Darlington County, SC Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- Code § 22-32(1)b and (1)h
- Vacant structure exemption
- Locked, glazed/boarded, or protected
- Removal/secure deadline
- 30 days from notice
- Dangerous-structure inspection
- State-registered engineer, § 22-52(c)
- Penalty
- Up to $200 fine or 15 days jail
Summary
An unsecured vacant or abandoned building, or any dilapidated structure at risk of collapse, is a declared nuisance under Darlington County Code § 22-32(1)b and (1)h. Owners must keep vacant structures locked and boarded, and the county administrator can order dangerous structures addressed through the § 22-51 notice process.
Vacant and abandoned structures. The existence of any vacant dwelling, garage, or other outbuilding, other than agricultural or livestock outbuildings, or endangered architectural or historical structures, as determined by the county historical commission, in a developed commercial or residential area, or within 100 feet of a primary highway right-of-way, unless such structures are kept securely locked, windows kept glazed or neatly boarded up, or otherwise protected to prevent entry thereto by the elements or unauthorized persons, is hereby declared a nuisance. Garages, or other outbuildings, other than agricultural or livestock outbuildings, which are kept in good condition on owner-occupied or tenant-occupied property, not seasonal residences, are not considered vacant or abandoned structures for the purpose of this article. ... Dangerous structures. Any structure, including buildings or portions of buildings, dug well structures with an unprotected opening or manmade structures, other than lakes, ponds or irrigation ditches, which is dilapidated and, as such, presents a potential danger of collapse and such collapse may cause injury or death, is hereby declared a nuisance.
Full Breakdown
Section 22-32(1)b of the Darlington County Code declares a vacant dwelling, garage or outbuilding a nuisance in a developed commercial or residential area, or within 100 feet of a primary highway right-of-way, unless it is kept securely locked, its windows glazed or neatly boarded up, or otherwise protected against the elements or unauthorized entry. Agricultural or livestock outbuildings, and structures the county historical commission has designated as endangered architectural or historical structures, are excluded, as are garages and outbuildings kept in good condition on owner- or tenant-occupied, non-seasonal property.
Section 22-32(1)h separately declares any dilapidated structure, including buildings, dug wells with an unprotected opening, or other manmade structures other than lakes, ponds or irrigation ditches, a nuisance whenever its condition presents a potential danger of collapse that could cause injury or death. Both provisions run through the same enforcement track: a complaint under § 22-51 triggers a certified-mail notice giving the owner 30 days to secure or remove the structure, an owner can appeal within 15 days under § 22-52, and for a dangerous-structure appeal the owner and county administrator may agree in writing to a structural inspection by a state-registered engineer, with the losing side on the collapse question bearing the inspection cost. A summons follows under § 22-53 if the deadline passes without compliance.
Violations & Fines
Failing to secure a vacant structure or remove a collapse hazard after notice is a misdemeanor under § 22-55, punishable by a fine of up to $200.00, up to 15 days' imprisonment, or both, with each day past the compliance deadline a separate offense. On a disputed dangerous-structure appeal, an owner who forces an inspection without first agreeing in writing to the county's cost terms under § 22-52(c) bears that inspection cost regardless of the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a vacant house become a code violation in Darlington County?
Who decides if a dilapidated building is dangerous enough to act on?
What happens if I don't secure or repair a blighted structure after notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Darlington County
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