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New Richland County land development code includes several key changes

Melinda Waldrop //November 23, 2021//

New Richland County land development code includes several key changes

Melinda Waldrop //November 23, 2021//

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A new land development code featuring several key changes has been adopted by Richland County Council and is slated to go into effect in May.  

The new code, adopted Nov. 16, includes a switch to density-based zoning, which removes the current minimum lot standard, and the addition of new proposed district, according to the county’s website. The homestead district is intended as a rural district geared toward residential use with some agricultural functionality, which would allow for larger lot residences or hobby farms. 

The new code also consolidates all development standards into 15 sections which include connectivity, parking and landscaping sections and also features green development incentives. 

Richland County began updating its land development code in 2017 as part of a 21st century growth plan. A complete list of changes (.pdf) can be found at www.richlandcountysc.gov under the Planning and Development Services tab.   

Property owners can request map amendments to zoning districts under the current code until Nov. 30, according to a news release from the county. The final version of the code will be posted to the Planning and Development Services webpage after the approval of minutes at county council’s Dec. 7 meeting.  

The county said it is also creating an abridged version of the code for property owners. Once the recommended draft map is finalized, a digital version will be available online.   

Future community information meetings will be held to allow property owners to ask questions of county staff. For more information, call 803-576-2190 or email [email protected]

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