South Carolina Code 23-9-160. Emergency powers and duties of State Fire Marshal concerning unsafe buildings; lien for costs incurred
Current as of: 2023 | Check for updates
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Terms Used In South Carolina Code 23-9-160
- Clerk of court: An officer appointed by the court to work with the chief judge in overseeing the court's administration, especially to assist in managing the flow of cases through the court and to maintain court records.
- Lien: A claim against real or personal property in satisfaction of a debt.
- Mortgage: The written agreement pledging property to a creditor as collateral for a loan.
The decision of the State Fire Marshal concerning unsafe structures is final in cases of emergency which, in his opinion, involve imminent danger to human life or health. He shall promptly cause the building, structure, or portion of it to be made safe or demolished. For this purpose he may immediately enter the structure or the land on which it stands, or abutting land or structures, with such assistance and at such cost as he may consider necessary. He may vacate adjacent structures and protect the public by appropriate fences or those other means as may be necessary and for this purpose may close a public or private way. Costs incurred, if not paid by the property owner, agent, or person in control, must be borne by the municipality if the subject property is located in a municipality or the county if the property is located outside municipal limits. Prior to the corrective action by the State Fire Marshal, written notice of it must be given to the county or municipality in which the property is located. Upon payment of the costs, the county or municipality shall acquire a lien on the property involved to recover the costs, which must be recorded in the office of the clerk of court or register of deeds in the county where the property is located, and the lien created is enforceable as a tax lien, junior in priority to any other prior recorded lien or mortgage on the property.