Does this mean office-to-residential conversions are safe?

Office-to-residential conversion rules referenced in general terms typically come from a specific city's own zoning policy, so whether any given conversion is considered safe or approved depends entirely on which jurisdiction's rules actually apply to that building. South Carolina municipalities set their own building and zoning codes independently of policies adopted elsewhere. Brian Beatty can confirm the actual zoning status of a specific Lowcountry building being considered for conversion.