The bill H. 4338 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding two new sections, 4-1-190 and 5-25-950, which prohibit county councils and city councils from adopting or enforcing regulations that limit the use of specific styles of exterior cladding or finish materials for residential or commercial buildings. These regulations cannot be more restrictive than existing state or national building codes. Importantly, the bill specifies that these provisions do not apply to special purpose districts, overlay zones, or historic areas.
By implementing these changes, the bill seeks to ensure that local governing bodies do not impose unnecessary restrictions on building materials, thereby promoting flexibility and potentially reducing construction costs. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor, reinforcing the state's commitment to standardizing building regulations across different jurisdictions.