S1031 would add two new sections to the South Carolina Code to restrict local governments from banning or limiting particular exterior cladding or finish materials for residential and commercial buildings. One section applies to county councils, and the other applies to city councils and other incorporated municipal governing bodies. In both cases, the bill bars ordinances, building-code provisions, or other regulations that are more restrictive than state or national building codes when they would prohibit or limit a specific style of exterior cladding or finish material.
The bill is aimed at preventing local governments from using zoning, building-code, or similar regulatory tools to exclude certain exterior materials or design styles. It expressly preserves exceptions for special purpose districts, overlay zones, and historic areas, meaning those areas could still maintain different standards. The measure would take effect upon approval by the Governor.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would preempt local county and municipal regulations to the extent they restrict specific exterior cladding or finish materials beyond state or national building-code requirements. It would affect county councils, city councils, and incorporated towns by limiting their authority to regulate exterior building materials for both residential and commercial structures. The bill would not alter rules in special purpose districts, overlay zones, or historic districts, which remain exempt from the new restrictions.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of support or opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to be framed as a regulatory preemption bill intended to standardize building-material rules statewide. The caption, "Construction Regulations," suggests a technical land-use and building-code issue rather than a broader policy dispute.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely to be the balance between statewide uniformity and local control. Supporters would likely favor the bill for limiting patchwork local restrictions on building materials and reducing compliance burdens for builders and property owners. Opponents, if any, would likely argue that counties and municipalities should retain authority to regulate exterior materials to address aesthetics, neighborhood character, or local planning goals, especially outside the bill’s explicit historic-area and overlay-zone exceptions.
An act to amend Sections 910, 930, 942, 944, 5800, and 6150 and 944 of, to add Sections 942.2, 945.1, and 945.2 to, to add Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 939) to Title 7 of Part 2 of Division 2 of, and to repeal and add Section 926 of, the Civil Code, relating to construction defects.