Section
5-51 Authority; definitions
5-52 Findings of council
5-53 Enforcement of article; additional powers of codes administrator
5-54 Standards for determining fitness of dwellings for human habitation
5-54.1 Closing a dwelling
5-55 Complaint procedure; action to be taken by codes administrator; failure to comply with order to repair, etc.
5-56 Rights of persons affected by orders
5-57 Sale of materials from removed or demolished dwelling
5-58 Provisions are cumulative
This article is authorized by S.C. Code §§ 31-15-310 et seq., as amended. The words “county,” “owner,” “parties in interest” and “dwelling” shall have the same meanings as set forth in S.C. Code § 31-15-310 of such code. As used herein, the phrase “close the dwelling” shall mean the securing of all windows and doors of a dwelling in such a manner as to prevent the unauthorized entry into the dwelling or the damage of any glassed or other openings.
(1976 Code, § 5-51) (Ord. 733, § 1; Ord. 1757, § 1, passed 10-20-1987)
The county council finds that there exist in the county dwellings which are unfit for human habitation due to (1) dilapidation, (2) defects increasing the hazards of fire, accidents or other calamities, (3) lack of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities, or (4) other conditions rendering such dwellings unsafe or unsanitary, dangerous, or detrimental to the health, safety or morals or otherwise inimical to the welfare of the residents of the county.
(1976 Code, § 5-52) (Ord. 733, § 2)
The codes administrator is hereby authorized and directed to exercise the powers prescribed in this article. He may exercise such powers as may be necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate the purposes and provisions of this article, including the following powers in addition to others granted by this article or the enabling legislation:
(1) To investigate dwelling conditions in the county in order to determine whether dwellings therein are unfit for human habitation;
(2) To administer oaths and affirmations, examine witnesses and receive evidence;
(3) To enter upon premises for the purpose of making examinations, provided such entries be made in such manner as to cause the least possible inconvenience to the persons in possession;
(4) To appoint and fix the duties of such officers, agents and employees as he deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this article; and
(5) To delegate any of his functions and powers under this article to such officers and agent as he may designate.
(1976 Code, § 5-53) (Ord. 733, § 3)
The codes administrator may determine that a dwelling is unfit for human habitation if he finds that conditions exist in such dwellings which are dangerous or injurious to the health, safety or morals of the occupants of such dwelling, the occupants of neighboring dwellings or other residents in the county. Such conditions may include the following (without limiting the generality of the foregoing): Defects increasing the hazards of fire, accidents or other calamities; lack of adequate ventilation, light or sanitary facilities; dilapidation; disrepair; structural defects; uncleanliness; and breeding areas for insects or vermin.
(1976 Code, § 5-54) (Ord. 733, § 4)
In order to close a dwelling properly, the following general requirements shall be observed:
(1) Doors and sidelights with openings for glass or similar purpose materials shall be secured by first removing the opening cover material.
(2) Windows or other openings shall be secured by placing the sashes in an open position for double hung windows or removing the sashes, panels or glass as appropriate for other window/opening styles.
(3) The exterior side of the opening shall be secured with a covering; the covering shall extend not less than 6 inches beyond all sides of the opening. The exterior cover shall be of solid material or constructed in such a manner that dismantling from the exterior is impractical. Plywood sheets used for exterior covering shall, as a minimum, be 1/2 inch thick, construction grade, with exterior glue. Alternate materials shall be of equal or greater quality.
(4) Exterior covering shall be secured to an interior brace with 1/4-inch carriage bolts or other acceptable means to prevent removal except for the interior side only.
(5) All exterior wood surface shall be primed and painted with 1 coat of good exterior paint (outside and all edges).
(6) A suggested method of securing property is detailed on figure 1 attached hereto and incorporated herein.
(1976 Code, § 5-54.1) (Ord. 1757, § 1(A)-(F), passed 10-20-1987)
Editor’s note:
The diagram referred to in subsection (6) is not reproduced in the Code; it may be found on file in the county records.
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