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.

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.

• For additional assistance with application questions, please contact Ryan Ariail at Ryan.Ariail@des.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.
• Following these recommendations can make the permitting process more efficient: Tips to Speed the Process.

Applications & Forms

• Permits that Require a Pre-application Meeting
• SCDES Applications, Forms & Reporting
• Bureau of Air Quality
• Bureau of Land & Waste Management
• Bureau of Water
• Bureau of Coastal Management

Permitting Process

• Environmental Application Tracker
• Tips to Speed the Permitting Process
• Citizen & Non-Business Permits
• Voluntary Disclosure Act
• Permit Extension Joint Resolution of 2013 (H. 3774)
• Confidentiality of Information

Permitting Resources