Land Development Code Rewrite
Through the newly adopted 2021 Land Development Code (LDC), the older 2005 code will be replaced and repealed. This requires that every property in unincorporated Richland County receive new zoning that falls under the newly adopted code. Read about and view the information on this page to learn more about the new LDC
Residents and property owners can also visit the Zoning office on the first floor of the County Administration Building, at 2020 Hampton St., Columbia, during business hours, or schedule a one-on-one meeting with a Planning & Zoning staff member to learn more about the code. Those with questions or wanting more information should email LandDevelopmentCode@richlandcountysc.gov or call 803-576-2190.
Purpose
The purpose of the Rewrite is to develop 21st century regulations that implement the County’s vision for where and how it grows, are user-friendly for all citizens, align with current best practices, allow for development in different contexts, provide for higher-quality development, and support a more sustainable Richland County.
The LDC is the adopted law of the County that regulates land use, growth and development. It governs everything from the types of uses, location and size of a development within various zones, to establishing the procedures for how development proposals are reviewed, including approvals and denials. The LDC also controls various development and subdivision standards such as parking, landscaping, signs, addressing, building form, and open space within a development, and the division and platting of land, as well as road layout and other infrastructure requirements.
The current LDC was adopted in 2005, which included an update from the code established in 1977. The Code Rewrite will be a significant departure from the current LDC and will not simply be an update or provide revisions but institute an entirely new land development code.
Key Differences
To read an accessible version of the infographics, please see Code Differences.
View presentations on the LDC Rewrite material on the County’s YouTube channel.
Questions, concerns, information?
Email LandDevelopmentCode@richlandcountysc.gov or call 803-576-2190.