How much does a septic permit cost in Horry County, SC?

Septic permit fees in Horry County vary by permit type. New installation permits typically cost $200–$500, while repair permits are usually $100–$300. Contact SCDES Lowcountry Regional Office at (843) 953-0150 for current fee schedules.

How long does it take to get a septic permit in Horry County?

The septic permit process in Horry County generally takes 2–6 weeks, depending on soil evaluation scheduling and application completeness. Soil evaluations must be performed by a licensed soil scientist before applying.

Do I need a soil evaluation for a septic permit in Horry County?

Yes. Horry County requires a professional soil evaluation before issuing any septic permit. A licensed soil scientist evaluates soil type, depth, drainage, and water table levels to determine the appropriate septic system design.

Who handles septic inspections in Horry County, SC?

SCDES Lowcountry Regional Office oversees all septic system inspections in Horry County. Contact them at (843) 953-0150 to schedule an inspection or ask about requirements.

Can I install my own septic system in Horry County?

Horry County requires septic system installation by licensed contractors. All installations must be permitted through SCDES Lowcountry Regional Office and pass inspection before the system can be used.

Septic & well regulations in Horry County, SC

Horry County is located in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. Horry County has Lowcountry soils with high water tables, sandy surfaces, and clay subsoils. Coastal areas feature flood-prone, tidally influenced soils with extremely shallow water tables. Understanding local permit requirements and soil conditions is essential before installing, repairing, or inspecting a septic system.

Permits & Requirements

New Installation

Site evaluation and septic permit required from SCDES Lowcountry Regional Office before installation. A licensed installer (Tier 1–3) must be retained for construction. Soil evaluation determines system type per R.61-56 standards. Permit fee is $150 with 5-year validity.

Repair

Repair permit required from SCDES Lowcountry Regional Office. A licensed contractor must assess the failure and submit a repair plan compliant with R.61-56. Existing system modifications must meet current SCDES standards for separation distances and soil suitability.

Inspection

Voluntary inspections available through SCDES-licensed inspectors. While South Carolina does not mandate point-of-sale inspections, lenders and buyers frequently require them for real estate transactions. Inspection typically costs $250–$500 and covers tank condition, baffles, and drain field evaluation.

Horry County Environmental Health

SCDES Lowcountry Regional Office

(843) 953-0150

Contact the county environmental health department for permit applications, soil evaluation scheduling, and regulatory questions.

Soil & Terrain Characteristics

Horry County has Lowcountry soils with high water tables, sandy surfaces, and clay subsoils. Coastal areas feature flood-prone, tidally influenced soils with extremely shallow water tables. Inland areas along the Waccamaw River and Intracoastal Waterway have poorly drained alluvial soils. Higher-elevation inland areas near Conway offer better drainage.

County-Specific Considerations

Horry County is South Carolina's fastest-growing county at 3.8% annual growth, driven by the Myrtle Beach tourism and retirement economy. Rapid development is straining septic system capacity in areas beyond Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority service. Coastal flooding, hurricane storm surge, and high water tables create significant challenges for septic installations. The Waccamaw River floodplain experienced catastrophic flooding during Hurricanes Matthew (2016) and Florence (2018), affecting thousands of septic systems.

Find Services in Horry County

Septic Pumping

Horry County

Septic Inspection

Horry County

Septic Installation

Horry County

Well Water Testing

Horry County

Well Pump Repair

Horry County

Well Drilling

Horry County

Emergency Services

Horry County

Water Treatment

Horry County

Drain Field Repair

Horry County

Septic to Sewer Conversion

Horry County

Aerobic Septic System

Horry County

Well Water Filtration

Horry County

PFAS Water Testing

Horry County

Related Resources

Horry County Overview Inspection Checklist How to Choose a Septic Company

Septic Permits & Regulations in Horry County — FAQ

How much does a septic permit cost in Horry County, SC?: Septic permit fees in Horry County vary by permit type. New installation permits typically cost $200–$500, while repair permits are usually $100–$300. Contact SCDES Lowcountry Regional Office at (843) 953-0150 for current fee schedules.
How long does it take to get a septic permit in Horry County?: The septic permit process in Horry County generally takes 2–6 weeks, depending on soil evaluation scheduling and application completeness. Soil evaluations must be performed by a licensed soil scientist before applying.
Do I need a soil evaluation for a septic permit in Horry County?: Yes. Horry County requires a professional soil evaluation before issuing any septic permit. A licensed soil scientist evaluates soil type, depth, drainage, and water table levels to determine the appropriate septic system design.
Who handles septic inspections in Horry County, SC?: SCDES Lowcountry Regional Office oversees all septic system inspections in Horry County. Contact them at (843) 953-0150 to schedule an inspection or ask about requirements.
Can I install my own septic system in Horry County?: Horry County requires septic system installation by licensed contractors. All installations must be permitted through SCDES Lowcountry Regional Office and pass inspection before the system can be used.