Zoning

Location: 129 Screven Street
Hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm (permit window closes at 4pm)
Email: Zoning
Phone: (843)-545-3602
Fax: (843)-545-3299
Contact: Joanne Ochal - Zoning Administrator/Senior Planner

Department Function:

To regulate the location and use of buildings, structures, and land by enforcing the Zoning Ordinance for Georgetown County.

Department News:

A three business day minimum plan review process has been placed in effect. To ensure that this process does not take longer, please make sure that you submit the following when you make application:

• Completed application with all of the correct information
• Two complete sets of building plans (including engineering and building elevation drawings showing building height). If you submit these plans as PDF files we will still require the two sets of plans so that they may be stamped and one set kept in our office and one set kept at the building site.
• Scaled site plan, please review Section 1401 to view the site plan requirements
• Tree plan, please view the tree plan requirements
• Elevation certificate (If the structure is in a flood zone)

There has been a recent text change to the building height limit regulations in the Zoning Ordinance. Please review Section 806 to view the new ordinance. Building elevation drawings should now illustrate LAG (Lowest Adjacent Grade), BFE (Base Flood Elevation) and MRH (Mean Roof Height) from BFE. Please contact our department if you have any questions regarding the new ordinance.

Applications:

Zoning Board of Appeals 2013 Calendar

Zoning Board of Appeals Application (Revised 6-11)

Zoning Board of Appeals Instructions and Procedures

Tree Removal Permit
Vendor Permit
Sign Permit
Change of Tenant Permit Application
Application For Temporary Certificate of Zoning Compliance
Electrical Power Only Application
Impact Fee Guidelines
Impact Fee Waiver Application
Waccamaw Neck Commercial Overlay Permanent Sign Application
Application for Marsh Walk Vendor Permit
Application for Commercial Zoning Review
Application for Day Care Approval

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What should the site plan include?
A: Please review section 1401 to view the site plan requirements:

Q: What should my tree plan include?
A: Please view the tree plan requirements:

Q: What are the Zoning Regulations for fences?
A: Please review Section 341 to view the fence regulations:

Q: What are the setbacks for accessory structures?
A: An accessory structure will have to comply with the front and side yard setbacks for your lot but please review Section 411 to view the accessory structure rear yard setback exception:

Q: What are the setbacks for in-ground swimming pools?
A: An in-ground swimming pool will have to comply with the front setback for your lot but please review Section 420 to view the side and rear yard setback exceptions:

Q: When I apply for single-family residential (house) building permit, do I need to apply for a separate permit for a pool or a detached accessory structure?
A: Yes, you are required to obtain a separate permit for either a pool or a detached accessory structure.

Q: Where can I view the Zoning Ordinance for the Town of Pawleys Island?
A: Please view the Zoning Ordinance for the Town of Pawleys Island:

Q: When am I required to obtain an OCRM/DHEC permit?
A: You should acquire an OCRM/DHEC permit when you are proposing to construct anything seaward of the OCRM/DHEC setback line. The only exception to this requirement is a maximum 6’ wide walkway. There are specific regulations for this type of walkway as well as other pertinent information for you to view at South Carolina DHEC

Links:

Zoning Board of Appeals Email: Zoning
(Meetings and Application Deadlines, Commission Members, Upcoming Agenda, and Applications)

Disclaimer: Ordinances are amended frequently and time may lapse before the on-line version is updated. People are encouraged to contact the Planning Office or Zoning Office at (843) 545-3158 to be sure they are using the current ordinance. Georgetown County is not responsible for the use of any information on this website.