S.C. Code Ann. § 57-25-155: Issuance of permits for existing signs; department not authorized to require removal of conforming signs.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department of Transportation must issue permits for existing signs and outdoor advertising signs on highways in the interstate system or federal-aid primary system in this State that are nonconforming only because a permit was not obtained prior to erection of the sign. The department may not require removal of conforming signs and outdoor advertising signs as a prerequisite to issuing a permit for such signs that would otherwise qualify for a permit.