South Carolina Building Inspector

A Building Inspector, sometimes referred to as a Building Official, is a county or local official responsible for ensuring that all building construction is in compliance with building codes and related regulations. Building codes establish standards for the construction of buildings and they address virtually all aspects of construction, including design requirements, building materials, electric, plumbing and other trades, parking, and resistance to natural disasters. Building Inspectors are typically employed within a Building or Development Department. A Building Department may have multiple Building Inspectors with a Chief Building Inspector overseeing all inspection activities, while smaller jurisdictions may have a single Building Inspector to conduct all building inspection activity.

Building Inspectors inspect new construction, remodels, and renovations, and in some cases, they inspect vacant real estate that is the site for planned construction. As part of the process, Building Inspectors issue construction, relocation, demolition, and occupancy permits. Depending on the nature of a project, inspections may be required at any phase of construction. Building Inspectors review and approve plans and blueprints for new construction or major renovations in order to ensure that the plans incorporate compliance with building codes. While large projects are underway, Building Inspectors monitor and inspect to verify that approved plans are followed and maintain compliance with code requirements. If the project is non-compliant at any time, the Building Inspector can issue a notice of violation and may order that work be stopped. At the conclusion of the project, a final comprehensive inspection is conducted.

Building Inspectors may also be required to inspect existing structures to verify that they are safe for occupancy if they have been damaged by fire, a weather event, an accident, or a similar incident. Building Inspectors may also inspect buildings as the result of complaints or referrals from law enforcement or other agencies if they suspect safety violations. Buildings that are determined to be unsafe by a Building Inspector may be condemned.

Fire Inspectors perform similar duties as Building Inspectors, but with an emphasis on compliance with fire codes. In some jurisdictions, the Building Inspector may also serve as the Fire Inspector.