Charleston pools must have safety equipment including drain covers, rescue equipment, and signage. South Carolina's Virginia Graeme Baker Act compliance is required for all pool drains.
Swimming pools in Charleston must comply with the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code as adopted by the city. Required safety features include anti-entrapment drain covers compliant with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, a rescue device (ring buoy or shepherd's hook), depth markers, and no diving signs where appropriate. Residential pools must maintain water clarity sufficient to see the main drain. Electrical systems must comply with NEC requirements for pool equipment grounding and GFCI protection.
Safety violations result in closure orders until compliance is achieved. Commercial pools face DHEC inspections and additional requirements.
Charleston, SC
Charleston does not regulate residential lawn ornaments such as statues, garden gnomes, flamingos, religious displays, or holiday figures on private property...
Charleston, SC
Charleston's sign provisions in the Zoning Ordinance (Title 54) prohibit commercial inflatable advertising devices, balloons, and similar wind-driven attenti...
Charleston, SC
Charleston does not impose general municipal time limits on residential holiday lights, and the Zoning Ordinance sign provisions exempt non-commercial reside...
Charleston, SC
Outdoor kitchens with permanent gas lines, water/sewer connections, electrical wiring, or roofed structures require permits in Charleston. A covered or walle...
Charleston, SC
Charcoal, wood, and pellet smokers are treated as open-flame cooking devices under the 2021 IFC adopted by South Carolina. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits thei...
Charleston, SC
Charleston follows the 2021 International Fire Code as adopted by the South Carolina Building Codes Council. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Charleston County.
See how other cities in Charleston County handle safety rules.
See how Charleston's safety rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.