Clarendon County Planning Commission

The purpose of the Clarendon County Planning Commission is to provide a continuous planning program to manage the growth and development of Clarendon County to provide for sound economical growth while protecting our natural resources, preserving our agricultural lands and encouraging residential growth in existing suburban and residentially compatible areas. The policies, goals and objectives of this plan are set out in the Clarendon County Comprehensive Plan. The regulations used to enforce the plan are known as the Clarendon County Unified Development Code.

The Unified Development Code brings together all of the different county laws and ordinances relative to land use and development. These are all the laws that have been put into place by the Clarendon County Council to obtain the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. They consist of: Zoning classifications and districts, listings of permitted and non-permitted uses for each district; site development criteria; subdivision regulations; road construction regulations; building codes; erosion control and stormwater management regulations; flood damage prevention regulations; and public water and sewer service regulations. The Unified Development Code also provides for fines and penalties for failure to comply with the regulations. The combination of these regulations creates the minimum standards for land development and building construction in Clarendon County to protect our citizens and resources – present and future.

All citizens in Clarendon County should be aware that the planning, zoning and building codes are in effect county wide. Before you divide, sell or buy property, you should contact the Planning Commission Department for zoning and subdivision information to determine whether or not you can divide or use the property for the purpose intended. To obtain zoning certification in most cases, you simply need a tax map number and/or a recorded plat. Before you begin construction to erect any structure or place, replace or move a manufactured home in Clarendon County, you must contact the Planning Commission Department for zoning certification and a building or manufactured home permit.

The office operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m..

Effective July 1, 2024

We are temporarily not accepting Performance Zone Certificate applications, Zoning Certificate applications, or Contractors Registrations online at this time. We will inform you when you may restart submitting this request online. If you have any questions, please call the Planning Department at 803-435-8672.

Reinspection fees are payable online: Click Here

Planning Commission Meeting Agenda – June 18, 2024

*   Due to the high volume of commercial and residential projects, we are experiencing longer than normal wait times for inspections. We realize your time is valuable and apologize for any inconvenience. *  

To schedule an inspection, please contact our office to speak with a staff member at: 803-435-8672

Tabitha Hanna Named Director of Clarendon County Building and Planning Commission

2022 Unified Development Code

Table of Contents

• • Article I – General Provisions

• • Article II – Definitions

• • Article III – Permitted, Conditional and Accessory Uses

• • Article IV – Reserved for Future Use

• • Article V – Site Development Criteria

• • Article VI – Subdivision Regulations

• • Article VII – Non-Conforming Uses

• • Article VIII – Administration

• • Article IX – Application Procedures and Fees

• • Article X – Code Compliance Process

• • Article XI – Utility Franchises

• • Article XII – Telecommunications Tower and Antennae

• • Article XIII – Building and Building Regulations Ordinance

• • Article XIV – Controls of the Placement and Use of Potable Water

• • Article XV – Sexually Oriented Businesses

• • Article XVI – Sewer Use Ordinance

• • Article XVII – Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance

• • Article XVIII – Reserve

• • Article XIX – Drought Response

Unified Development Code Applications

• •  Application For Performance Zoning Certificate

• •  Application For Zoning Certificate

• •  Request For Minor Subdivision Review

• •  Request For Site Plan Review Requirements Exemption

• •  Request For Subdivision Plat Review – Subdivision Application

• •  Request For Subdivision Requirements Exemption Immediate Family Member

• •  Request For Subdivision Requirements Exemption

• •  Request To Combine Adjoining Parcels

• •  Site Plan Review Application

• •  Site Plan Review Checklist

• •  Use Permit Application

• •  Official Zoning Map Amendment and Zoning Amendment Application Instructions

• •  Zoning Board Appeals – Form 1

• •  Zoning Board Appeals – Appeal From Action of Zoning Official – Form 2

• •  Zoning Board Appeals – Variance Application – Form 3

• •  Zoning Board Appeals – Special Exception Application – Form 4

Comprehensive Plan 2018 – 2028

• • Clarendon County Comprehensive Plan Final 2018-2028
  • Revised Pages of Comprehensive Plan

Meetings and Notices

• • Planning Commission 2024 Meeting Schedule
  • Zoning Board 2024 Meeting Schedule