Meetings to Focus on Land Development in Lower Richland

County Councilwoman Chakisse Newton is holding a series of in-person public meetings in June to highlight land development regulations, as well as answer residents’ questions about current zoning rules for housing developments in District 11, which covers part of Lower Richland.

The meetings are at the Garners Ferry Road Adult Activity Center, 8620 Garners Ferry Road, Hopkins:

Three meetings feature a presentation and discussion on updates to the County’s Land Development Code (LDC). Each of these meetings cover the same information, and residents can attend on a day that is most convenient for them. The first meeting took place Wednesday, June 9. Upcoming meetings will be at:

• 6 p.m. Monday, June 21
• 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 23

A separate meeting will focus specifically on zoning in District 11, which Councilwoman Newton represents. Staff will be on hand to review large, undeveloped areas that were previously zoned to allow for a higher density of housing. Area maps will be on display, and staff will answer questions about existing zoning in the district. This meeting is at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 16.

“This is a chance to be heard and help set the course for how and where we grow,” Newton said. “Together we can set the rules that protect our community’s character, and I’m glad that we can now meet safely in person to have these conversations.”

Register to attend any of the meetings via Facebook: facebook.com/RichlandSC. Physical distancing measures will be in effect. Residents who have questions or concerns and cannot attend the meetings can schedule a one-on-one call or appointment with the County’s Community Planning and Development Department. They can also email County staff directly:

Brian Crooks, interim Planning Services manager ([email protected])
Tommy DeLage, assistant Zoning administrator ([email protected])

What’s the LDC, and Why Is It Being Updated?

The LDC is a set of regulations for land use, growth and development in the County. The code governs everything from how a development can be used, to location and size requirements within various zoning districts, to how development proposals are reviewed. Richland County is updating its LDC as part of a process to develop regulations for the 21st century that implement a vision for where and how the County grows.

Find more information by going to the County’s website: www.richlandcountysc.gov, and navigating to the Planning Department’s page, or visit the project website.