Yes, roofing is permitted work in the Town of Lexington. The Town's Building Permit Application has a Repair section where the first box is "Roof," next to siding, windows, decks and foundations. Ask the Town whether your specific job needs one; a full replacement is the clearest case. Your roofer completes the form, emails it to permits@lexsc.gov, and calls in the inspections.
This page covers the Town only, meaning homes inside Town of Lexington limits. Homes with a Lexington mailing address outside the Town use the Lexington County process. For other Midlands offices, see the Midlands roof permits hub.
Who handles permits in the Town of Lexington?
The Department of Planning, Building & Technology at Town Hall, 111 Maiden Lane. Its Planning & Building page lists the phone as (803) 356-5938 and hours as Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The department approves permits, reviews zoning and guides projects through approval.
What the application asks for
One form covers new buildings, alterations, mechanical work, additions and repairs. For a roof, the parts that apply are these, per the application:
- S.C. LLR license number and expiration date of the contractor.
- Applicant details: name, email, business name, address, phone, and the authorized person signing.
- Job details: address, the homeowner's name and a description of the work.
- Recorded covenants: whether the parcel is restricted by a recorded covenant that conflicts with or prohibits the work.
- Construction cost and estimated completion date.
- Repair type: tick "Roof".
- Subcontractors: if their work is included in the construction cost, a full subcontractor list.
The covenant question is worth noticing. If your neighborhood has recorded restrictions on roofing materials or colors, the Town asks about them on the application. Our HOA roof approval guide covers how to get neighborhood approval first.
How to submit it
Email the completed application to permits@lexsc.gov, or mail it to the Department of Planning, Building & Technology at 111 Maiden Ln. Questions go to (803) 356-5938. The application is on the Town's forms page.
The Town's inspection sheet says "no online permits can be accepted at this time." Online accounts are for requesting inspections only. Permit fees are not posted online. The Town's business license checklist says to ask Customer Care at (803) 356-5938 or permits@lexsc.gov for the cost.
Inspections: how to request one
Call the Building Inspection Line at (803) 358-7267, as the inspections page says. You will leave a voicemail, so have the permit number, address and type of inspection ready. The inspection sheet adds:
- Inspections called in are scheduled for the next business day after the voicemail is left.
- You can ask for a morning or afternoon slot. Otherwise there is no set time.
- Don't call an inspector's desk line to request an inspection; use the inspection line.
- The permit placard must be visibly posted at the job site, and approved plans must be on site.
- Contractors can also register online through the Town's Pay Online, Building Projects page to request inspections. Registration needs staff approval.
What does the inspector look at? The Town's inspection list puts roofing under the framing inspection: "FRAMING: Framing & wall bracing; Columns; Sheathing, Vapor barrier, Roofing, Flashing." That list is written for full construction, so ask which inspection a re-roof permit carries. See our post on what a roof permit inspector checks for how other offices describe it.
Re-inspection fees
"Re-inspection fees start at $58.40 and increase when multiple re-inspections are required," per the inspection sheet. They are paid at the customer service windows on the first floor of Town Hall, or by phone with Finance at (803) 951-4630. The Town accepts Visa, MasterCard, cash or check.
Inspector contacts
Town of Lexington building inspection contacts (checked October 2026)
| Role | Name | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Building Official (commercial and residential) | Brent Hawkins | (803) 951-4650 |
| Residential inspector | Tyler Mathias | (803) 358-1576 |
| Residential inspector | Tim Stroupe | (803) 951-4666 |
| Inspection request line (voicemail) | (803) 358-7267 |
Source: Town of Lexington inspection sheet. Use the request line for scheduling; desk lines are for questions.
Business license for out-of-town roofers
Any business operating in the Town must hold a Town business license, according to the Business Licensing page. The checklist has a section for out-of-town contractors with a job in Town:
- Apply for a building permit from Planning and Building.
- Show proof of South Carolina licensure, such as a residential builder's or contractor's license, before the permit is issued.
- When Customer Care says the permit is ready, pay for it and pick it up at Town Hall, 111 Maiden Lane.
- At pickup, the Town's Finance Department issues a business license for the job, at a separate cost.
Business license cost questions go to Sonya Lee in Business Licensing at (803) 951-4631.
Doing the work yourself: the Owner-Builder Form
If you are not licensed and want to do licensed work on the home you live in, the Town uses an Owner-Builder Form. You initial a list of statements, including:
- You hold title to and live at the property.
- You must live in the residence for two years after the work is completed.
- Any subcontractor you pay needs the proper state license and a Town business license, or you can buy one Town license to cover them.
- Subcontractors must obtain building permits, or you can obtain one permit covering their work.
- The Town will not get involved in disputes between you and your subcontractors.
The form also includes the state disclosure under S.C. Code Section 40-59-260 and a Public Record Notice you must file with the Lexington County Register of Deeds when the work is done. A separate form covers owners of homes they rent to someone else. Some lines on these forms still mention the 2006 International Residential Code. The Town's current inspection sheet lists the 2021 codes with South Carolina modifications.
Most homeowners are better served by having the roofer pull the permit. Our post on pulling your own roof permit explains why. You can check a roofer's state credential on the LLR lookup.
Architectural and appearance review
The Town has Architectural and Appearance Standards, and its Board of Appearance hears appeals when staff deny a Certificate of Appropriateness. The Town's pages don't say which homes or roof changes those standards cover. If you plan a different roof color or material, ask Planning & Building at (803) 356-5938 whether your property is affected.
A Town of Lexington re-roof permit, step by step
- Confirm the house is inside Town limits.
- Check any recorded neighborhood covenants on roofing.
- The roofer completes the Building Permit Application, ticks "Roof," and emails it to permits@lexsc.gov.
- An out-of-town roofer shows state licensure and buys a Town business license at permit pickup.
- Post the permit placard at the house.
- The roofer calls (803) 358-7267 for each inspection.
- Keep the permit number and final inspection with your roof records.
Cola City Roofing works in Lexington and across the county. If you want an estimate or a second opinion, you can contact us here.