During the past legislative session the General Assembly passed legislation that impacted our state’s building code. There has been a great deal of confusion on what was and was not in the legislation. Here is what the legislation required:

1. The legislation clearly states that the current SC Building Code (IRC-2003 and modifications) stay in place until July 1, 2009. During this one-year period researchers at Clemson University and The Citadel will conduct research on the wind and seismic requirements of the new building code (IRC-2006).

2. The legislation does not allow any local government to implement the new IRC-2006 building code by local ordinance. The only way any counties would be allowed to implement the new building before July 2009 would be if FEMA announced a specific retrograde in the discount rate for floor insurance in one or more of our state’s counties. Federal Executive Order 12699 would not allow FEMA to even consider such a move until 2009. It is unlikely that FEMA would impose such a severe penalty given the short period of time they would have to do this before the new building code was implemented early next year.

LLR is moving swiftly to do the mandated research to give everyone adequate time to prepare for the implementation of the new building code (IRC-2006 and modification) by July 2009. The research team has already met and research should begin in July 2008. It will be complete by March 2009.

The bottom line is that nothing changes in regard to the building code, July 1, 2008. Building officials and builders in South Carolina will continue to use the current building code which they are very familiar with for the next 12 months.

Your patience and understanding during this interim period is much appreciated. LLR, building officials and builders remain committed to a strong building code for our state.