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Richland County committee weighs new certified‑survey requirement for zoning changes
Summary
Committee reviewed a proposed change that would require certified survey maps for zoning changes on parcels smaller than 35 acres, heard concerns about survey costs and backlog, and agreed to consult counsel and provide a grace period before finalizing any ordinance change.
The Richland County Natural Resources Committee discussed a proposal to expand certified‑survey‑map (CSM) requirements for parcels subject to zoning changes and asked staff to work with county counsel and local surveyors before adopting new language.
Land‑information staff told the committee the proposed language would require a CSM for any zoning change on a parcel less than 35 acres and add a mandatory development‑review step by the zoning office before CSM submission. The proposal was developed after review with the land information council and by comparing neighboring counties’ approaches.
Members raised practical concerns about costs and timing. A public commenter and area surveyor said a CSM can cost “anywhere between $3,000 and $6,000” depending on complexity, and several surveyors have multi‑month backlogs. One committee member argued the ordinance should include a grace period to allow contractors and property owners to comply without renegotiating existing quotes.
Staff and members agreed to send the draft to county attorney Windell for review and to consider implementation timing, outreach to local surveyors, and an effective date that provides notice. The committee did not adopt the ordinance language at the meeting and asked staff to return with revisions.
