Planning staff seeks consultant to update zoning ordinance, highlights ADUs and affordable housing framework

Berkeley County Planning Department staff told the Planning Commission that the county published a solicitation for consultants to prepare incremental updates to the zoning ordinance and that the land use committee and County Council recommended a consultant for referral at the last meeting.

Miss Simmons said the project’s near‑term priorities include accessory dwelling units (ADUs), buffer yard regulations and a conservation subdivision alternative in Flex‑1 zones. Staff said it will tackle additional amendments based on priority and will produce an actionable framework for affordable housing as a future deliverable. Staff also said it may call on commissioners to serve on steering or advisory committees as the project proceeds.

The department anticipates County Council will read the recommended consultant into the record at its next meeting and that the consultant selection will enable the zoning work program to begin soon. No formal action was required from the Planning Commission for this update; the chair adjourned the meeting after departmental updates.