Smoke-alarm rules come from the statewide South Carolina Fire Code, not a separate county ordinance. SC has adopted the 2021 South Carolina Fire Code (based on the 2021 International Fire Code), requiring working smoke alarms in one- and two-family dwellings.
Charleston County does not set its own smoke-detector ordinance; requirements flow from the statewide code adopted by the SC Building Codes Council and enforced through the Office of State Fire Marshal (LLR). The 2021 South Carolina Fire Code and Building Code require approved, properly functioning smoke alarms in one- and two-family dwellings and rental units, installed per NFPA standards, with alarms in each sleeping room, outside sleeping areas, and on each level. New construction and substantial renovations require interconnected, hardwired alarms with battery backup. Replace batteries regularly and replace units per manufacturer life. Landlords must ensure operable alarms at the start of a tenancy.
Missing or non-working required smoke alarms are a fire-code violation enforced at inspection or permit review; landlords risk liability and code-enforcement penalties.
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