S.C. Code Ann. § 58-17-190

Upon the petition of the mayor and aldermen or council of any city or town or the governing body of any county within which any part of any such railroad is located, the commission shall request the Office of Regulatory Staff to make an examination of the condition and operation thereof. Before proceeding to make the examination, the Office of Regulatory Staff shall give to the petitioner and the railroad corporation reasonable notice, in writing, of the time and place of entering upon it.