(A) Title. These regulations shall be known as the Building Code of the Town of James Island, hereinafter referred to as “this chapter.”
(B) Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.
(C) Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.
(D) Intent. The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the provisions found in S.C. Code §§ 6-9-5 et seq. and S.C. Code of Regulations 8-100 et seq. that establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
(E) Referenced codes. The provisions in divisions (E)(1) through (E)(8) below and referenced elsewhere in this chapter shall be considered part of the requirements of this chapter to the prescribed extent of each such reference.
(1) Building.
(a) The provisions of the International Building Code as adopted by the S. C. Building Codes Council shall apply to the construction of buildings and structures.
(b) Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the International Residential Code as adopted by the S.C. Building Code Council.
(2) Electrical. The provisions of the National Electrical Code as adopted by the S.C. Building Codes Council shall apply to the installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances thereto.
(3) Gas. The provisions of the International Fuel Gas Code as adopted by the S.C. Building Codes Council shall apply to the installation of gas piping from the point of delivery, gas appliances and related accessories as covered in this chapter. These requirements apply to gas piping systems extending from the point of delivery to the inlet connections of appliances and the installation and operation of residential and commercial gas appliances and related accessories.
(4) Mechanical. The provisions of the International Mechanical Code as adopted by the S.C. Building Codes Council shall apply to the installation, alterations, repairs and replacement of mechanical systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and/or appurtenances, including ventilation, heating, cooling, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinerators and other energy-related systems.
(5) Plumbing. The provisions of the International Plumbing Code as adopted by the S.C. Building Codes Council shall apply to the installation, alteration, repair and replacement of plumbing systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances, and where connected to a water or sewage system and all aspects of a medical gas system.
(6) Fire prevention. The provisions of the International Fire Code as adopted by the S.C. Building Codes Council shall apply to matters affecting or relating to structures, processes and premises from the hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices, from conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises; and from the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire suppression and alarm systems or fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation.
(7) Energy. The provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code as adopted by the State of South Carolina shall apply to all matters governing the design and construction of buildings for energy efficiency.
(F) Definitions. References throughout this chapter are defined as follows:
CODE OFFICIAL. Shall mean “Building Official.”
(Ord. 2016-14, passed 1-19-2017)