Applying for a Permit, License, Certification or Registration from SCDES

Sound, responsible environmental decisions go hand-in-hand with strong, successful businesses. If your new business or expansion could have an impact on the environment in South Carolina, chances are, you'll need a permit from SCDES. You may actually need several permits, licenses, or registrations before starting or expanding your business. If you're required by law to get one or more permits, you'll need some of those permits well before you disturb land for construction.

Talk with SCDES early about your business plans. We can help you develop a coordinated roadmap and realistic schedule.

We want to work closely with you to help you through the permitting process as quickly as possible.

Private Citizens Needing Permits

• If you are an individual (rather than a business) and you need a permit from SCDES to build a dock, private well, septic tank, pond, coastal home, etc., visit our Citizen (Non-Business) Permits Issued by SCDES page.

Request a Meeting with Permit Central

We will be happy to meet with you regarding your permitting needs. Please complete this online form, and we will contact you to schedule an appointment.

Get Help from SCDES Staff

Communicating with SCDES at the earliest stages of your project is the smartest step you can take.

Our SCDES Permit Central includes advisors from every permitting area. We are here to help you understand what you need to do to get the permits, licenses, etc., you need.

• Request an appointment with us, or give us a call Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can also send us an email. We'd love to help.
• For additional assistance with application questions, please contact Ryan Ariail at ryan.ariail@dhec.sc.gov or (803) 898-9418.
• For questions about Septic Tank permits and applications 1-855-731-2504 or email at OSWWCentral@des.sc.gov.

Permitting Procedures

Have a Question?

• Which Permits Do I Need?
• How Long Will the Process Take?
• Out of Compliance?

Applications & Forms

• SCDES Applications, Forms & Reporting
• Bureau of Air Quality
• Bureau of Environmental Affairs
• Bureau of Land & Waste Management
• Bureau of Water
• Ocean and Coastal Resource Management

Permitting Process

• Environmental Application Tracker
• Tips to Speed the Process
• Citizen & Non-Business Permits
• Voluntary Disclosure Act
• Fact Sheets
• Request a Meeting with Permit Central
• Permit Extension Joint Resolution of 2013 (H. 3774)
• Confidentiality of Information

Permitting Resources