Freedom of Information Act

SC Housing is committed to ensuring timely and appropriate responses to requests for information in accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The information below is intended to supplement and assist in compliance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code 30-4-10, et. seq.).

Format of the Request

While no particular format is required for requests, SC Housing appreciates the use of its Freedom of Information Request Form.

Regardless of the format of the request, it must be in writing and should include the following information in order to ensure a timely and appropriate response is received:

• the requestor’s name and company name (if applicable)
• the requestor’s contact information
• a specific description of the information that is being requested

The request should indicate if the requestor prefers copies of the information or only that the information be made available for inspection. If requesting copies, the request should indicate whether the requestor prefers them in paper or electronic form if available. Electronic copies may be provided in PDF form to protect the integrity of the document.

The request may be submitted via email to FOIA@schousing.com or via the US Postal Service to the following address:

South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority
Attn: Legal – FOIA Request
300-C Outlet Pointe Blvd.
Columbia, SC 29210

Items that may be Redacted from the Requested Information

Items that are exempt under FOIA may be redacted from the requested information. Such items may include but are not limited to:

• Social Security Numbers
• Drivers’ License Numbers
• Home Street Address or Phone Number
• Date of Births
• Bank Account Numbers
• Private Employer Salaries
• South Carolina Government Salaries under $50,000
• Copies of Drivers’ Licenses
• Income Tax Returns

If SC Housing does not redact personally identifying information, the requestor is warned that obtaining or using public records for commercial solicitation is a misdemeanor punishable by a monetary fine and/or imprisonment.

Fees

There will be no charge for SC Housing’s examination and review of the requested information to determine if the information is subject to disclosure.

There is no charge for the requestor to come to SC Housing’s offices and review the documents.

If the request requires SC Housing to provide paper copies of the information requested and the information exceeds 50 pages, SC Housing may charge 20 cents ($.20) per page for each page that exceeds 50 pages. If a request requires extensive expenditure of SC Housing time and resources for research and compilation, SC Housing may charge a research fee of $15 per hour for each hour in excess of the first two hours necessary to search, produce and redact the requested information.

If the request requires SC Housing to provide electronic copies of the information requested, SC Housing may charge a research fee of $15 per hour for each hour in excess of the first two hours necessary to search, produce and redact the requested information.

The benefit of receiving the first 50 pages and first two hours of research time without charge is limited to once annually during a calendar year. Subsequent requests in a calendar year will not receive this benefit.

A deposit of twenty-five percent of the reasonably anticipated cost for reproduction of the requested records may be required prior to production of the requested information. The final bill for research and/or copies will be provided concurrent with or after the final response is sent to the requestor.

SC Housing may produce the requested information at no charge to the requestor or at a reduced rate when it determines that it is in the best interest to release the requested information or in accordance with State law or regulation.