Current Commercial Code
South Carolina Building Code
- Base Code: 2018 International Building Code (IBC)
- Effective Date: This code has been in effect since January 1, 2020.
- Amendments: South Carolina has made specific state-level amendments to the 2018 IBC to address local needs and conditions, particularly focusing on aspects such as wind and seismic requirements.
Other Relevant Codes for Commercial Buildings in South Carolina:
- South Carolina Fire Code: Based on the 2018 International Fire Code (IFC), with state-specific amendments.
- South Carolina Mechanical Code: Adopts the 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC).
- South Carolina Plumbing Code: Based on the 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC).
- South Carolina Electrical Code: Generally follows the National Electrical Code (NEC), with the most recent adoption being the 2017 edition.
Energy Compliance:
- South Carolina Energy Code: For commercial buildings, South Carolina follows the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), including amendments to enhance energy efficiency suited to the local climate and construction practices.
Accessibility:
- South Carolina adheres to the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, ensuring that commercial facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities.
Read More: West Virginia Building Codes
Current Residential Code
Climate Zone: 3A
South Carolina Residential Code
- Base Code: 2018 International Residential Code (IRC)
- Effective Date: This code has been in effect since January 1, 2020.
- Amendments: South Carolina has made specific state-level amendments to the 2018 IRC to address local needs and conditions, with particular attention to aspects such as wind and seismic requirements, which are critical due to the state’s vulnerability to hurricanes and earthquakes.
Other Relevant Residential Building Codes in South Carolina:
- South Carolina Plumbing Code: Adopts the 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), with modifications to meet local requirements.
- South Carolina Mechanical Code: Based on the 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC).
- South Carolina Electrical Code: Generally follows the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), with specific local amendments.
Energy Compliance:
- South Carolina Energy Code: For residential buildings, the state follows the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), amended to enhance energy efficiency and adapt to South Carolina’s climate.
Accessibility:
- Accessibility Requirements: South Carolina enforces ADA Standards for Accessible Design along with other relevant accessibility requirements to ensure that residential facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities.
Code Adoption and Change Process
Code Change Process
The 2006 IECC was adopted by the SC Legislature as the minimum standard for compliance with the State Energy Standard, thus removing it from the normal adoption process. The legislature updated the energy code to the 2009 IECC during the 2012 legislative session (Act 143). Future updated versions must also be adopted by statutory amendment.
South Carolina Building Energy Efficiency Act
Code Change Cycle
Regulatory and Legislative Process: While the South Carolina Building Codes Council (BCC) is charged with adopting and amending most statewide construction codes, including the IRC and IBC, the ultimate authority to adopt and update the South Carolina Energy Standard is left to the South Carolina General Assembly. A group of technical experts and other stakeholders comprises the Energy Advisory Council (EAC), which is part of the South Carolina Public Utility Review Commission (PURC). The EAC reviews code proposals and develops amendments which it may recommend to the PURC. Should the full Commission approve the proposals, they are then submitted to the Public Utility Review Committee of the South Carolina General Assembly, where legislative language is drafted and the bill then proceeds through regular legislative order. If passed into law, a code update will generally become effective on the first day of January or July, whichever date is sooner but not less than six months from the adoption date of the new code.
Next Code Update
South Carolina might aim to review and possibly adopt the 2021 I-Codes sometime around 2022 or 2023, with enforcement likely starting a year later. However, these timelines can vary based on legislative processes, stakeholder engagement outcomes, and other factors.
History
| January 1, 2020 | Adoption of 2018 I-Codes Effective | South Carolina adopts the 2018 editions of the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), effective from this date. These updates include state-specific amendments for local conditions such as wind and seismic requirements. |
| July 1, 2016 | 2015 I-codes with State-specific Modifications Become Effective | The 2015 I-codes with state-specific modifications become effective statewide. The energy code has not been updated and still references the 2009 IECC. This affects both residential and commercial buildings. |
| Spring 2012 | Adoption of the 2009 IECC as the Statewide Energy Standard | The House approves HB 4639 on February 23rd, and the Senate concurs on March 21st. Governor Nikki Haley signs the bill into law as Act 143 on April 2, 2012. This act amends Section 6-10-30 of the state’s code of laws to adopt the 2009 IECC as the statewide energy standard, effective January 1, 2013. The residential and commercial provisions of the South Carolina Energy Standard will reference the 2009 IECC. |
| December 16, 2011 | Major Update to the State’s Building Energy Code | The state adopts a significant update to the state’s building energy code, approved by the state Energy Advisory Council (EAC) in late 2011 and introduced in the legislature in January 2012 to reference the 2009 IECC (previously referencing the 2006 IECC). The South Carolina Home Builders Association supports the bill during the committee process. |
| November 18, 2010 | Formation of International Green Construction Code (IgCC) Study Committee | The South Carolina Building Codes Council moves to form an IgCC study committee, consisting of volunteers to meet and discuss the merits of adopting the IgCC as a permissive code. Findings are to be presented to the full Council. |
| August 30, 2010 | Delay in Implementation of 2009 I-Codes due to Statutory Amendments | Due to statutory amendments to the building code adoption process, the implementation of the 2009 International Building, Fire, Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Fuel Gas Codes, initially announced for January 1, 2011, is delayed. The new regulatory procedure’s unpredictability means the implementation date will be determined later. |
| June 2, 2009 | Mandate of 2006 IECC for New Construction | Governor Mark Sanford signs legislation (HB 3550) mandating the 2006 IECC for all new construction, renovations, and additions effective July 1, 2009. Local jurisdictions may adopt more stringent codes, and local building officials are required to enforce these standards. |
| July 2008 | Completion of South Carolina’s Climate Action Plan | South Carolina completes its Climate Action Plan final report, which includes recommendations regarding the improved design and construction of new and renovated buildings. |
| November 28, 2007 | Formal Adoption of 2006 IECC and 2006 IRC | The South Carolina Building Code Council formally adopts the 2006 IECC for non-residential buildings and the 2006 IRC for residential buildings. Due to the statutory process for code adoption, the 2006 IECC is officially implemented on July 1, 2008, but the implementation of the 2006 IRC is postponed until July 1, 2009. |
| February 6, 2007 | Creation of the South Carolina Climate, Energy, and Commerce Advisory Committee | Governor Sanford issues an executive order that creates the South Carolina Climate, Energy, and Commerce Advisory Committee (CECAC). With assistance from the Center for Climate Strategies, CECAC is charged with investigating strategies and reporting final recommendations to the governor. |
Contacts
Trish Jerman
Manager, Energy Programs
South Carolina Energy Office
Contact: Staff Directory
Roger K. Lowe
Administrator
South Carolina Building Codes Council
Email: roger.lowe@llr.sc.gov
Sareena Nagpal
Energy Codes Manager
Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA)
Email: snagpal@seealliance.org
News and Events
- South Carolina – A Model Of Successful Stakeholder Collaboration In Energy Code Adoption April 11, 2012
ORS, DHEC hold public engagement session on clean power plan November 13, 2015
BCAP Projects
Compliance Planning Assistance
BCAP Resources
Helpful Links
Cosimina has been a member of BCAP for over a decade, actively contributing to the organization’s nationally acclaimed initiatives aimed at assisting states and local authorities in the establishment and enforcement of robust and efficient building energy codes. Her involvement spans across advocacy, technical guidance, outreach programs, and the formation of strategic coalitions.