South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 76 - BOARD OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL EXAMINERS
Here’s a detailed and citation-backed overview of South Carolina Code of Regulations, Chapter 76 – Board of Landscape Architectural Examiners, current through State Register Vol. 49, Issue 3 (effective March 28, 2025):
📘 Chapter 76 – Board of Landscape Architectural Examiners
🔹 Overview
Established under statutory authority from SC Code §§ 40‑28‑30, 40‑28‑80, etc., this chapter sets forth licensing, practice, ethics, and continuing education standards for landscape architects in South Carolina (law.cornell.edu).
🔸 § 76‑1 Definitions
Defines key terms used throughout regulations, including registration, firm, board, landscape architecture, etc.
🔸 § 76‑2 Registration
Details requirements to register as a licensed landscape architect, including education, examination, experience, and submission of applications.
🔸 § 76‑3 Licensure by Comity (Endorsement)
Sets conditions for applicants licensed in other states to obtain South Carolina licensure via endorsement—typically requiring verification of credentials, experience, and may require an exam. (law.cornell.edu)
🔸 § 76‑4 Seals
Specifies requirements for registration seals: they must include "State of South Carolina" at the top, "COA" at the bottom, and show only the firm’s name and certificate number in the center (scstatehouse.gov).
🔸 § 76‑5 License Expiration, Renewal & Reinstatement
Licenses expire biennially; processes for renewal and reinstatement upon expiration are specified, including late fees and CE requirements (op.nysed.gov).
🔸 § 76‑6 Continuing Education
20 hours required every two years, with at least 15 hours in structured HSW topics and up to 5 hours in practice-related/self-directed activities (regulations.justia.com).
Acceptable structured activities include those by ASLA, CLARB, LA CES, universities, etc. Up to 10 hours may carry over to the next period (regulations.justia.com).
Exemptions granted for first renewal, military service, disability, emergency circumstances, or age ≥60 with 30 years of licensure, and emeritus status (regulations.justia.com).
Records must be retained for 4 years; audits may occur, and CE deficiencies can lead to probation or cancellation (llr.sc.gov).
🔸 § 76‑7 Examination
The licensure exam must be the LARE (Landscape Architect Registration Exam) or its successor administered by CLARB (scstatehouse.gov).
The board may oversee exams directly or via approved representatives; applicants must pass all sections. (law.cornell.edu).
🔸 § 76‑8 Practice of Firms
Firms must employ at least one SC-registered landscape architect in full responsible charge.
Each office in SC must have a licensed architect supervising.
All firms practicing must obtain a Certificate of Authorization (COA)–required since July 1, 2012.
Firms must maintain current main and branch office addresses. (scstatehouse.gov).
🔸 § 76‑9 Code of Ethics
Covers professional competence, public safety obligations, conflict-of-interest disclosures, anti-bribery rules, advertising integrity, refusal to associate with unethical individuals, and obligation to report unethical practices. .
🔍 Summary Table
Section
Topic
Key Points
76‑1
Definitions
Regulatory scope defined
76‑2
Registration
Licensure prerequisites
76‑3
Comity
Endorsement process
76‑4
Seals
Firm seal specifications
76‑5
Expiry & Renewal
Biennial renewal, CE, reinstatement
76‑6
Continuing Education
20‑hour requirement, audit policy
76‑7
Examination
LARE required, pass all parts
76‑8
Firm Practice
COA, supervision, office compliance
76‑9
Ethics
Professional and public safety standards
✅ Why It Matters
Chapter 76 ensures that landscape architects in SC are qualified, accountable, adhere to professional standards, maintain ongoing competency, and consistently protect public health, safety, and welfare through structured training and ethical conduct.
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