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Planning FAQ

Planning FAQ

1. What is a Zoning Permit and how do you get one?
A ZONING PERMIT is issued by the Town of Awendaw Planning Department to an owner/builder when someone wants to: build a home, garage, barn, shed, etc. ; add onto or renovate an existing structure; move or remove a mobile home; remove a protected tree (18" or greater DBH); operate a home-based business;  etc. 
For a MOBILE HOME, you must submit everything listed below except the architectural drawings. The County will issue a moving/setup permit rather than a building permit.
Once the Town issues a zoning permit, you will submit that to Charleston County Building Inspection Services Department to obtain the building permit and business license. THE TOWN DOES NOT ISSUE BUILDING PERMITS OR BUISNESS LICENSES.  All subcontractors for a permitted job will request their permits and business licenses directly from the County. See following questions for more information concerning business licenses.
Along with the ZONING PERMIT APPLICATION, you must submit the following to the Planning Department:
1. a site plan of the property drawn to scale (on the plat) showing the exact location and size of the proposed  activity, septic area (for more septic info, see subsequent question), all trees 18 inches diameter and greater, the zoning setbacks and the 2021 FEMA flood zone;
2. complete set of architectural drawings with the average roof height shown and measured from the base flood elevation OR the ground if not in a flood zone;
3. Affidavit of Ownership;
4. Action Statement.
5. Permit fee per application (check made to Town of Awendaw or cash).

You may submit via email to planning.awendaw@tds.net or drop off items at Town Hall. Town must receive original affidavit and action statement.
2. Does the Town of Awendaw issue building permits?
No, Charleston County Building  Inspection Services Department issues building permits after the Town has issued a ZONING PERMIT for the new construction. Charleston County will also conduct construction inspections throughout the construction process.
See the first question for ZONING PERMIT information.
3. How do I get a septic permit for land in the Town of Awendaw?
The first step to obtain a DHEC septic permit is to obtain a ZONING PERMIT from Awendaw Planning Department. Along with the ZONING PERMIT APPLICATION for septic, you must submit the following to the Awendaw Planning Department:
1. Site plan of the property drawn to scale (on the plat) showing the exact location of the proposed (mobile) home, all trees 18 inches diameter and greater, and the 2021 FEMA flood zone;
3. Affidavit of Ownership;
4. Action Statement.
You may submit via US mail, email to planning.awendaw@tds.net or drop off items at Town Hall. You must submit original affidavits.

