Berkeley County has uncovered sufficient evidence of a procedural error in the application of R-15 zoning within the Cordesville Community. To remedy this matter, the County is undergoing a process to apply zoning in adherence to statutory requirements and in accordance with the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) in the current Comprehensive Plan.
In late February, the Planning and Zoning Department sent certified mailers to affected landowners that contained information about existing zoning, the process to change or affirm the property’s zoning, and a pre-paid envelop to submit feedback.
If affected property owners opted to change their zoning, they were given the option of selecting from five (5) rural zoning designations that align with rural land use considerations of the Berkeley County Comprehensive Plan and would be met with recommendations of Approval by the Department:
Preservation Residential (R-15) Zoning
Maximum density is one (1) principal dwelling unit per 15 acres with allowances for up to two accessory dwellings per principal dwelling. The minimum lot size upon subdivision is 15 acres. Certain agricultural and institutional uses are also permitted.
Agricultural (Flex-1) Zoning
Maximum density is two (2) dwelling units per acre with a maximum of four (4). The minimum lot size upon subdivision is 30,000 square feet. Agricultural uses are permitted. Commercial event venue, mining, campground, and other uses are supported as conditional or special exception uses.
Rural Single-Family Residential (R1-R) District
Maximum density is one (1) principal dwelling per 1 acre; no explicit cap. Minimum lot size upon subdivision is 2 acres. Manufactured homes are a prohibited housing type. Certain agricultural uses are supported subject to applicable conditions.
Rural Manufactured Residential (R2-R) District
Max Maximum density is one (1) principal dwelling per 1 acre; no explicit cap. Minimum lot size upon subdivision is 2 acres. Certain agricultural uses are supported subject to applicable conditions.
Mobile Home Rural Farm Residential (R2-R(F)) District
Maximum density is one (1) principal dwelling per 1 acre; no explicit cap. Minimum lot size upon subdivision is 1 acre. This district is intended for hobby farms, supporting a variety of agricultural uses subject to applicable conditions.
Deadline and Department Recommendations:
In order to be considered at the May 24, 2022 Planning Commission meeting, rezoning applications were requested to be returned to the Department by April 26, 2022; otherwise, the Department is recommending that the zoning remain unchanged for those properties that comport with applicable minimum lot size requirements. *The Department is recommending Agricultural (Flex-1) Zoning for those parcels that do not meet the 15-acre minimum lot size required for the Preservation Residential (R-15) Zoning District.
Please see below an interactive map containing Zoning District Recommendations:
The Process and Timeline:
The rezoning process is mandated by state law and typically takes about five (5) months from the date an application is submitted. The recommended zoning districts will be published to the County website under upcoming Planning Commission agendas and posted with a yellow public meeting sign.
| Tentative Schedule Meetings: Unless defeated, deferred, postponed, or tabled, the recommended zoning districts will be considered in the sequence of meetings provided below. All Meetings will be held at 6:00 PM in the Berkeley County Assembly Room, located at 1003 N. US Highway 52, Moncks Corner, SC 29461. |
| · May 24: Planning Commission Meeting · June 13: Land Use Committee (Consideration prior to First Reading) · June 27: County Council (First Reading) · July 11: Land Use Committee (Consideration prior to Second Reading) · July 25: County Council (Second Reading) · August 8: Land Use Committee (Consideration prior to Third Reading) · August 22: County Council (Public Hearing + Third Reading) |
County Council has the final decision-making authority on all rezoning requests; if adopted, the request will go into effect via ordinance at Council’s third and final reading.
For more information about the Cordesville Zoning Matter or the rezoning process, please visit the Planning and Zoning Departmental webpage, email Alison Simmons, Director, or call 843.719.4095.
