Frequently asked questions

When the permit was issued, the coverage fee was $125 per request. If SCDES reviews your plan (C-SWPPP), there is also a plan review fee of $100 per disturbed acre, up to $2,000. A major modification that SCDES reviews costs $100 plus $100 per added disturbed acre, up to $2,000 for the whole site ([CGP] §2.3.3.C, PDF p.16). The permit says the coverage fee is set by Regulation 61-30. We could not find a current published fee list. Unconfirmed, verify with SCDES: today's fee amounts.

Key quote: “At the time of issuance of this CGP the fee was $125. This fee applies to each request for coverage under this CGP.” [CGP] §2.3.3.A, PDF p.16.

Key quote: “If SCDES reviews your C-SWPPP prior to granting coverage under this CGP, the NPDES plan review fee of $100 per disturbed acre not to exceed $2000.” [CGP] §2.3.3.B, PDF p.16.

Apply online through SCDES ePermitting. SCDES stopped taking paper applications after May 5, 2025. If your site is inside a regulated MS4 or delegated entity, the NOI must include that entity's written approval if such a review is required under its MS4 program or Reg 72-300 ([CGP] §2.3.3.D). The permit adds that these approvals may not be required for an Individual Lot NOI. The 2012 fact sheet's description of paper forms sent through local governments is out of date.

Key quote: “These submittals will be made electronically through the Department’s new software called ePermitting.” [CGP] §2.3, PDF p.14.

Key quote: “After this date, all permit applications must be submitted exclusively through ePermitting.” [FAQ] intro (the date is May 5, 2025).

Key quote: “Written approval from the Regulated MS4 or entity, other than SCDES, for the project specified on the NOI, if such a review is required under either an MS4 Program or SC” [CGP] §2.3.3.D, PDF p.16 (sentence continues on the page).

The coastal counties are Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Horry, and Jasper ([CGP] §1.3.1.B, PDF p.6). There you also need a Coastal Zone Consistency (CZC) determination, and SCDES says the CZC must be issued before the stormwater permit. Coastal sites under one acre that are not part of an LCP and are within half a mile of a coastal receiving water are automatically covered if appropriate BMPs are used. SCDES's Less than 1 Acre page adds “unless SCDES specifically requests a NOI and SWPPP” and describes a notification form for these sites. A CZC is still required ([CGP] §1.3.1.B).

Key quote: “The CZC must be issued prior to the NPDES Stormwater Permit.” [CA].

Key quote: “Projects or developments located in the Coastal Zone that are not part of an LCP, that disturb less than one acre, and are located within one-half mile of a coastal receiving water are automatically granted coverage under this general permit provided the appropriate Best Management Practices are being used during construction activities.” [CGP] §1.3.1.B, PDF p.6.

First create an ePermitting account, then mail the Certifier Agreement and wait for Approved Certifier Status. After that, pick the right package, create the site, and start the form. SCDES warns that creating the site before you have certifier status causes delays.

Key quote: “Creating a new site prior to the applicant having Approved Certifier Status will result submission delays and create an additional step.” [FAQ] (wording as printed).

After you have certifier status, have created the site, and have started the form, you can save it and add your consultant as a user. The applicant must still be the one who starts the form and who clicks "Certify and Submit".

Key quote: “It is important to understand that the applicant seeking coverage must be the individual that initiates the form in ePermitting.” [FAQ].

You choose a payment method when you certify and submit. If someone else is paying, you can invite them to the site to pay.

Key quote: “The applicant may send a link to invite another user to the site to complete payment if they are not paying the fees at the time of submitting the application.” [FAQ].

Each MS4 sets its own local process. It may ask for a printout of your ePermitting NOI or use its own form. The MS4's approval documents still have to be uploaded into your ePermitting submission package.

Key quote: “In general, the application process with the local MS4 will be determined by each respective MS4.” [FAQ].

Email the SCDES Certifier Agreement Administrators at CertifierAgreementAdmin@des.sc.gov.

Key quote: “All Certifier Agreements are reviewed and processed by the Certifier Agreement Administrators.” [FAQ].

