensure that your project starts right, ends strong, and adds value to your home.

When You Don’t Need A Permit

There are some exceptions to the rule. You DON’T need a permit to build a deck in South Carolina if:

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  • It is less than 200 square feet in area.
  • It is less than 30 inches high.
  • It is not attached to your house.
  • There are no exit doors attached to it–in other words, it does not serve as an exit step from your home.

If your deck plans fall under these categories, count yourself lucky–you don’t need a permit. Otherwise, you’ll need to go through the process.

Greenville County Building Department & Permit Jurisdiction

Who handles your permit? Greenville County.

Most homes in Greenville fall under the County’s Building Safety & Code Enforcement office—unless you live inside city limits. 

If you’re inside the City of Greenville, you’ll use the City’s Permit Center. That still runs online with e‑forms and an inspection scheduler. 

It’s helpful to know whether you’re inside or outside city limits so you know where to apply.

Step‑by‑Step Application Process

  1. Create an eTrakit or City portal account: This should involve a simple sign-up process using your email address.
  2. Gather the essentials:
    • Property address + tax map number.
    • Description of your project: deck size, materials, height.
    • Project valuation (estimate the cost).
    • Plans for deck details: include framing, footings, handrails, and guardrails.
  3. Plans aren’t fancy drawings—they’re clear instructions. Think blueprints or a precise hand sketch. Include measurements and supports. Examples: posts 6×6, 8 ft on center footing depth, materials labeled.
  4. Submit via the portal. Include forms, drawings, and payment info (online service fees apply)
  5. Review takes about 2–3 weeks. The county checks for floodplain, setbacks, zoning compliance, etc.
  6. Receive your permit. They clear it, you pay, and they assign inspections. Your permit is valid for 180 days from the date of issuance or the date of the last inspection.
Plans aren’t fancy drawings—they’re clear instructions. Think blueprints or a precise hand sketch. Include measurements and supports.

Fee Structure & Cost Considerations

There are two parts to the fees you may incur: a building fee and trade fees (electrical and mechanical, if applicable).

A. Building Fee

How much you’ll pay for your building fee is based on the total valuation of your project. The fees you might pay follow a tiered structure. In Greenville, it goes like this: 

  • $1,000 (total valuation) or less: $30 minimum fee

  • $1,000–$50k: $18.75 for first $1,000 + $6.25 per additional $1k

  • $50k–$100k: $325 + $5 per additional $1k

  • $100k–$500k: $575 + $3.75 per additional $1k

  • Over $500k: $2,075 + $2.50 per additional $1k

Note: encroaching on county roads adds a $70 fee.

B. Electrical Fees (if lighting/outlets) 

If you are adding electrical wiring, there will be an added fee: 

C. Mechanical/Plumbing

You probably won’t be doing much mechanical or plumbing work for a deck, but you might be installing gas lines or special lighting, which incurs a minimum fee of $60 each.

Note: Greenville increased permit fees by 20% on July 1, 2025.

Inspection Milestones: What to Expect

Think of inspections as checkpoints. There will be several inspections you’ll need to undergo:

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  1. Footing/Foundation – Before the concrete pour.
  2. Framing & Rough Inspection – The shell before decking boards.
  3. Electrical – If wiring lights or outlets is part of the deck.
  4. Final Inspection – Once the deck, wiring, rails, and stairs are complete.

Each inspection ensures safety and code compliance. They may seem like a nuisance, but inspections help keep everyone safe from unsafe buildings. 

Once your permit is approved, inspection timelines pop up in the portal. Inspectors run daily from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Tips to Speed Up Approval

The permit review process takes approximately 2-3 weeks, and there’s no way around the wait. However, there are some steps you can take to make it easier for reviewers and expedite your approval. 

  1. Be complete with your plans–Missing info is the most significant cause of delays. Ensure your plans are legible and labeled.
  2. Know setbacks–Standard setbacks are usually 5–10 ft from the property line. Check local zoning online or with eTrakit maps to make sure.
  3. Check the floodplain–If you're near water, include elevation certificates. The county flags this early.
  4. Use a licensed contractor–Applying through a South Carolina licensed contractor ensures faster review and avoids pushback.
  5. Schedule inspections early–Book your inspections as soon as your permit is issued. Inspectors can take a few days to visit.
  6. Avoid the weekend rush–Don’t submit on Fridays if you're in a hurry. Aim for early‑week submissions to get earlier reviews.
  7. Stay on top of your email–Portals send messages—answer them fast. Missed review comments can result in delays. 

Those are some of the things you can do to speed up your approval. But it’s tricky to get everything right when it comes to permitting. Here are a few of the things we DON’T recommend, plus how to avoid them: 

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

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Timeline Snapshot: From Idea to Deck

If you're excited about your upcoming deck-building project, you likely want to know what your timeline might look like. Timelines can vary, but here’s a rough idea of what it could look like in terms of permitting and inspections. 

  1. Day 1–3: Prep plans & valuation.
  2. Day 4: Submit via portal.
  3. Weeks 1–3: Review time.
  4. Week 3 or 4: Permit issued.
  5. Week 4: Footing inspection.
  6. Week 5: Framing + electrical pre‑wire inspection.
  7. Week 6: Final inspection and approval.

Your total could be: 5–6 weeks from application to move-in-ready deck. However, your timeline may depend on the season in which you’re building. Some seasons are busier than others. 

Final Thoughts 

Permits aren’t optional. They protect your safety, your home value, and your peace of mind.

So save yourself some trouble and do it right the first time! 

Alternatively, if this process seems overwhelming to you, consider contacting DG Builders. We are a licensed deck builder in South Carolina, and we know the Greenville permitting process inside, outside, and upside down.

If this process seems overwhelming to you, consider contacting DG Builders. We are a licensed deck builder in South Carolina, and we know the Greenville permitting process inside, outside, and upside down.

We offer services including:

Contact us today to start the conversation about your deck! 

We’ve pulled hundreds of permits in Greenville County and the City. We know the process—so you don’t have to. Let’s build something lasting.