You will then take the zoning permit to DHEC to apply for the septic. 
Once the DHEC septic permit is obtained, you will apply for a new zoning permit for the home.  See   Question  #1 above for the steps to get a building permit.
I want to rent a vacant building for a residence or business. How do I get electrical service?
First, come to the Awendaw Planning Department for a zoning permit for a Building Safety Inspection. Any building that has been vacant for any amount of time must have a Building Safety Inspection conducted by Charleston County Building Services.  The Town requires:
1. a description of the proposed use;
2. Action Statement signed by owner and notarized.
I want to renovate a residence or business. What permits do I need?
In order to do any work on any building in Awendaw, you start by obtaining a zoning permit from Awendaw Planning Department. Once you have the zoning permit, you take that to Charleston County Building Services for the construction permit. For the Zoning permit the Town requires:
1. a description of the work to be done;
2. a description of the business if a new buisness;
3. a complete list of subcontractors.
I want to subdivide my land. How do I do this?
Call the Awendaw Planning Department (843.928.4204) to check you zoning and to discuss the subdivision process. In general, it is recommended you have a conceptual subdivision plat reviewed by staff. Then you submit the preliminary plat with seven copies and the application and fee to Awendaw Planning Department.
How do I subdivide heir's property?
You will need to submit a letter from an attorney certifying who the living heirs are. Then you must submit a notarized document with at least 50% of the heirs approving the subdivision.
Who approves subdivision plats?
The Awendaw Planning Commission approves plats. The deadline for submittals is four weeks prior to the meetings that are on the third Monday of the month at 6 PM.
I want to conduct a small business in my home. Is this allowed?
The Town has a Home Occupation Ordinance that is designed to permit residents to engage in home occupations, while ensuring that home occupations will not be a detriment to the character and livability of the surrounding area. See Chapter 5 of the Town of Awendaw Zoning Ordinance. If your business is allowed, a zoning permit will be issued so that you may obtain a business license from Charleston County.
I want to change my zoning from residential to business. How do I do that?
Call the Awendaw Planning Department (843.928.4204) to discuss your proposal. Your request will be reviewed as it relates to the Town of Awendaw Comprehensive Plan. This plan is the long-range vision for the Town including where commercial and residential lands are recommended.
Do I need permits to clear my land?
Awendaw has an ordinance protecting trees 18 inches or greater (except pine trees) which means you may not remove these trees. You may seek a variance to remove these trees. If your land is over two acres, you must obtain a Land Disturbance Permit from the Office of Coastal Resource management (OCRM).
How do I open a new business in Awendaw?
To open a new business in Awendaw, a Town of Awendaw zoning permit is required. To request this permit, the Town needs a description of the business activity and the name of the business.  Typically businesses request to use a vacant building which requires a zoning permit for a safety inspection ($50).  Contact the Awendaw Planning Department to initiate this permit application.  A general contractor must take the zoning permit to Charleston County Building Services Department to request the County permit for the inspection.  Once the building passes the safety inspection, the County will issue an occupancy permit and Business License.
Does Awendaw issue business licenses?
Awendaw Planning Department issues a zoning permit for new businesses which you submit to Charleston County Revenue Collections.  Annual renewals occur directly with Charleston County Revenue Collections.

If you are a subcontractor on a job in Awendaw, you will expand your existing license when you get the building permit at Charleston County.  If your business is not local, you must do this in person at the County.  Call Charleston County Revenue Collections for the application.
How do I renew a business license?
If nothing about your business has changed, you renew it at Charleston County Revenue Collections.
I already have a business license for Charleston County and some other towns in the county. How do I expand my license to include Awendaw?
If you provide a service throughout the county and have a license, just expand your existing permit to include the Town of Awendaw (at Charleston County Revenue Collections).  If you are a subcontractor on a job in Awendaw, you will expand your existing license when you get the building permit at Charleston County.  If your business is not local, you must do this in person at the County.  Call Charleston County Revenue Collections for the application (843.202.6080).
I am a subcontractor on a construction job in Awendaw. Do I get a zoning permit and business license from the Town of Awendaw?
The Town does not issue permits or business licenses to subcontractors. You will get a building permit from Charleston County under the permit issued to the general contractor.  You will expand your existing business license when you get the building permit at Charleston County.  If your business is not local, you must do this in person at the County.  Call Charleston County Revenue Collections for the application (843.202.6080).
How do I determine my property's Flood Zone?
The Awendaw Planning Department has flood maps and can help you with this determination. If your property appears to be a V or A flood zone, we require a survey to certify the flood zones on a site plan.
Is it ok to have horses?
In some areas (zoned Agricultural General) horses are allowed for personal use. You may not board other persons horses. You should check with DHEC for any state regulations. In order to have more than one horse, your land must have a minimum of 5 acres.
I want to add power to a shed on my property. Will Berkeley Electric add a power pole?
You will first need a zoning permit from the Town of Awendaw Planning Department. In order to get the permit, you must bring a site plan of your property drawn to scale (on the plat) showing the exact location of pole. The flood zone is required for this permit (see flood zone FAQ). Awendaw will issue a zoning permit which applicant/builder will take to Charleston County for the building permit.
Do I need a permit to build a shed?
A shed under 120 square feet does not require a building permit but must meet setbacks (call Awendaw Planning). If the shed is over 120 square feet, it must meet building codes.  The first step to get a Zoning Permit-see the first QUESTION.