S.C. Code Ann. § 6-10-30 – Building energy efficiency standard adopted; effect on state and local regulations

(a) The current edition of Appendix J (Code for Energy Conservation in new building construction) to the Standard Building Code of the Southern Building Code Congress International, Incorporated, is hereby adopted as the South Carolina Building Energy Efficiency Standard unless otherwise provided for in this chapter. All new and renovated buildings and additions constructed one hundred and twenty days after the effective date of this chapter within the State shall comply with this standard.
(b) Until one hundred and twenty days after adoption of the South Carolina Building Energy Efficiency Standard, energy related building regulations adopted by a local government shall continue in effect unless repealed. Thereafter, such regulations adopted by a local government shall be void and of no effect unless they are no less stringent than the South Carolina Building Energy Efficiency Standard. A building permit validly issued pursuant to local building regulations within one hundred and twenty days after adoption of the South Carolina Building Energy Efficiency Standard is valid thereafter and the construction of a building may be completed pursuant to and in accordance with the permit. In areas of the State having no building regulations or not requiring building permits, the construction of a building started before adoption of the South Carolina Building Energy Efficiency Standard may be completed without a building permit.
(c) Until one hundred and twenty days after adoption of the South Carolina Building Energy Efficiency Standard, energy related building regulations for new and renovated buildings promulgated by any state board, department, commission or agency shall continue in effect unless repealed. Thereafter, such regulations shall be void and of no effect unless they are no less stringent than the South Carolina Building Energy Efficiency Standard.
(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a), in one and two family dwellings double pane or storm windows must be used for window glass and in the case of ceilings, exterior walls, floors with crawl space, and heating and air conditioning duct work, the determination of the minimum thermal resistance ratings (R-value) must be:
1. (1) R-30 for ceilings, except for ceiling/roof combinations, which must be R-19;
2. (2) R-13 for exterior walls;
3. (3) R-19 for floors with crawl space;
4. (4) R-6, or the installed equivalent, for heating and air conditioning duct-work not located in conditioned space
  Nothing in this subsection may be construed to inhibit utilization of higher minimum thermal ratings.
  To facilitate the affordability of purchases of housing, minimum thermal resistance ratings of R-19 for ceilings and R-11 for floors may be used provided the builder discloses the insulation levels to the buyer. The disclosure must be on a form available from the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission and a copy must be submitted to the commission which must keep it for thirteen years.