Excavation permits and rules in South Carolina
What the state requires before and during excavation work, with the page each rule comes from. It's a summary of the published rules, not legal advice, and a county or city can add rules of its own.
Checked September 19, 2026
Calling 811 before you dig
Anyone digging in South Carolina has to notify SC811 before work starts. Call 811 at least 3 and no more than 12 full working days before digging, or 10 to 20 full working days near underwater utilities.1-2
Text of the law
The notice period under S.C. Code 58-36-10 to 58-36-120: within three to twelve full working days, not including the day upon which notice is given, before the proposed commencement date (ten to twenty full working days near a subaqueous facility).1-2
Licensing
South Carolina licenses contractors through the South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board (SC LLR). A license is needed for jobs over $10,000. General contractors-highway classification with the grading subclassification covers soil preparation of roads, building sites, parking lots and storm sewers.3
Text of the law
Total cost of construction greater than ten thousand dollars.3
Stormwater and erosion control
A stormwater permit is needed at 1 acre, or less if within a larger common plan of development or sale, or within 1/2 mile of a receiving water body in the Coastal Zone. Coverage is under the NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities SCR100000.4
Get quotes from contractors in your county
One request instead of calling contractors one at a time. We'll match you with an excavation contractor near you. It's free, and you don't have to hire anyone.
Sources
What excavation costs in South Carolina
Published national ranges for the common jobs, the regional adjustment for South Carolina, and a planning estimate you can run for your own county.
Contractors in South Carolina
South Carolina has 528 excavation contractors listed, and 337 of them hold an active USDOT registration. Browse them by county, or ask for quotes and we'll match you with excavation contractors near you.
Cite this page
“Excavation permits and rules in South Carolina.” LeaderExcavation.com, updated September 19, 2026. https://leaderexcavation.com/sc/rules/