Public Policy

The Home Builders Association of Greenville monitors key legislative issues affecting the local home building industry under the guidance of a full-time Director of Government Affairs and the leadership of the HBA Legislative Committee. Your local HBA also stays abreast of state and federal legislation through its affiliations with the Home Builders Association of South Carolina and the National Association of Home Builders, with several of our members serving on legislative and political committees at the state and national level.

The HBA of Greenville understands that day-to-day involvement in public policy best represents its members and the local homebuilding industry, at large. Through the HBA of Greenville's Government Affairs program, we work on your behalf to influence public policy decisions. Specifically, we work to limit the impact of government regulation on our industry to protect our membership from overregulation and limit the impact of regulation on the cost of housing.

Additionally, the Home Builders Association of Greenville hosts a Legislative Rally each year that gives its members the opportunity to interact directly with local and state elected officials.

Building Code Resources

Stormwater Permit Alert - April 2011

With the recent recession, many subdivisions in Greenville County that were under construction in 2006 and 2007 went into default. The developers of record have filed for bankruptcy and the banks are taking ownership of the land and lots. Federal Clean Water Act requires NOI's from anyone disturbing land inside these subdivisions. SC DHEC issued NOI's to the original developer but now has revoked NOI coverage if the developer has abandoned the subdivision. All undeveloped lots in subdivisions where NOI coverage has been revoked have been placed on hold. Banks are unaware of this fact and are selling lots to individual builders or even private citizens. These new lot owners are getting the word that their lot is not permittable when they go to Greenville County Building Codes wanting to get a permit to start construction on a home. Click here to download a list of subdivisions that currently have a building permit hold placed on them.

S.C. Building Codes Modification, Code Adoption Schedule and Adopted Codes http://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/bcc/

South Carolina Building Energy Standard Act/Energy Efficiency Standards for One- and Two-Family Dwellings:

See Section 6-10-30 (d) of the SC Code of Laws: http://www.scstatehouse.net/code/t06c010.htm

To Purchase a copy of the Building Code for South Carolina: http://www.iccsafe.org/

Lead Paint Resources

The Environmental Protection Agency is conducting inspections on all types of contractors (remodelers, window replacement firms, HVAC installers, insulation installers, etc.) working in both owner-occupied and rental housing built before 1978. EPA inspectors are looking for documentation that contractors are complying with both the Pre-Renovation Disclosure Rule and the Lead: Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule. Contractors must maintain records demonstrating compliance for three years.

Click here for information from NAHB on understanding the requirements of the rule.

2011 HBA Legislative Priorities

Hundreds of bills are introduced each year during the SC Legislative session, however only a few pass. During 2011, HBA of SC will be monitoring several issues including Tort Reform, Building Codes Council Reform, Multi-Lot Discounts, Private Transfer Fees, SC Housing Authority Reform and others. Click here to download the complete list of 2011 HBA Legislative Priorities.