Planning

PLANNING DIRECTOR: Mack Paul
LOCATION: 1476 J.A. Cochran Bypass
Chester, SC 29706

The Planning Department administers the County’s building code program, zoning and subdivision ordinances and makes recommendations regarding the current and future use of land in Chester County. This Department serves as the professional and technical staff for the Planning Commission, which is an advisory board to the County Council.

The end results are the protection of property values, efficient use of land and the protection of the natural environment against the negative impact of incompatible uses. This Department has planning, zoning, and building jurisdictions over all the unincorporated areas within Chester County and the City of Chester, Town of Great Falls and the Town of Fort Lawn, except planning and zoning for the Town of Lowry’s

Chester County Comprehensive Plan - This plans reflects the past, present and future of Chester County. This plan is a blueprint of growth over the next twenty years. Due to the economic revitalization the county is experiencing and the potential for even greater growth, the future looks promising. In order to maximize the benefits of this expected growth, local government must have a vision of how the county should grow. This plan is the initial statement of that vision.

Chester County Zoning Ordinance, 2000 - This ordinance is designed to promote the public health, safety, morals and general welfare, lessen congestion streets, secure safety from fire, panic and other dangers, provide adequate light and air, prevent the overcrowding of land and avoid undue concentration of population. This ordinance will also serve to facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, waste, sewerage, schools, parks and other public facilities in coordination with the Chester County Comprehensive Plan.

Land Development Regulation, 2000 - This ordinance regulates land subdivisions. This ordinance is intended to provide for sound community growth by establishing certain standards for new land developments. These types of regulations also are intended to prevent excessive maintenance cost for homeowners, sub dividers, and local governments by insuring that new land developments will have certain features included in their design. The Land Development Regulation is intended to provide sound working relationships between government officials and persons who are developing land areas. It is the sincere hope of the Chester County Planning Commission that these regulations will be beneficial for all.

Alex Amos, Chairman – District 1                              W. Wallace (Buck) Boyd – District 2
1820 Buck & Edna's Drive                                         4324 Dye Road
Blackstock, SC 29014                                                Edgemoor, SC 29712

Robert W. Raines, Jr. - District 3                               Lawrence Shuler - District 4
929 Edgewood Circle                                                1620 Atkinson Road
Chester, SC 29706                                                    Chester, SC 29706

Charlie Stringfellow – District 5                                Azzie Lee Hill. Vice Chairman – District 6
540 Armory Road                                                     208 Sarah Street
Chester, SC 29706                                                   Chester, SC 29706

Zoning - The Planning Commission shall evaluate and develop recommendations to the County Council for all proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, including the zoning map. The Planning Commission on behalf of County Council shall hold a public hearing on all proposed amendments to this ordinance. The Planning Commission has thirty (30) days after the public hearing is held to make its recommendation to County Council. The Planning Commission recommendation is advisory only.

Land Development - The Planning Commission administers land development regulations for the public health, safety, economy, good order, appearance, convenience, morals, and general welfare by promoting the harmonious, orderly, and progressive development of land within the County of Chester.

Mack Turner – District 1                                               Todd Wright – District 2
1686 Canal Road                                                          2563 Ross Dye Road
Catawba, SC 29704                                                     Blackstock, SC 29014

Ellis Faulkner, Jr., Vice Chairman – District 3               Mitch B. Foster, Chairman – District 4
912 Redwood Lane                                                      105 Moore Street
Chester, SC 29706                                                       Chester, SC 29706

Margie King – District 5                                                 Helen Gantt – District 6
121 Cemetery Street                                                     PO Box 1832
Chester, SC 29706                                                       Chester, SC 29706

Building & Codes Enforcement - This regulates and secures the public safety, health and general welfare through structural strength, stability, sanitation, adequate light, and ventilation, and safety life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment including alteration, repair, removal demolition, uses and occupancy of buildings, structures or premises, and by regulating the installation and maintenance of all electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing systems, which may be referred to as service systems. We currently enforce the following codes in Chester County, City of Chester, Town of Great Falls, and the Town of Fort Lawn:

Code Enforcement Officers:
Building Official : Mack Paul
Building Code Enforcement Officers : John Foster
Building Code Enforcement Officers : Trey Parrish
Housing Code Enforcement Officer : Vacant
Permit Clerk and E911 Address Coordinator : Sally Hudson

Chester County Code - Health and Sanitation - Article II - Nuisance Abatement - This ordinance makes it unlawful for any person to allow property under his or her ownership or control to be kept in an unhealthy or unsightly condition by reason of rubbish, debris, vegetation, weeds, water, foul or noxious effluvia, structural material, equipment, vehicle, or any other substance; and such unhealthy or unsightly condition constitutes a public nuisance.

Issue building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and zoning permits
Assist in economic development planning and forecasting
Administer County development regulations for all newly developed and redeveloped properties
Enforce County ordinances related to land use
Protect the County’ natural and man-made environments
Plan for efficient and attractive future development of Chester County
Provide support and expertise to members of the Chester County Planning Commission
Conduct studies to develop background information for plans
Review and approve real property plats in compliance with Chester County development regulations
Assist municipalities in updating and amending comprehensive plans, land development regulations, zoning ordinances
Real property subdivision administratio

Q: How can I find out what zoning regulations pertain to a piece of property?
A: If your property is within the jurisdiction of Chester County, present your tax parcel number to the Planning Department to find out the zoning classification for your property and what regulations apply. However, you do not have an "Official" Zoning Compliance unless you present your tax parcel number and pay the fee for a Zoning Compliance. This number may be retrieved from your paid tax receipt, or your deed. If you cannot find this number please contact the Chester County Tax Assessor’s Office at (803) 377-4177. Many Chester County municipalities also have planning, zoning and land development regulations, such as the City of Chester, the Town of Great Falls, and the Town of Fort Lawn. This department administers all.

Q: If I disagree with zoning regulations for my property, what should I do?
A: You can either request a change in zoning or appeal the interpretation of the ordinance with the Zoning Board of Appeals. Either action may be filed with the Planning Department.

Q: I have a large lot and would like to cut off a portion to give to my son/daughter. What steps do I take?
A: First, contact the Planning Department to determine if it is feasible to do so. Second, property must be surveyed by a registered professional land surveyor and proposed division lines shown on the plat. Third, the plat must be reviewed and approved by Planning Department or the Planning Commission and then recorded in the Clerk of Court’s Office.

Q: What role does the Planning Department play in the development of commercial, office or multi-family projects?
A: The Planning Department notifies CMD, CSD, SCDOT, SCDHEC that a site design review process has begun on a project and that plans are available for inspection by those agencies at our department.

Q: What role does the Planning Department play in the construction of new buildings?
A: The Planning Department ensures that a plat meets size, subdivision and zoning requirements. In addition, this Department ensures that building plans comply with the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control’s drainage and septic tank regulations and meet accessibility requirements.