Staff Report
Published May 4, 2009

Businesses and individuals in Charleston County can now manage permits, inspections and licenses online through a new Web system.

The online offerings will save trips to meetings with county staff members for people doing development-related work in the unincorporated areas of Charleston County and in the following municipalities, which rely on the county for building services: Awendaw, Kiawah Island, Meggett, Ravenel, Rockville and Seabrook Island.

Users now can do the following remotely:

• Apply for, pay for and check the status of permits.
• Schedule and check the status of inspections.
• Pay for, renew and inquire about Charleston County contractor licenses.
• Search properties for permits, inspections and plan status.

County officials said the new system helps them and the public “go green” and be more efficient.

“The saving of gas, time and mileage by not having to come to us in person will result in a better bottom line for businesses and the public,” said Carl Simmons, building inspections director.

Charleston County officials expect to offer additional online services in the future, including plan submission and review.

“This is part of a continuing effort by Charleston County government to improve service delivery to the public,” said Dan Pennick, planning department director.

Citizens can search and renew business licenses online for the municipalities of North Charleston, Awendaw, McClellanville, Rockville, Lincolnville and Folly Beach, as well as unincorporated areas within Charleston County.