(A) The public policy of South Carolina is to maintain reasonable standards of construction in buildings and other structures in the State consistent with the public health, safety, and welfare of its citizens. To secure these purposes, a person performing building codes enforcement must be certified by the South Carolina Building Codes Council, and this act is necessary to provide for certification.

(B) To clarify the intent of the General Assembly and address questions which might arise or have arisen with respect to provisions of the nationally known codes which have been or are in place, only those portions or provisions of the nationally known building and safety codes which relate to building standards and safety are binding upon a state or local governmental entity or agency which adopts the building and safety codes authorized or required by this chapter.

(C) To further clarify the intent of the General Assembly, Chapter 9 of Title 23 continues to apply to a person who may act under authority of the State Fire Marshal and that the allocation of inspection duties among local officials is not dictated by Title 6 but remains a matter for the local authority.