S.C. Code Ann. § 10-5-260: Buildings required to be in compliance; responsibility of owners and occupants.

No person may construct or alter a building, structure, or facility of any occupancy classification, with exception of detached one and two family dwellings, unless the construction or areas being altered are designed in compliance with the standards and requirements adopted pursuant to the chapter. If the occupancy, as defined by the building code, of an existing building is changed, that building must be made to conform to the requirements of this chapter for the new occupancy. If the occupancy of a portion of an existing building is changed, only the portion that is changed shall be required to comply.

It is the responsibility of the owner or the occupant of property which contains structural or building elements or components required to be in compliance with this article, to continuously maintain these elements and components in a condition that is safe and usable by persons with disabilities at all times.

Nothing in this chapter affects in any way government buildings, public buildings, or facilities exempted by any federal law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended.