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Committee discusses tightening CSM requirement for rezones as county updates zoning ordinance
Summary
County staff and the committee discussed whether to require certified survey maps (CSMs) for smaller rezone parcels as part of a zoning ordinance update; options under consideration range from keeping the current 10‑acre threshold to raising it to 20–35 acres for mandatory CSMs.
The Richland County Natural Resources Committee reviewed a proposed update to the county zoning ordinance that would change when a certified survey map (CSM) is required for a parcel rezoning or split.
Staff presented feedback from a land information council meeting, noting a range of approaches among neighboring counties: some require CSMs for any split, others set thresholds at 10, 15 or 40 acres. Committee members discussed balancing the cost of requiring professional surveys against the benefit of clearer, reviewed parcel boundaries.
Supporters of keeping a lower threshold said CSMs reduce boundary disputes and create a reliable record; opponents cautioned that requiring CSMs for small rural lots could impose disproportionate cost on buyers and sellers. Staff proposed keeping the existing 10‑acre rule for general splits but adding a higher acreage threshold (for example, 20–35 acres) tied specifically to rezones where the county wants the higher precision.
Committee members asked staff to draft ordinance wording that preserves a workable exemption for small, routine splits while requiring CSMs when rezoning would create new development potential. Staff also proposed outreach to title companies and realtors so local practitioners understand any new requirements before they take effect. The matter will return to a future packet with proposed text changes and example language from surrounding counties for comparison.
