S.C. Code Ann. § 10-5-220
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this article: (1) "Governmental buildings" means all buildings, structures, and facilities used by the public that are constructed, purchased, leased, or rented in whole or in part by the federal, state, county, or municipal government or any political subdivision of the State. (2) "Public buildings" means all buildings, structures, and facilities used by the public that are constructed, purchased, leased, or rented by the use of private funds, including rental apartment complexes of twenty units or more and temporary lodging facilities of twenty units or more, except that the provisions of this article apply to only five percent of those units or a minimum of one unit, whichever is the greater, and provided, further, that the provisions of this article do not apply to a private residence. (3) "Facilities" means all building elements defined or specified by ANSI A117.1. (4) "ANSI" means the American National Standards Institute. (5) "Building Code" means the building code adopted by Section 6-9-50(A). (6) "Board" means the Accessibility Committee for the South Carolina Building Codes Council as established in this chapter.
Section 10-5-220 of the South Carolina Code establishes the key definitions that govern accessibility requirements for buildings in the state. It distinguishes between 'governmental buildings,' which covers publicly funded structures at any level of government, and 'public buildings,' which includes privately funded structures open to the public—such as rental apartment complexes and temporary lodging facilities of twenty or more units. For those private facilities, the accessibility rules apply to at least five percent of units (or a minimum of one unit, whichever is greater), and private residences are explicitly excluded from coverage.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 10-5-220, owners and managers of rental apartment complexes or temporary lodging facilities with twenty or more units should be aware that their properties fall within the definition of 'public buildings' and are therefore subject to the accessibility provisions of this article. Compliant operators generally ensure that at least five percent of their units—or a minimum of one unit—meet the accessibility standards referenced in the article, including those defined by ANSI A117.1. Familiarity with the Building Code adopted under Section 6-9-50(A) and the standards set by the Accessibility Committee for the South Carolina Building Codes Council is part of maintaining compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
S.C. Code Ann. § 10-5-220 defines which types of housing are covered by South Carolina's accessibility requirements, and tenants living in rental apartment complexes of twenty or more units may find that their complex qualifies as a 'public building' under this provision. This means a portion of units in such complexes are generally required to meet accessibility standards established by ANSI A117.1 and the applicable Building Code. Tenants who believe accessibility requirements are not being met can explore options such as contacting the Accessibility Committee for the South Carolina Building Codes Council or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 20, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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