Committee unanimously approves updates to International Building Code definitions and standards

The House Regulations Administrative Procedure Committee voted unanimously to approve Document 5,424, a set of updates to the International Building Code intended to clarify terminology and set minimum life‑safety standards for new construction.

Maggie, a representative from the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR), told the panel these changes are largely continuations from previous code cycles that have been vetted by engineers, contractors and building‑code professionals. "This is the this is the worst building you can build but still maintain life safety for the people that are occupying it, essentially," she said, describing the edits as the state minimums that would apply to buildings permitted after the effective date.

Committee members pressed for detail on retroactivity and renovation thresholds; Maggie said the changes apply to work permitted after Jan. 1, 2027, and that local officials can require different standards through zoning or local ordinances where allowed. Representative Guffey warned the committee to avoid imposing unintended burdens that could arise from national model‑code language when applied at the state level.

The committee moved and seconded the measure and a roll call produced a unanimous approval. The committee chair closed the item and the committee proceeded to the next docketed code book.

What’s next: Document 5,424 will be incorporated into South Carolina’s adopted building code and take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, for newly permitted construction.