Bill
H 3262
Amends SC §6-9-65 to allow converted farm buildings hosting events up to 300 people to keep farm-structure status tied to the farm/rural setting, preserving exemptions.
Status / Procedural highlights
- Bill type: State statute amendment to South Carolina Code, §6-9-65 (regulation of construction/improvements of farm structures).
- Prefiled: 12/05/2024. Introduced/read: 01/14/2025. Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs. Multiple committee hearing notices scheduled/rescheduled for 11/18/2025.
- Primary sponsors listed: Chumley, Long, Pope, Ligon. Related bill reference: HD 989 (replaces).
- Effective date: upon approval by the Governor.
Note on source material
- The materials provided also include text from an unrelated Massachusetts income-tax bill (House No. 3262 / Rep. Uyterhoeven). The summary below concerns the South Carolina farm-structures amendment (text amending S.C. Code §6-9-65).
Purpose / Intent
- To modify the statutory definition of “farm structure” to allow certain farm buildings that have been converted to event uses to continue to qualify as “farm structures” for purposes of the statute governing construction and improvements. The change appears aimed at preserving regulatory exemptions or special rules that apply to farm structures for converted buildings used as event venues.
Key provisions
- Current definition (as amended): “Farm structure” means structures built on a farm (other than a residence), used on the farm (examples: barns, sheds, poultry houses), excluding public livestock areas.
- New carve-out for converted buildings: The bill clarifies that a structure originally qualifying as a farm structure but later converted to another use is generally excluded — except it remains a “farm structure” if:
- it can accommodate up to 300 people; and
- it is used for public or private events that take place on the farm because of its farm or rural setting (examples listed: weddings, receptions, meetings, demonstrations of farm activities, meals, and other such events).
- Effect: Converted farm buildings used as event venues (≤300 capacity and tied to farm/rural setting) will not lose their “farm structure” status under §6-9-65.
Who is affected / likely impacts
- Farmers and landowners who convert barns or outbuildings into event venues (weddings, receptions, farm tours, etc.) — potentially reduced regulatory burden or continued eligibility for farm-structure rules/exemptions when hosting events up to 300 people.
- Local permitting authorities, building inspectors, and code enforcement — may see changes in which buildings fall under farm-structure rules versus standard commercial building rules.
- Public safety and liability stakeholders — potential concerns about ensuring adequate life-safety measures (occupancy, egress, fire safety) if commercial event spaces claim farm-structure status.
- Local economies/agritourism — could facilitate more farm-based events and related economic activity.
Limitations / conditions
- The exception applies only when the event use is tied to the farm or rural setting and the structure’s capacity does not exceed 300 people. The bill does not explicitly change other safety, health, or licensing requirements that may apply under separate statutes or local regulations.
Questions to watch as the bill advances
- How “used because of its farm or rural setting” will be interpreted and enforced.
- Whether other statutory or regulatory requirements (fire codes, ADA accessibility, sanitation/food service rules) remain applicable despite the farm-structure designation.
- Any fiscal or public-safety assessments provided during committee hearings.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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