Planning and Community Development

Permits & Online Permitting

The Planning and Community Development Department reviews and issues permits for a wide variety of different projects and topics. Permits may be needed for opening a new business, construction of a building or structure, major modifications or repair to an existing structure, approval of new developments, or the removal of trees, to name a few. Applicants can apply for a permit online through CommunityCore or in-person at Ridgeland Town Hall. This page provides a variety of resources about the Town’s permitting process.

When do I Need to get a Permit?

There are a variety of different situations when a permit may be needed or other approvals from the Town of Ridgeland. These include:

• Business
  • Opening a new business in Town
  • Purchasing an existing business
  • Moving your existing business to a new location
  • Placement and specifications of signage for your business
• Building
  • Constructing a new building or structure
  • Modifying or making repairs to an existing building/structure
  • All fences within Town limits require permits
  • Demolishing a building/structure
  • Moving a mobile home into an approved mobile home park
  • Cutting or removal of trees (Ridgeland has a robust Tree Protection ordinance)
• Land development
  • Building out infrastructure or utilities (e.g. new roads or stormwater infrastructure)
  • Subdividing land into multiple smaller properties
  • Rezoning of land to allow for a different set of uses
  • Annexation of land into the Town of Ridgeland (an annexation petition is needed)

Different projects go through different levels of review; generally, the more extensive the project, the more extensive the review. For example, some minor home modifications can be approved at the staff level within a short period of time; larger development projects and rezonings may be presented to, or need approval from, the Planning Commission or Town Council.

How to Apply for a Permit Online

By creating an account through our CommunityCore permitting software, homeowners and contractors can apply for permits directly. All users will have to create an account upon first sign in. We have created a helpful guide on how to apply for a permit once registered.

Click here to apply for a permit online through CommunityCore. This is the Town’s online permitting portal through which we track permit applications and the steps needed to approve a permit.

Need help submitting an online permit? Click here to access the “How To” guide, or call the Permit Technician, Danielle Smoak, at (843) 726-7516.

Need help with something else on CommunityCore? Click here to access CommunityCore’s self-help documentation.

How to Apply for a Permit In-Person

Do you prefer to talk with someone in-person about your permit? You can visit our offices at Ridgeland Town Hall, located at 1 Town Square, on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Permit applications submitted after 3:00 PM will not be processed until the following business day. We would be happy to walk you through the process one step at a time.

If you already know what permit you wish to apply for, but do not wish to apply online, you can access and print the appropriate form in our Forms & Applications Library, which you may then fill out and bring to our offices in Town Hall.

How to Pay for a Permit

Payments can be made in person or overnighted to 1 Town Square Ridgeland, SC 29936 or mailed to PO Box 1119 Ridgeland, SC 29936.

If you have questions about what is required of your project, please call Graham Glaab at (843) 726-7508, or Danielle Smoak at (843) 726-7516.

Process for Major Projects

For more extensive projects (e.g. major construction, all commercial developments, major subdivision and site engineering of property), the planning review is more detailed than simply obtaining a permit.

1. First, a Pre-Design conference is required to review the project concept. This is required for all new construction (except detached single-family residences on existing lots of record), major subdivisions, and (re)zoning requests. It is also recommended for all projects including a change of occupancy, (e.g. office use changing to a restaurant), and any use involving food service.
2. Second, for more complex proposals, a Sketch Plan Review with the checklist included is needed. Providing as much information as possible by the applicant will make the remaining steps much easier. Note architectural details are required for all exterior items.
3. Third, Site Plans are required for site development, drainage, utility connections, and landscaping. Color selections are required. Once this design is approved, no modifications to the plans can be made without a request being made to the Planning Department for a revision.
4. Once a site plan is approved, the developer must submit detailed building plans according to the latest building codes for any new construction. After these plans are reviewed, approved, and permit fees paid, issuance of building permit(s) follows.
5. After a permit is issued, inspections are needed throughout and after construction. Inspections can be scheduled with the Planning Department.

If you have any questions, please contact Graham Glaab in the Planning Department at 843-726-7508 or by email at gglaab@ridgelandsc.gov.