S.C. Code Ann. § 31-15-310
Definitions
Operative Text
For the purposes of this article: (1) "County" shall mean that area comprising the county other than municipalities; (2) "Public officer" shall mean the officer or officers who are authorized by ordinances adopted hereunder to exercise the powers prescribed by such ordinances; (3) "Owner" shall mean the holder of the title in fee simple and every mortgagee of record; (4) "Parties in interest" shall mean all individuals, associations, corporations and others who have interests of record in a dwelling and any who are in possession thereof; and (5) "Dwelling" shall mean any building or structure, or part thereof, used and occupied for human habitation or intended to be so used and includes any outhouses and appurtenances belonging thereto or usually enjoyed therewith.
Section 31-15-310 of the South Carolina Code establishes the working definitions that apply throughout Article 15's county housing provisions. Key terms such as "owner," "dwelling," "public officer," "county," and "parties in interest" are given specific legal meanings that govern how the rest of the article is interpreted and applied. For example, a "dwelling" is defined broadly to include not just the main structure but also outhouses and appurtenances, while "owner" encompasses both fee-simple titleholders and mortgagees of record.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and mortgagees of record operating in unincorporated South Carolina county areas should be aware that S.C. Code Ann. § 31-15-310 defines "owner" to include both titleholders and recorded mortgagees, meaning obligations under Article 15 can extend to lenders as well as deed holders. The broad definition of "dwelling" — covering the main structure, outhouses, and appurtenances — means that compliance responsibilities generally extend to all associated structures on a property, not just the primary building. Operators who understand these definitions are better positioned to interpret the scope of any county ordinances adopted under this article.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in unincorporated county areas of South Carolina should know that S.C. Code Ann. § 31-15-310 defines who qualifies as an "owner" and a "party in interest" under Article 15, which can affect who bears responsibility for housing conditions. Because "parties in interest" includes anyone with a recorded interest or in possession of a dwelling, tenants themselves may fall within the article's scope. Tenants who believe housing conditions in their dwelling — including outhouses or appurtenances — may implicate these provisions can consult a tenant-rights organization or contact the relevant county public officer identified under local ordinances for guidance on available remedies.
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 16, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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