FILE · GENERAL CONTRACTING x CONWAY x SOUTH CAROLINAPermit StackSpecs LedgerCostTimelineChecklistViolationsFAQ
GENERAL CONTRACTING x CONWAY x SOUTH CAROLINA

General Contracting contractors in Conway, South Carolina.

Operating as a general contractor in Conway, South Carolina, requires navigating both state-level licensing through the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) and local municipal requirements. Contractors must ensure their license classification matches the scope of work, whether residential or commercial, and strictly adhere to the $5,000 threshold for state licensure.

At the local level, the City of Conway requires a business license and specific building permits for most construction activities. Compliance involves submitting plans for review, adhering to the adopted International Building Codes, and passing mandatory inspections throughout the project lifecycle. Failure to secure proper permits or maintain valid licensure can result in stop-work orders and significant fines.

State License
STATE SC LLRRequired >$5k
Permit Issuer
Conway Building DeptCity Hall
Avg. Plan Review
10-15 DaysVaries by scope
Typical Start-Up
RANGE $500-$2,000Fees & Bonds
FILE · GENERAL CONTRACTING x CONWAY x SOUTH CAROLINA
Compliance Dossier
Public
File
05 / 2026
State AuthoritySC LLR
CountyHorry County
City AuthorityConway Planning & Building
Statute / CodeSC Code Title 40
Federal Cert.EPA Lead-Safe (if applicable)
ReciprocityVerify with LLR
FILE GENERAL CONTRACTINGLOCATION CONWAY, SOUTH CAROLINATYPE COMPLIANCE GUIDE
VERIFIED 05 / 2026STATUS PUBLIC REFERENCE
What's specific to ConwayWhat this leaf carries beyond the South Carolina state file.
Coastal Wind Zone Compliance
Conway is subject to specific wind-load requirements due to its proximity to the coast; ensure all structural designs meet local wind-speed ratings.
Floodplain Regulations
Portions of Conway are in designated flood zones; verify elevation certificates and floodplain development permits before breaking ground.
Horry County Overlay
While Conway has its own building department, ensure coordination with Horry County if the project site borders unincorporated areas.
§ 01 · Permit Stack

Three layers govern General Contracting work in Conway.

Always confirm jurisdiction, as some addresses with Conway mailing zip codes fall under unincorporated Horry County.

State — Floor
SC LLR
Contractor LicenseWorkers Comp
County — Overlay
Horry County
Zoning ComplianceFloodplain Review
City — Where you file
Conway Building Dept
Building PermitBusiness License

Read it bottom-up.

Always confirm jurisdiction, as some addresses with Conway mailing zip codes fall under unincorporated Horry County.

This file exists to show what changes when the trade is General Contracting and the jurisdiction is Conway, South Carolina.

Source · State, county, and city issuing authoritiesLast verified · 05 / 2026
§ 02 · Specs Ledger

Every requirement, with a number on it.

Each row names the issuing authority, cost, timeline, citation, and status behind the requirement.

RequirementIssued byCostTimeCitationStatus
SC Contractor LicenseRequired for projects >$5k
SC LLR
Verify with LLR
4-8 weeks
SC Code 40-11
REQUIRED
Workers CompRequired for 4+ employees
State Fund/Private
Verify with carrier
Immediate
SC Code 42-1
REQUIRED
Building PermitRequired for all structural work
Conway Building Dept
Valuation based
10-15 days
City Ordinance
REQUIRED
Surety BondProject specific
Surety Company
Verify with agency
1 week
Verify with agency
REQUIRED
Business LicenseAnnual renewal
City of Conway
Verify with City
1-3 days
City Ordinance
REQUIRED
EPA Lead-SafeFor pre-1978 homes
EPA
Verify with EPA
Training required
40 CFR 745
REQUIRED
§ 03 · Year-One Cost

What it costs to start General Contracting in Conway.

A practical floor for Conway, South Carolina. Verify each amount with the issuing authority.

