A possible zoning requests moratorium coming to Richland County

Photo by @sodacityaerials

County officials have proposed a zoning requests moratorium through May 2022 — when zoning maps + new development rules are expected to be put into effect.

What are zoning maps used for?
In addition to ensuring the overall city plan is being followed, zoning maps show us the allowed uses of an area + can answer questions for developers like:

  • Can I build an apartment complex here?
  • What’s the maximum height this development can reach in this area?
  • How much parking needs to be provided for this type of development?

What does the proposed moratorium mean?
It means that requested zoning changes before May have to use new zoning designations under the proposal. The proposed hold does not prevent building things currently permitted by present zoning, unlike the Lexington County building moratorium preventing permitting new construction of apartments + subdivisions in the county.

According to the county’s Planning Services Manager Brian Crooks, “people can still come and build, people can still develop, they just can’t request a different zoning from what they have.”

A public hearing has been scheduled for Tues., Nov. 9 to gather additional public input before potential final approval on Nov. 16.

Click to check out the city council meeting calendar + share your thoughts.

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