How to respond to Charleston’s plan review comments
What the City of Charleston calls its correction letter, how to resubmit, and what to include, from the city’s own pages. Each fact links to its source.
What the City of Charleston calls it
The City of Charleston calls its correction letter “plan review comments”.
How to resubmit after Charleston plan check corrections
- If the plans don't meet all requirements, reviewers' comments are provided through CSS: open the permit number, then the Review tab and expand each review to see its Comments, or look under the permit's Attachments tab.
- Wait until all reviews are complete; revisions aren't processed until every review is finished.
- Submit the revised materials together with a revision application through CSS.
- Email permits@charleston-sc.gov once they are uploaded: staff aren't notified of new documents uploaded through CSS.
- Once all approvals are given, staff confirm the contractor's license and business license, invoice the fees, and the permit is issued the midnight after you pay through CSS.
From the city’s instructions: charleston-sc.gov
Codes its letters cite
Building code named on the city’s pages: 2021 South Carolina Building Code.
Local amendments to the building code
None listed by the South Carolina Building Codes Council as of 2026-10-31.
Official links
Links and facts checked on October 31, 2026.
South Carolina rules every plan check here follows
These come from South Carolina law and state agencies, so they apply in Charleston as well. Each links to its source.
Code for homes
Homes follow the 2021 International Residential Code with South Carolina changes.
Source: SC Building Codes Council, checked October 31, 2026
In force since
Local building departments have used the current codes since January 1, 2023.
Source: SC Building Codes Council, checked October 31, 2026
Statewide codes
Every city and county has to enforce these state codes.
Source: SC Building Codes Council, checked October 31, 2026
What a good response to plan review comments has
General guidance, not the City of Charleston’s own rules. Check its page before you resubmit.
- Answer every comment, in the reviewer’s order and numbering, so nothing is missed.
- Say plainly what you changed for each comment, or why no change is needed.
- Name the sheet and detail where each change is, so the reviewer can find it fast.
- Mark changes on the drawings (clouds or deltas are common) and keep sheet numbers the same.
- Send the response letter, the revised drawings and any new calculations together.
Other South Carolina city guides
How we help
Send us the whole plan review comments. We draft a response to every comment and list the drawing changes sheet by sheet. Your first letter is free. You review each response, then you sign and submit to the City of Charleston yourself.
Cleared to Build is an independent service. We are not the City of Charleston and are not affiliated with it.
Upload your correction letterOnly one comment to answer? Try the free one-comment tool.
Questions
What does the City of Charleston call its correction letter?
The City of Charleston calls it “plan review comments”.
How do I resubmit after the City of Charleston sends corrections?
Send any further documents after the first submittal by email to permits@charleston-sc.gov.
What should a resubmittal to Charleston include?
In general: a response letter answering each comment, the revised drawings with changes marked, and any new calculations or reports the comments ask for. The City of Charleston may ask for more, so check with it before you send.
Is Cleared to Build part of the City of Charleston?
No. Cleared to Build is an independent service, not affiliated with the City of Charleston or any permitting agency. You submit to the city yourself.