South Carolina Building Codes

Statewide mandatory building code system (46 counties, NO independent cities). SC Building Codes Council administers 2021 IRC/IBC/IFC/IMC/IPC/IFGC/NEC 2020. Climate zones: 3A (44 counties - majority) and 4A (Oconee/Pickens - northwest mountains). Critical: NO ice barrier requirement statewide, NO residential sprinkler mandate (§ 6-9-55 prohibits IRC 501.3), wind design required (coastal 130-150 mph, inland 105-115 mph), wind-borne debris regions coastal areas ≥130 mph, Charleston seismic Category D (1886 earthquake legacy), two-layer underlayment in wind design areas, energy code 2009 IECC residential certified (ASHRAE 90.1-2007 commercial). Farm structure exemption with affidavit (§ 6-9-65). 2024 codes under review (expected 2026-01-01).