Business Hours
Sorry, we are currently closed.
| Open | Close | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:30 am | – | 4:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am | – | 4:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am | – | 4:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am | – | 4:30 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am | – | 4:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed Today | ||
| Sunday | Closed Today | ||
Building Services » Dorchester County
Established in 1897, Dorchester County was formed from land previously located in Colleton County. The name “Dorchester” was indirectly derived from Dorchester, England by way of Dorchester, Massachusetts.
Dorchester County boasts award-winning school districts and one of the longest free-flowing blackwater rivers in North America. Dorchester County’s natural beauty and unwavering sense of community are what makes it the best county in South Carolina to build a business and raise a family.
Dorchester County is home to the:
- City of North Charleston
- Town of Summerville
- Town of Ridgeville
- Town of St. George (County Seat)
- Town of Harleyville
- Town of Reevesville
- Town of Lincolnville
- Communities of Dorchester, Grover, Knightsville, Ladson and Texas
Form of Government
Dorchester County operates under a Council-Administrator form of government and has over 800 full-time employees. A seven-member County Council is elected by district and provides policy direction to the County.
The County Administrator serves as County Council’s agent in administrative matters. This position has oversight over all County government operations with the exceptions of departments governed by elected officials and special districts.
The County Administrator is assisted by a Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Administrator of Public Safety and Assistant Administrator of Community Services.
Building Services
Contact: Melissa Hopkins
Address 500 N. Main St Summerville SC 29483
Phone: 843-932-0011
Phone: 843-832-0352
Email: InspectionRequests@DorchesterCountySC.gov
Website: Building Services
Website: Submittal Process
Website: Permit Application Download
Website: Submit Online
About Us
Under the leadership of Melissa Hopkins, Chief Building Official, the Building Services Department is responsible for the issuance of building permits both residential and commercial, new construction and renovations. The department is also tasked with conducting field inspections throughout the construction process to verify code compliance.
Note: If you are requesting a next day inspection, you must contact the Building Services office, no later than, 3:00 PM the business day prior to the date requested. Email: InspectionRequests@DorchesterCountySC.gov
Mission To ensure the protection of life, health and property which we regard as a solemn responsibility.
Goal
To be ever mindful of the needs of the community and to serve the citizens and other customers with the highest degree of professionalism, courtesy and resourcefulness.
Building Code Requirements All construction in Dorchester County must comply with all applicable building code requirements as outlined below:
- 2021 International Building Code, January 1, 2023
- 2021 International Fire Code, January 1, 2023
- 2021 International Plumbing Code, January 1, 2023
- 2021 International Mechanical Code, January 1, 2023
- 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, January 1, 2023
- 2020 National Electric Code, January 1, 2023
- 2021 International Residential Code, January 1, 2023
- 2009 International Energy Conservation Code, January 1, 2016
- 2021 International Existing Building Code, January 1, 2023
