Tiny homes can be used as permanent residences in South Carolina when the home and property meet the applicable building-code, zoning, foundation, utility, permitting, and inspection requirements.
The most important thing to understand is that approval is based on the actual home, property, intended use, and local jurisdiction.
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South Carolina currently uses the 2021 South Carolina Building Codes, which became effective January 1, 2023.
These include residential, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy, and other standards that may apply to the home.
Meeting the building code does not automatically mean a home can be placed on every property. Local zoning and land-development rules still apply.
Review the South Carolina Building Codes Council for current information.
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A permanent tiny home, modular home, manufactured home, shipping-container home, park model, RV, and tiny home on wheels may be treated differently.
The home’s classification can affect:
Never assume that approval for one type of small home means every type will be allowed on the property.
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My Tiny House Guys focuses on permanent homes designed for approved foundations.
A permanent tiny home may require building permits, inspections, utility approval, zoning approval, and a foundation designed for the home and property.
Requirements can change depending on whether the home is built on the property or substantially completed somewhere else before delivery.
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Our aluminum modular homes include 20-foot and 40-foot designs with several available layouts.
South Carolina has a formal Modular Building Program for qualifying homes constructed off-site.
The program requires licensed modular manufacturers and independent third-party inspections. Approved modular buildings also receive a state label.
Review the South Carolina Modular Building Program for additional information.
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Shipping containers can be converted into permanent homes, but an unfinished container is not an approved residence.
The completed home may require architectural plans, engineering, building permits, foundation approval, inspections, utility connections, and local zoning approval.
Openings for doors and windows, structural connections, insulation, plumbing, electrical systems, and other modifications must be addressed as part of the approved design.
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A tiny home may be allowed as an accessory dwelling unit, commonly called an ADU, when the local zoning rules permit it.
The property may need an existing primary residence, and local requirements can control:
A home is not automatically an ADU simply because it is small or placed behind another home.
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Properties throughout South Carolina may follow county, city, town, or special-district requirements.
Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Pickens, York, Richland, Lexington, Horry, Charleston, Beaufort, Georgetown, and surrounding areas should each be reviewed according to the property’s governing jurisdiction.
Coastal properties may also have additional floodplain, wind-design, elevation, and insurance considerations.
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Greenville County distinguishes between zoned and unzoned properties.
Unzoned property is not subject to the county zoning use table, but development must still follow the county’s land-development regulations.
Zoned property must follow the permitted uses and conditions established for its zoning district.
Greenville County also has specific requirements for certain tiny-home developments and pocket-neighborhood projects.
Review Greenville County Zoning before purchasing or developing property in the county.
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A small home still needs approved water, wastewater, electrical, and other required utility connections.
If public or community sewer is unavailable, South Carolina requires site approval and a permit before a septic system can be installed. The number of bedrooms can affect the required system size.
If public water is unavailable, a private residential well must follow South Carolina’s permitting and construction requirements.
Review the state’s information about residential septic permits and private drinking-water wells before purchasing rural property.
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Confirm the following before purchasing land for your home:
When you complete the Tiny Home Order Form, provide as much property information as possible.
Helpful information may include:
We use the available information to help identify which home designs and next steps may be appropriate for your property.
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Tell us about your home, property, and the features that matter most to you.
My Tiny House Guys
Charlotte, North Carolina, United States