Thoughts, comments and insight from residents are critical to the successful rewriting of Richland County’s land use regulations.

Updates to the County’s zoning ordinance and land use policies are currently underway in order to bring these regulations in alignment with the comprehensive plan, which is Richland County’s long-term plan for guiding future growth and development. In 2014, public input-based updates were made to the comprehensive plan to ensure the County is prepared for an increased population and expanding economy.

Now, the County is seeking residents’ input again, this time with a specific focus on zoning and land use.

“We are now at the most critical point in this process as we move from vision to implementation,” said Ashley Powell, Richland County Planning Services Manager. “As such, we want to be sure that our citizens are informed about and engaged in the process that will shape Richland County.”

Residents are asked to attend one of three workshops next week to offer their viewpoints about where land should be developed, where it should be protected and where zoning changes should be made. The workshops, which will all present the same information, are:

·         6 p.m.-8 p.m. Monday, March 27 at Lower Richland High School, 2615 Lower Richland Blvd., Hopkins

·         6 p.m.-8 p.m. Monday, March 27 at Longleaf Middle School, 1160 Longreen Pkwy., Columbia

·         6 p.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 29 at Ballentine Community Center, 1009 Bickley Road, Irmo

The zoning ordinance and land use rewriting process is expected to last through 2018. Once the process is complete, new policies will be enacted that aim to protect the delicate balance between the unique rural and developed areas of the County.

To learn more about the land use rewriting process, visit www.weplantogether.org or contact Ashley Powell at powella@rcgov.us or 803-576-2166.