In Forest Acres, building permits go through the city's Building Department at City Hall, 5209 N. Trenholm Rd. (803-782-9475), and only contractors licensed by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) may pull them. Contractors also need a City of Forest Acres business license. The city does not clearly publish whether every re-roof or roof repair requires a permit, what the fee is or which inspections apply, so the honest answer is: ask the Building Department, and make your contractor responsible in writing for pulling any permit that is required.
This page sets out exactly what the city and state publish, what they do not, and a checklist you can use before roof work starts. It is part of our Forest Acres roofing page. For permits across the Midlands, see the roof permits guide.
What the City of Forest Acres publishes
Forest Acres permit and licensing facts
| Topic | What the city says |
|---|---|
| Where to apply | Building Department, City Hall, 5209 N. Trenholm Rd., Forest Acres SC 29206; (803) 782-9475. Applications are submitted at City Hall for processing and payment. |
| Who can pull a permit | Only contractors licensed by SC LLR. A homeowner exemption applies only if the house is not sold or rented within two years. |
| What the application needs | A signed contract with both parties' names and addresses, the scope of work and the cost, plus a list of subcontractors. |
| Contractor credentials | SC LLR credentials, a written estimate or contract, and a City of Forest Acres business license. |
| Business license renewal | April 30 each year; fees through the city's online calculator. |
| Code referenced on the city site | "2018 South Carolina Building Code" (out of date; see below). |
What the city does not clearly publish
- Whether a roof replacement requires a building permit in every case.
- Whether a roof repair requires a permit, or at what size.
- Permit fees for roofing work.
- Which inspections apply to a re-roof.
We are not going to guess at those. Call the City of Forest Acres Building Department at City Hall, 5209 N. Trenholm Rd., (803) 782-9475, and ask your contractor to confirm in writing who will pull any permit and schedule any inspection required.
Which building code applies
The city's building page still refers to the 2018 South Carolina Building Code, but that is out of date. The SC Building Codes Council's adoption page shows the 2021 codes, including the 2021 International Residential Code with South Carolina modifications, in effect statewide since January 1, 2023. The Council adopted the 2024 codes with South Carolina modifications on August 26, 2025, scheduled to become mandatory for local jurisdictions on January 1, 2027. The legislature's bill approving the 2024 residential code regulations (S.1076) was recommitted to committee in April 2026, so treat that date as scheduled rather than certain.
For roofs, the code sections homeowners most often run into are the recover limits (no new layer over two or more existing layers, or over a water-soaked or deteriorated roof), the requirement that asphalt shingles go on a solidly sheathed deck, and the minimum slope of 2 in 12 for asphalt shingles. South Carolina also amended the drip edge rule so drip edge is required only where the shingle manufacturer requires it.
State registration and licensing for roofers
South Carolina's Residential Builders Commission (part of LLR) registers residential specialty contractors, including roofers. Registration, not an exam-based license, is required for residential jobs over $500 under S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 59. Commercial jobs over $10,000 need a license from the Contractor's Licensing Board. You can look up any contractor with the LLR lookup.
In Forest Acres, the city layers its own business license on top. A contractor who is properly registered with the state but has no City of Forest Acres business license is not meeting the city's requirements. Ask for both.
Insurance-paid roofing work
If your roof is being paid for through an insurance claim, S.C. Code §40-59-25 lets you cancel the contract within five business days after the insurer denies the claim in writing, prevents the contractor from demanding payment before then, and prohibits deductible rebates, including "yard sign" discounts. See storm and tree damage in Forest Acres.
Trees are permitted separately
Removing a tree 12 inches or more in diameter at breast height (and certain smaller protected species, trees near Forest Drive, Trenholm Road and Beltline Boulevard, and trees in the 5-foot buffer) requires a separate city tree removal permit, applied for through GovWell, and the work must be done by a contractor licensed with the city. See trees and your roof.
Is there design review for roofs in Forest Acres?
Based on what the city publishes, we did not find a historic district or a residential roof color or material review. The city's new Unified Development Ordinance adds a Centers and Corridors overlay and a Gills Creek overlay; if your property is in one of those areas, ask the city whether anything applies to roofing. If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, its rules may restrict colors or materials; see the HOA roof approval guide.
Homeowner checklist before roof work starts in Forest Acres
- Look up the contractor on the SC LLR lookup and confirm the registration is active.
- Ask for proof of a current City of Forest Acres business license.
- Ask whether a permit is required for your job, and who will pull it. Get that in the contract.
- Make sure the contract names both parties and their addresses, describes the scope and states the cost; the city asks for that information with a permit application.
- Ask for the list of subcontractors, which the city also asks for.
- Ask for a certificate of insurance and confirm it with the agent.
- If a tree must come down first, check the tree permit rules and hire a city-licensed tree contractor.
- If insurance is paying, do not sign anything that assigns your claim or promises to cover your deductible.
- Keep a copy of the permit (if any), the contract, photos and final paperwork with your home records.
The roofing contractor guide covers vetting, contracts, payments and lien releases in depth.
Questions about a Forest Acres roof?
Cola City Roofing works in Forest Acres and will confirm permit requirements with the city for your job and pull any permit needed. Contact us or call (803) 734-3700. See roof replacement and roof repair in Forest Acres.
