S.C. Code Ann. § 1-34-10: Purpose.

The public policy of South Carolina is to maintain reasonable and consistent standards of construction in buildings and other structures in the State in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of its citizens. Accordingly, all agencies should enforce the same editions of nationally recognized codes and standards for the construction, manufacture, renovation, improvement, and maintenance of structures. To effect this policy, it is intended that all state regulatory agencies enforce the same editions of nationally recognized codes.