Rock Hill, SC Building Safety: Fire Sprinkler Requirements (2026)

Rock Hill enforces the South Carolina state-adopted I-Codes locally. The South Carolina Building Codes Council (SCBCC) adopted the 2018 IBC, 2018 IRC, 2018 IFC, 2018 IFGC, 2018 IECC, and 2018 IPC effective January 1, 2020, with SC modifications in Chapter 8 of the SC Code of Regulations (SC Reg 8-200 series). Residential sprinkler history: the model 2018 IRC Section R313.1 mandates sprinklers in new detached one- and two-family dwellings, but South Carolina amends Section R313 to NOT require sprinklers in detached one- and two-family dwellings (consistent with S.C. Code Section 6-9-50 and the SCBCC modifications). Townhouses are addressed separately. The model IRC Section R313.2 requires sprinklers in new townhouses (three or more attached single-family units) with either an NFPA 13D system or the IRC Section P2904 multipurpose system. The South Carolina modifications retain the townhouse sprinkler trigger. Commercial and multifamily sprinklers are governed by IBC Chapter 9 and IFC Section 903.2 as adopted with SC modifications. Common triggers include: all Group A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, and A-5 assembly occupancies above the occupant-load thresholds in IFC 903.2.1; Group B office buildings above 12,000 sq ft on one floor or 24,000 sq ft total in IFC 903.2.2 (varies with the SC modification); all Group R-1 hotels regardless of size; all Group R-2 multifamily buildings (apartments, condos) where any of the following exist: a fire area exceeding 12,000 sq ft, more than 16 dwelling units, or the building is more than 3 stories above grade plane; all Group R-4 (residential care / assisted living); all Group M mercantile above 12,000 sq ft per floor or 24,000 sq ft total; and any building where the highest occupied floor exceeds 55 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access (IFC 903.2.11.3). Sprinkler designs must be prepared by a SC-licensed Professional Engineer or NICET-certified designer under S.C. Code Title 40 Chapter 22 (Professional Engineers), and the installer must hold a SC LLR-issued Fire Sprinkler Contractor license. Plan review and inspections are coordinated through the Rock Hill Building Department (Permit Application Center, 803-329-5590) and the Rock Hill Fire Marshal.