South Carolina S0004 amends local government planning to reduce housing construction costs and barriers.

South Carolina S0004 amends local government planning to reduce administrative and permitting costs and barriers to housing construction. It allows builders to hire certified third-party inspectors instead of relying solely on local inspectors. The bill also limits taxes and fees charged to builders to no more than 10% of the sales price of homes. Local governments must study ways to increase housing affordability, including waiving or deferring system development charges and adopting criteria for property tax exemptions or freezes.

South Carolina S0004 amends local government planning to reduce housing construction costs and barriers.

South Carolina S0004 amends local government planning to reduce administrative and permitting costs and barriers to housing construction. It allows builders to hire certified third-party inspectors instead of relying solely on local inspectors. The bill also limits taxes and fees charged to builders to no more than 10% of the sales price of homes. Local governments must study ways to increase housing affordability, including waiving or deferring system development charges and adopting criteria for property tax exemptions or freezes.