summary
Introduced
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
In Committee
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
126th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Enacting The "multifamily Dwelling Safety Act" By Adding Chapter 12 To Title 40 So As To Provide Necessary Definitions; To Provide Qualifications For Multifamily Dwelling Inspectors And Special Inspectors; To Provide The Department Of Labor, Licensing And Regulation Shall Promulgate Regulations Adopting A Multifamily Dwelling Balcony Code To Set Minimum Standards For Balcony Railings That Are Primarily Constructed Of Wood And Are Located In Multifamily Dwellings, And To Provide For The Applicability Of The Code; To Require The Department To Periodically Conduct Inspections Of Such Balconies To Ascertain Compliance With The Code; To Provide That The Department Shall Charge A Property Owner A Fee For Inspections Made To Enforce The Code; To Provide Remedies For Violations; To Provide The Department May Authorize Waivers Or Exemptions Under The Code; And To Provide Penalties For Code Violations.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Multifamily Dwelling Safety Act, which creates a comprehensive framework for inspecting wooden balcony railings in multi-unit residential properties in South Carolina. The law defines multifamily dwellings as properties with two or more units, including apartments, hotels, dormitories, and vacation timeshares, but excludes condominiums. The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation will develop and enforce a Multifamily Dwelling Balcony Code, requiring inspections of wooden balcony railings at least once every five years by qualified professionals such as licensed engineers, architects, or experts with significant experience in multifamily housing operations. Inspectors will assess balcony railings for safety compliance, issue certifications or orders for corrections, and charge property owners a fee to cover inspection costs. Property owners must provide access for inspections and can potentially seek waivers under specific conditions. Violations of the code can result in misdemeanor charges, with potential penalties including up to 30 days imprisonment, fines up to $500 per day of violation, or both. The department must develop the specific regulatory framework within six months of the act's approval, and enforcement will begin once these regulations are implemented.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry (on 02/06/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3908&session=126&summary=B |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/3908_20250206.htm |
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