Friday, June 4, 2010

Permit Extension Bill Enacted

A bill extending permits, including building permits, was signed by the Governor on May 19. This bill was a legislative priority of the Home Builders Association of South Carolina.

The bill was introduced by Rep. Dwight Loftis and Senator Ray Cleary in response to the downturn in the construction industry. Permits that normally would have been completed in a timely manner are not being completed on schedule.

The bill creates a “time out” on development and building permits issued by state and local government agencies. The “time out” period is January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2012. Permits that were valid during that period are kept alive until December 2012.

The additional time insures that the permit doesn’t expire and that a new permit does not have to be purchased. The bill is fashioned after legislation passed and successfully implemented in North Carolina last year. While this is a temporary solution, it provides some much needed help as the construction industry recovers.

2 comments:

  1. This bill definitely will help developers in our state. Can you clarify if this bill also includes Land Development (LDD)and Grading Permits? The renewal of such permits in Greenville County costs $1,600 and Land Development Department is asking developers to provide so much additional requirements that cost so much for engineering time and money. This also holds up the building permits that are few and far between. Thanks.

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  2. Yes, this bill applies to any land development-related permit issued by the State of South Carolina and any subdivision or local unit of government of the State of South Carolina. Grading and Land Development Permits are covered by the bill.

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