In unincorporated Charleston County, the County requires its own stormwater permit for land disturbance over 5,000 square feet. You apply for it together with your building permit (and zoning permit, if needed). The County says: “The Stormwater Permit is a requirement to obtaining the Building Permit.” [CHS]. The County program also serves some towns by agreement; whether the 5,000 sq ft permit applies there is not stated. For status questions, call the County Stormwater Hotline at (843) 202-7639. This is separate from, and in addition to, state SCR100000 coverage when that applies.

Key quote: “Charleston County Stormwater Management Program requires that citizens obtain a Stormwater Permit to perform any land-disturbance activity over 5,000 square feet.” [CHS].

Key quote: “You will apply for a Stormwater Permit when you apply for a Building Permit and a Zoning Permit, as applicable” [CHS].

You need Approved Certifier Status. Then contact SCDES permitting staff, who will add you to the existing site as an Administrator. For a new owner on a site where work has started, the permit requires notice within 14 calendar days. The new operator may not work until covered ([CGP] §2.4.3, PDF p.18).

Key quote: “Upon having Approved Certifier Status, the applicant must contact permitting staff for access to the site.” [FAQ].

Key quote: “In cases where work has commenced this notification must be provided within fourteen (14) calendar days.” [CGP] §2.4.3.A, PDF p.17.

In Greenville County, yes in most cases. The County says the HOA or commercial owner is usually solely responsible, and the County will inspect to check that the pond works as designed. The recorded agreement makes the landowner, and its successors including any HOA, maintain the facility.

Key quote: “In the majority of cases, the HOA or commercial property owner are solely responsible for the correct operation and maintenance of the detention pond.” [GVLP].

Key quote: “The Landowner, its successors and assigns, including any homeowner association shall adequately maintain the storm water management facilities.” [GVLA] item 2.

Applies to: Greenville County only.

The permit lists typical items that a permitted project's Maintenance Plan must identify ([CGP] §4.3.D.III). They include mowing, removing trees from the pond and embankment, clearing trash and sediment around the outlet, cleaning orifices, and removing built-up sediment. Greenville's agreement says the yearly inspection must cover the whole facility. That includes berms, the outlet structure, pond areas, and access roads.

Key quote: “Typical maintenance items to be addressed include but not limited to:” followed by items (a) to (j), for example “Trash and sediment to be removed from inside of and around the pond outlet structure” [CGP] §4.3.D.III, PDF p.57.

Key quote: “The inspection shall cover the entire facilities, berms, outlet structure, pond areas, access roads, etc.” [GVLA] item 3.

In Charleston County, the Stormwater program cannot place work orders. You submit a Work Order Request instead. In Horry County, call the Road and Drainage Hotline at 843-381-8000. For other counties, check with your county.

Key quote: “The Stormwater Management Program does not have the ability to place work orders for drainage, road, or flooding issues.” [CHS].

Key quote: “Do report any drainage problem or illegal discharge to the Horry County Road and Drainage Hotline at 843-381-8000.” [HOR].

Applies to: Charleston and Horry counties only.

For sites over 2 acres, weekly inspections must be done by "qualified personnel". That means the SWPPP preparer; a person with an equivalent registration who is knowledgeable in erosion and sediment control and has the skills to assess site conditions; someone directly supervised by a qualified preparer who is knowledgeable in erosion and sediment control and has the skills to assess site conditions; or someone certified through an SCDES-approved inspector course. SCDES names only Clemson's CEPSCI course as meeting the course option. For sites of 2 acres or less that are not part of a larger plan, the permittee or a designee may inspect after the preparer explains the plan to them. How a site of exactly 2.0 acres is treated, and who may inspect sites of 2 acres or less inside an LCP, are not settled in the permit or SCDES's web pages. Unconfirmed, verify with SCDES: both of these cases. SCDES or a regulated MS4 may require a qualified inspector for sites under two acres that drain to Sensitive Waters ([CGP] §4.2.E.II).

Key quote: “An individual who has been certified through a Construction Site Inspector Certification Course that has been approved by SCDES.” [CGP] §4.2.E, PDF p.54.

Key quote: “At present Clemson University’s CEPSCI course meets this requirement.” [CA] Step 7.

Unconfirmed, verify with SCDES: the SCDES web page says "2 acres more", while the permit says "more than 2 acres".

Clemson's FAQ says no. The permit requires a course “approved by SCDES”, and SCDES says “At present” CEPSCI meets this requirement; we found no SCDES statement on out-of-state certifications. Clemson says out-of-state inspectors must take the SC class and pass the exam.

