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Greenville County Construction Board of Appeals

History: Greenville County Council Ordinance No. 791, effective 3/18/1980, created the Building and Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals. On October 20, 1987, Greenville County Council enacted Ordinance No. 1756, which adopted the Standard Building Code, 1985 edition, as well as the 1986 and 1987 revisions thereto. Sections 105.1 and A105.4.1 et seq. of the Standard Building Code provide for the establishment of a Board of Adjustments and Appeals. In accordance, Greenville County Council re-established and re-created the Greenville County Building and Housing Board of Appeals through Ordinance No. 1848, effective 6/21/1988.

The adopted 2000 International Building Code created the Board of Appeals to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the building official relative to the application and interpretation of the code. The governing body appoints members to the board who hold office at its pleasure. The board consists of members who are qualified by experience and training to pass on matters pertaining to building construction and are not employees of the jurisdiction. The board does not have authority to waive requirements of the code.

The Board consists of five (5) members appointed by Greenville County Council. Membership of the board is as follows:

  • One member for 5 years; one for 4 years; one for 3 years; one for 2 years; and one for 1 year.
  • Thereafter, each new member serves for 5 years or until a successor is appointed.

The building official is an ex-officio member of the board and does not have a vote on any matter before the board. County Council appoints two alternate members who are called by the board chairperson to hear appeals during the absence or disqualification of another member. Alternate members must possess the qualification required for board membership and are appointed for five years or until a successor is appointed.

Individuals qualify to be board members as follows:

  • The individual is registered design professional with architectural experience or a builder or superintendent of building construction with at least ten years of experience, five of which are in responsible charge of work;
  • The individual is registered design professional with structural engineering experience;
  • The individual is registered design professional with mechanical and plumbing engineering experience or a mechanical contractor with at least ten years of experience, five of which are in a responsible charge of work;
  • The individual is registered design professional with electrical engineering experience or an electrical contractor with at least ten years of experience, five of which are in responsible charge of work;
  • The individual is registered design professional with fire protection engineering experience or a fire protection contractor with at lese ten years of experience, five of which are in responsible charge of work.

The board adopts rules of procedure for conducting its business and policies and procedures necessary to carry out its duties. Annually, the board selects one of its members to serve a chairperson. A member must not hear an appeal in which that member has a personal, professional or financial interest. The secretary to the board, appointed by the chief administrative officer, files a detailed record of all proceedings in the office of the chief administrative officer. Compensation of board members is determined by law. All hearing before the board are open to the public. The board modifies or reverses the decision of the building official by a concurring vote of two-thirds of its members. The decision of the board is made by resolution. Certified copies are provided to the appellant and to the building official, who takes immediate action in accordance with the decision.

Address:
Greenville County Construction Board of Appeals
301 University Ridge, Suite 4100
Greenville, SC 29601
Telephone: (864) 467-7357