Building and Zoning Frequently Asked Questions

Where is your office located?
Lexington Municipal Complex " Town Hall " at 111 Maiden Lane . Building and Zoning is located in the far right hall of the second floor.

What are your office hours?
Normally, our office is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, sometimes we are closed for lunch. Closings for holidays etc. are posted on the front doors and on channel 2.

If I have a question regarding Zoning or Permitting, what number do I call?
Call 803-356-5938 or 803-951-4655.

If I have Inspection questions, what number do I call?
Call 803-951-4638.

Where can I find copies of the Town Ordinances?
They are on our web page.

When is a building permit required?
Any owner or agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure to include electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing must first make application and obtain the required permit.

When is a zoning permit required?
When a property is developed or improved or when establishing a business in Town.

Do I need a zoning permit to open a new business?
Yes. Handicap accessibility and/or fire separation alterations may be required.

How do I make an application for a building permit and what do I need to bring?
You can come to our office or fax us an application form. (You may obtain a copy of our permit application forms from our web page.)
•  Be sure to completely fill out the permit application.
•  If single family dwelling permit: bring or fax a copy of the plot plan showing the building setbacks, and driveway and a copy of the sewer certificate if you have one( if not indicate this on the permit application). When you pick up the permit bring two (2) full sets of building plans and two (2) plot plans showing setbacks etc.
All building permits except for sign permits are required to show the state license number with Labor Licensing and Regulations (LLR).

If I am unable to come to the office, can someone else pick up my permit?
Yes, if you indicate on the permit application the name of the person who will pick up, sign and pay for the permit.

Can I be my own residential builder?
Yes, but State law requires under exemption (section 40-59-260) that the owner:
•  Be liable for the structure for thirteen (13) years
•  Must live in the dwelling for two (2) years
•  Must do all work or use qualified licensed contractors.
•  Must record owner as the unlicensed builder at the register of deeds.

Can I get a permit for my contractor?
No. Under State law we must make sure contractors are properly licensed with the state . We must also make sure they have a town business license.

Do I need a permit to build a shed or storage building in my yard?
Yes.

Do I need a permit to add a deck to my house?
Yes .

Can I have a residential specialty contractor to build a deck for me?
No Enclose a deck for me? No, a specialty contractor cannot do new structural work .

Do I need a permit to erect or change a permanent sign?
Yes.

My Freestanding sign is higher than 10 feet and is larger than current requirements. When must it comply?
October 1st, 2010.

Does the Town allow moving message boards (electronic signs)?
Yes, but only for time, temperature and date. Existing moving message boards are grandfathered until October 1st, 2010.

Do I need a permit for a temporary sign?
Yes. Each business is allowed one (1) temporary sign or banner for a special event or sale. A permit is required and is good for 20 days. Three 20 day permits are allowed per calendar year and each permit cost $20. A new business is also allowed one (1) grand opening temporary sign. This permit is good for 30 days and costs $20.

Do I need a permit to put up a fence?
Yes, a Zoning permit is required if the fence will be a 6-foot fence or less and a building permit is required it the fence will be higher than 6 feet. Also if in an organized subdivision the fence must meet the subdivision requirements.

Do I need a permit to have a garage/yard sale?
No, but only one (1) on site garage or yard sale sign is permitted provided that the total display area does not exceed six (6) square feet. Such signs may be erected twenty four (24) hours before and shall be removed upon completion of the garage or yard sale. Only two (2) garage/yard sales are permitted within a calendar year.

When can I erect weekend directional signs (WEDS)?
•  From 6:00 p.m. Friday until 11:59 p.m. Sunday.
•  WEDS cannot be in the public right-of-way nor put on telephone poles.
•  WEDS cannot be placed more than two (2) miles from the event.
•  WEDS can only be placed where the direction changes.
•  WEDS cannot exceed four (4) square feet and three (3) feet high.
•  WEDS must be secured in the ground so they will not blow into traffic.

What code do you use for Residential Construction?
2003 International Residential Building Code with the State amendments.

What code do you use for Commercial construction?
2003 International Building Code.