Key quote: “No, an individual certified out-of-state will have to go through the South Carolina initial certification class and pass the qualifying exam to be certified in South Carolina.” [CEPFAQ].

Only if you want to become CEPSCI certified. For sites over 2 acres, the permit's options include a person with “a registration equivalent to the registration of the preparer of the C-SWPPP” who is knowledgeable in erosion and sediment control and “possesses the skills to assess conditions at the construction site” ([CGP] §4.2.E). Whether a particular person meets this depends on the site's SWPPP preparer and the person's knowledge; we can't say for any individual. Clemson says a PE can attend for information or professional development hours without taking the exam, but must “contact us to register differently” [CEPFAQ].

Key quote: “If you want to become a certified inspector, you will need to pay the full price for the class, attend, and pass the qualifying exam.” [CEPFAQ].

Key quote: “A person with a registration equivalent to the registration of the preparer of the C-SWPPP who is knowledgeable in the principles and practice of erosion and sediment controls” [CGP] §4.2.E, PDF p.54.

No. You attend the class and pass the exam.

Key quote: “No, just attend the class and pass the qualifying exam.” [CEPFAQ].

Two days. From August 2026, Clemson's initial-certification page says Day One is a full day of classroom instruction, Day Two morning is a simulated site inspection, and Day Two afternoon is the certification exam (now open book). Clemson's own page says the 1-day-class-then-exam-day format is the previous one. Clemson's FAQ page still shows the old wording ("8 hours long (first day) with an exam on the second day").

Key quote: “The class is 8 hours long (first day) with an exam on the second day that must be passed in order to be certified.” [CEPFAQ].

Key quote: “Effective August 2026 , the program format will expand to include additional instructional time on the second day for all Statewide Certification classes (SCR100000).” [CEPI] (spacing as printed).

Key quote: “Previously, the program consisted of one full day of instruction followed by the certification exam on the second day.” [CEPI].

$395 for the class, exam, and materials. Recertification is $275 and a retest is $35 ([CEPF]).

Key quote: “The initial certification and exam is $395.” [CEPFAQ].

Four to five years, ending June 30. If you certify before June 30, it lasts until June 30 four years later. If you certify after June 30, it lasts until June 30 five years later. After the first recertification, you recertify every three years ([CEPFAQ]).

Key quote: “If you take the class and exam before 6/30 of the year, it will last until 6/30 four years later.” [CEPFAQ].

This is Clemson's rule; we found no SCDES text on it.

Clemson suggests the SCDES BMP Field Manual. SCDES posts it free, with the sections of its BMP Handbook, on the BMP Handbook page.

Key quote: “The SCDES BMP Field Manual may be beneficial to look over.” [CEPFAQ].

Key quote: “This handbook evaluates numerous Best Management Practices (BMPs) by detailing BMP usage, installation, inspection, maintenance, and design specifications.” [BMPH].

Every required inspection needs a report. Items include the date, the inspector's name and qualifications, total rainfall since the last inspection, where sediment left the site, which BMPs need maintenance or failed, corrective actions with dates, and items carried over from earlier reports. The qualified inspector signs the report. Keep the reports with the On-Site SWPPP for at least three years after coverage ends.

Key quote: “For each inspection required above, you must complete an inspection report.” [CGP] §4.2.F, PDF p.54 (item list on PDF pp.54-55).

Key quote: “The qualified inspector, as identified in section 4.2.E, must sign the inspection report.” [CGP] §4.2.H, PDF p.55.

An Administrator manages the site and its users. An Editor fills out forms and reports. Submitting requires certifier permissions.

Key quote: “A Site Editor can fill out forms and reports. Certifier permissions are required to submit forms and reports.” [FAQ].

Packages let the applicant meet the federal e-signature rules (CROMERR) while the SWPPP preparer uploads supporting documents separately. MS4s can also add their approvals to the same package.

Key quote: “Additionally, local Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) operators can add their approvals within the submission package as a supporting document.” [FAQ].

Yes. SCDES points to "Submission Revisions" under "Submissions" on its ePermitting Training website (https://des.sc.gov/permits-regulations/permit-central/epermitting-training).

Key quote: “Absolutely, please see “Submissions” on the ePermitting Training website and select Submission Revisions.” [FAQ].