Pickens County staff to seek adoption of 2023 National Electrical Code to align with state standards

Pickens County planning and development staff briefed the Board of Commissioners on a proposed resolution to adopt the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) as the county’s electrical standard.

Charles Reese explained the National Electrical Code (NEC) is a model code (NFPA 70) that jurisdictions adopt to standardize safe electrical installations. He said the county’s building inspector, Matt Blackwell, recommended the update so local practice aligns with the state Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and with enforcement by the county’s building and fire officials.

Staff identified specific changes in the 2023 edition, including expanded requirements for ground‑fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection beyond countertop kitchen receptacles and new provisions that address networked equipment cybersecurity considerations. Reese and others said aligning with the 2023 NEC will help keep the county consistent with state inspections, may affect ISO insurance ratings, and reduces discrepancies between building and fire enforcement.

Reese read a draft resolution that would adopt the 2023 NEC as the standard for the county and said staff plans to place the resolution on the board’s upcoming voting meeting agenda, with a suggested effective date of April 21, 2025. County staff noted the state DCA already adopts the state’s current standard; local adoption would bring local practice in line with state enforcement. Reese and staff warned that future state changes (anticipated around July) could require additional local updates.

No formal vote or board adoption occurred during the work session; staff presented the resolution for discussion and asked commissioners to hold a formal vote at the next scheduled voting meeting.