Yes. Every standby generator installation in Horry County — and in Georgetown, Charleston, and Brunswick counties — requires an electrical permit and inspection. Gas line work typically requires a mechanical/gas permit as well. Here's what that means for you as a homeowner.
What Permits Are Required
- Electrical permit — covers the transfer switch, wiring, and generator connection. Pulled by the licensed electrical contractor doing the work.
- Gas/mechanical permit — required for new propane lines or natural gas tie-ins in most jurisdictions.
- Zoning compliance — generators must meet setback requirements from property lines, windows, and openings (manufacturer clearances also apply — typically 18" from the structure and 5 feet from windows and doors).
- HOA approval — not a government requirement, but many Grand Strand communities require architectural review. Quiet models like Rehlko and Champion help here.
Who Pulls the Permit?
Your installer should. At Palmetto Power Systems, permits and inspections are included in every installation — we file the paperwork, schedule the inspector, and meet them on site. If a contractor asks YOU to pull the permit as an "owner-builder," that's a red flag: it usually means they're not licensed to pull it themselves, and it shifts all liability to you.
What the Inspector Checks
- Proper transfer switch installation (preventing dangerous backfeed to utility lines)
- Wire sizing, grounding, and bonding
- Working clearances and setbacks
- Gas line sizing and leak testing
- Pad and anchoring appropriate for our coastal wind zone
Why Unpermitted Installs Backfire
- Insurance: After a fire or storm claim, insurers routinely check for permits on electrical work. Unpermitted generator installs give them grounds to deny claims.
- Resale: Home inspectors flag unpermitted generators, and buyers demand retroactive permits — which can mean tearing into finished work.
- Safety: Backfeed from an improperly connected generator can kill utility line workers. This is the reason transfer switch rules exist.
- Utility interconnection: Some utilities require notification for standby systems; unpermitted work complicates this.
The Bottom Line
Permitting adds a little time and cost to the project — and it's completely handled by us. Every Palmetto Power Systems installation is permitted, inspected, and code-compliant. Start with a free quote at palmettopower.net/quotes or call 843-466-4488.