The Richland County Land Development Code (LDC) is the main tool to implement land use policy in the unincorporated area of Richland County. The Zoning Division is charged with ensuring that all uses conform to the requirements of the LDC.

Zoning is defined as the public regulation of the use of land. It involves the adoption of ordinances that divide a community into various districts or zones. Each parcel is located in a zoning district primarily dedicated to agricultural, residential, commercial or industrial use. The LDC identifies the permitted uses within each zoning district, as well as development standards for the establishment of each land activity. These regulations address development standards, such as, lot size, setbacks, height limitations, parking, signage, flood and landscaping. There may be certain situations where submittal of a site plan is required in order to ensure compliance.

It is important that prior to making a decision regarding land usage, you check with the Zoning Division, located within the Planning and Development Services Department, for the zoning of your property. While many land activities are permitted principal uses within certain zoning districts, there are certain land uses that require a review action by a hearing body (i.e. Board of Zoning Appeals) or use-specific special requirements (additional development standards). This provides a specific review on the impact that a use may have on the surrounding properties.

The purpose of the special requirements is to ensure that the proposed land use will fit the intent of the zoning district where it is to be located and that the usage will be compatible with other uses and developments within the district. The special requirements typically include, but are not limited to, regulations regarding location, hours of operation, parking, screening, setbacks, lighting, or lot size.

Checking with Zoning early in your land development plans may save you time, energy, and money.