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County zoning staff report permits increase, enforcement steps planned for unpermitted work
Summary
Richland County zoning staff reported upticks in land use permit activity, new staff assignments, and plans to work with county counsel on enforcement and citation procedures for unpermitted construction and septic maintenance compliance.
County zoning staff reported an increase in land use permits and outlined enforcement actions and staffing changes at the committee meeting.
Kathy, the county zoning administrator, said land use permits for the year stand at 37, with 18 issued in April and 13 sanitary permits issued so far this year. She introduced Jen as the new zoning sanitation technician and Noel as a new office system technician. Kathy described work to complete staff work plans and to review septic installations: “The tank, what are the elevation it's set at, what how far it is tank and the drain fields are away from the well, and property lines and buildings,” she said, listing elements checked at inspections.
Kathy told the committee she and staff have encountered multiple cases of construction or septic work done without permits, including an Aiken Township site where a landowner installed pipes and poured concrete and had previously burned a trailer on the property. She said county counsel (Attorney Wendell) will meet weekly with county staff to advise on issuing fines and citations, and to establish consistent citation procedures for missed septic maintenance forms and other compliance matters.
The committee discussed administrative capacity to process credits or refunds tied to recent fee changes (see separate article on short-term rental fee discussion). Kathy said the county will develop clearer policies and that the corporation counsel will assist with enforcement to ensure actions are taken correctly.
Why it matters: more permits and active enforcement affect property owners, contractors and public health oversight (septic approvals), and the county’s ability to ensure compliance with sanitation and zoning rules.
Staff emphasized field verification for septic installations and a rollback to require staff sign-off for approvals when necessary. Kathy said staff are preparing work plans for each conservation and zoning staff member and will seek counsel guidance on fines and citation procedures.
