These brochures explain why it is important for homeowners to hire licensed contractors:

• Consumer's Guide to Home Improvement Contracts (PDF)
• Consumer's Guide to Hiring a Licensed Contractor (PDF)
• Consumer's Guide to Protecting Yourself After A Disaster (PDF)

Contractors and subcontractors must have the required State licenses (PDF) for the work they are performing.

The City of Rock Hill does not recognize out of state licenses. Contractors can contact the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation to find out if their license will reciprocate.

Residents and others affected by the storm can check a contractor’s state license through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation webpage.

Click on Licensee Lookup.

• Commercial General Contractors, Electrical, plumbing and mechanical contractors should be listed under Contractors Licensing Board.
• Home Builders and other types of contractors for roofing or remodeling should be listed under Residential Builders Commission.

You can also call us at 803-329‐5590 to check a contractor’s license.

Contractors also are required to have a City of Rock Hill business license before a building permit can be issued.

Many types of work require a permit and inspection. Here are a few examples: 

• Roofing – Installing new shingles
• Windows – replacing windows
• Vinyl or Wood Siding – replacing vinyl, wood or other types of siding or trim boards
• Sheetrock – replacing or installing sheetrock to remodel or finish an unfinished room
• Framing – adding new interior walls or extending an existing wall, creating a new door or opening in an existing wall
• Plumbing – replacing a sewer line or water line, adding plumbing to a room that did not previously have it, replacing water heater, installing an irrigation system
• Electrical – installing new wiring or replacing wiring, adding outlets or lights
• Mechanical – installing heating and air units or equipment, installing ductwork
• Gas – installing or replacing gas lines
• Fire Suppression – installing a fire alarm, fire sprinkler system, or fire suppression system
• Exhaust or Cooking Hood – installing or replacing an exhaust hood or cooking hood in a commercial kitchen
• Signs – wall signs and monument signs 
• Counters and Vanities – in a commercial setting to ensure handicap accessibility
• Grease Interceptor – most commercial kitchens require a grease interceptor

Work Exempt from Building Permits (PDF)

If you are a home owner and want to act as your builder or general contractor, you may complete some types of work yourself. State law will require you to live in the home for two years afterwards. If you are interested in this, complete the Owner/Builder Disclosure Statement (PDF) and have it notarized and recorded at the York County Clerk of Court's office. Then submit a copy of the recorded form with your building permit application online at City of Rock Hill Online Services . All permits require inspections to ensure compliance with building code standards.

You may not do any type of remodel or repair work that includes electrical, mechanical (heating and air), plumbing, gas or structural changes; those types of work must be performed by a licensed contractor.

You may do some types of minor repairs, but you cannot do any type of remodel or repair work that includes electrical, mechanical (heating and air), plumbing, gas or structural changes; those types of work must be performed by a licensed contractor.