Multi- family dwellings

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Wickensimer

Requires fire sprinklers in all newly permitted multi-family buildings after July 1, 2026, and authorizes the State Fire Marshal to regulate the sprinkler system type.

Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

Purpose and Intent

The bill amends South Carolina law to require fire sprinkler systems in all newly constructed multi-family dwellings that are permitted to be built after July 1, 2026.

It also directs the State Fire Marshal to promulgate regulations identifying the appropriate type of fire sprinkler systems for these buildings.

Key Provisions

Mandatory Installation of Fire Sprinklers

Sections added to three different titles establish a statewide requirement that all newly constructed multi-family dwellings (permitted after July 1, 2026) must have fire sprinkler systems installed.

Section 4-25-80 (Title 4, Chapter 25, Article 1): Applies to newly constructed multi-family dwellings permitted after July 1, 2026.
Section 4-25-290 (Title 4, Chapter 25, Article 3): Additional coverage for newly constructed multi-family dwellings permitted after July 1, 2026.
Section 5-25-950 (Title 5, Chapter 25, Article 7): Additional coverage for newly constructed multi-family dwellings permitted after July 1, 2026.

The operative date tying the requirement to construction permits issued after July 1, 2026.

Regulation of System Type

Section 23-9-165 requires the State Fire Marshal to promulgate regulations specifying the appropriate type of fire sprinkler system for installation in multi-family dwellings as required by the act.

This implies a rulemaking process to define performance standards, system design (e.g., wet, dry, deluge, or deluge with residential considerations), and potentially other factors such as water supply, maintenance, and compatibility with building codes.

Affected Parties and Impacts

Builders and Developers

Any party involved in permitting and construction of new multi-family dwellings after July 1, 2026 will be required to install fire sprinkler systems.

Potential cost increases for construction, installation, and system maintenance.

Homebuyers and Tenants

Enhanced fire safety and protection for residents of newly built multi-family housing.

Potential impact on rents or sale prices due to added construction costs, though the bill does not specify any cost-sharing mechanisms or exemptions.

Regulators and Local Jurisdictions

The State Fire Marshal’s office gains new regulatory authority to define the appropriate sprinkler systems for these buildings.

Timeline and Process

Effective date: The act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

Implementation trigger: The sprinkler requirement applies to multi-family dwellings "permitted to be built after July 1, 2026," meaning projects under permit before that date would not be subject to the requirement.

Regulatory process: The State Fire Marshal must promulgate regulations to designate the appropriate sprinkler system type for these buildings (no specific deadline stated in the bill text; it would follow the normal rulemaking timeline).

Notes

The bill underwent first reading and was referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry on April 15, 2026.

Primary sponsor: (Co-sponsor) Paul Wickensimer.

This summary captures the bill’s core aims, the substantive changes it would make, who it affects, and its broad procedural timeline. If you’d like, I can add a comparison with existing South Carolina fire safety standards or potential fiscal implications based on typical sprinkler system costs.

Bill