Year-one ledger
Conway, South Carolina · General Contracting
State License FeeInitial applicationVerify with LLR
City Business LicenseBased on gross revenueVerify with City
Building Permit FeeBased on project valuationVerify with City
Plan Review FeeFor complex projectsVerify with City
Surety BondIf required by contractVerify with Surety
Inspection FeesRe-inspection feesVerify with City
Year-one floorVariable based on project size
Excludes tools, vehicle purchase, payroll, and marketing.
Note
Valuation

Permit costs are calculated based on the total cost of labor and materials.

Note
Renewals

Business licenses must be renewed annually by the City of Conway.

Note
Late Fees

Work started without a permit may result in double permit fees.

§ 04 · Path to First Job

From day zero to first inspection.

A practical path for General Contracting contractors in Conway.

1
Day 0
License Verification
SC LLR
2
Day 5
Business License Application
Conway City
3
Day 10
Plan Submission
Conway Building Dept
4
Day 25
Permit Issuance
Conway Building Dept
5
Day 30
Construction Start
Contractor
6
Day 60
Final Inspection & Sign-off
Conway Building Dept
§ 05 · Compliance Checklist

Check them off.

Each item names the issuing authority, cycle, and citation.

01
Verify LLR License
Ensure license is active and in good standing.
StateLegalSC LLR
ContractorIssuing authority
02
Submit Plans
Provide blueprints for building department review.
LocalPermitConway Building Dept
ContractorIssuing authority
03
Post Permit
Display building permit at the job site.
SiteComplianceCity Ordinance
ContractorIssuing authority
04
Schedule Inspections
Call for inspections at required milestones.
SiteSafetyConway Building Dept
ContractorIssuing authority
05
Safety Compliance
Maintain OSHA-compliant site safety.
SafetyFederalOSHA
ContractorIssuing authority
06
Final Inspection
Obtain Certificate of Occupancy.
CloseoutLegalConway Building Dept
ContractorIssuing authority
§ 06 · Local Enforcement Data

Violations cited most in Conway.

When confirmed local data is unavailable, this section stays marked for verification.

Commonly cited
Verify with agency

Unpermitted Work

Performing structural changes without a valid permit.

PenaltyStop-work order / Fines
Commonly cited
Verify with agency

Missing Inspections

Covering work (e.g., drywall over framing) before inspection.

PenaltyRequired removal of materials
Commonly cited
Verify with agency

Safety Hazards

Lack of proper fall protection or site fencing.

PenaltyFines / Project shutdown
§ 07 · Conway-specific FAQ

Questions General Contracting contractors ask about Conway.

Q01Do I need a local business license in Conway?+
Yes, all contractors performing work within the city limits of Conway must obtain a City of Conway business license.
Business LicenseConwaySource · City of Conway Finance Department
Q02What is the threshold for a state contractor license?+
A state license is required for any project exceeding $5,000 in total cost, including labor and materials.
LicensingLLRSource · SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
Q03How do I schedule an inspection in Conway?+
Inspections must be requested through the Conway Building Department once the permit is issued and work is ready for review.
InspectionsPermitsSource · Conway Planning and Building Department
Q04Are residential and commercial licenses the same?+
No, South Carolina distinguishes between Residential Builders and General Contractors (commercial/industrial).
LicensingClassificationSource · SC Residential Builders Commission
Q05Is a bond required for contractors in Horry County?+
While the state may not mandate a blanket bond for all, specific projects or local jurisdictions may require performance or surety bonds.
BondingRequirementsSource · Verify with Horry County Building Official
Q06Which building codes does Conway follow?+
Conway enforces the South Carolina Building Code, which is based on the International Code Council (ICC) standards.
CodesComplianceSource · SC Building Codes Council
§ 08 · Related

Adjacent files.

These are the documents Iris tracks for you.

Store licenses, permits, policies, and renewal dates in one place.