Summerville, SC · Dorchester County
Non-Licensed Owner’s Intent to Build Disclosure
This disclosure records a property owner’s intent to build or improve a residence without a builder’s license and is filed with the county Register of Deeds.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
The form identifies the owner, property, and planned work, and explains the conditions of the owner-builder exemption described in the disclosure. The city requires the completed, notarized, and witnessed notice to be filed with the county Register of Deeds as a public record; proof of filing must then be uploaded to the Citizenserve account or brought in for the project file. The form directs owners to include the nature of work stated on the permit application.
Who needs it
A property owner applying for a permit under the owner-builder exemption must complete and file this notice for the residence being built or improved.
Why it needs a notary
The form has a sworn-to-and-acknowledged-before-me block; the owner named in that block signs before the notary, and two witnesses must also sign.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Form
Get the Home Owners Disclosure form from the city’s document page.
- 2
Fill In the Notice
Enter the owner and property information and summarize the nature of work as stated on the permit application.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Arrange a session with a commissioned online notary and ensure two witnesses are available to sign.
- 4
Sign on Video
Sign the owner section during the notary session and have the required witnesses sign the form.
- 5
Submit to the County
File the completed notice with the county Register of Deeds, then provide the recording receipt to the city as directed.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Summerville. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I file the completed owner-builder disclosure?
- Complete the notice, sign it before a notary with two witnesses, and file it with the county Register of Deeds. The form says to upload the recording receipt to your Citizenserve account or bring it in.
- Do I need two witnesses in addition to the notary?
- The form requires two witness signatures, and its directions say one witness can be the notary. The owner must also sign in the notary’s presence.
- Can I use a commissioned online notary?
- South Carolina has not authorized its own notaries to perform remote online notarizations. A commissioned online notary may perform the notarization under the law where it is made; South Carolina recognizes qualifying out-of-state notarial acts.
- Where do I submit the recording receipt?
- After recording the disclosure, upload the receipt to your Citizenserve account or bring the document in to be added to your project file, as the form directs.
- How can I confirm recording details or fees?
- The form lists Register of Deeds contact information and filing instructions, including fees. Contact the county Register of Deeds for current details; confirm with the city or town if unsure.