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Planning staff outlines incremental zoning rewrite; Phase 2 deliverables targeted for 2026
Summary
Planning staff told the Berkeley County Planning Commission that consultant Weston & Sampson completed a zoning audit and is moving to Phase 2 of an incremental zoning rewrite that will address ADUs, buffer yards, conservation subdivisions and technical corrections, with Phase 2 expected to finish in 2026.
Planning Department staff updated the Berkeley County Planning Commission on the incremental zoning rewrite, saying the consultant team completed an initial zoning audit and a detailed audit and will begin Phase 2 work aimed at priority amendments.
Mister Ford told commissioners Weston & Sampson Engineers was retained to prepare incremental amendments to the zoning and development standards ordinance. He said the consultant conducted a staff workshop and audits (including a June 27 audit), provided a quarterly and benchmarking report, and proposed a work plan and schedule. Ford said the project advisory committee will be convened this quarter and that Phase 2 deliverables – addressing accessory dwelling units (ADUs), buffer yard standards, conservation subdivisions and technical corrections – are anticipated to be completed during 2026.
Commissioners pressed staff about the planning commission's role in the process and expressed surprise that planning commission members were not involved in initial workshops. A commissioner said the rewrite had typically started with planning commission before going to county council; staff replied that the project is at an early stage and that draft materials, research and ordinance language will come before the commission as they are prepared. A commissioner asked to be included in strategic planning and staff said the request would be posed to county leadership.
Several commissioners asked whether the rewrite includes attainable and diverse housing; Ford said attainable housing is listed as a key item in the work plan and is slated for later phases. Staff said the timeline in the packet identifies when specific tasks will occur and that monthly check‑in meetings with the consultant are ongoing.
Next steps: staff will convene the project advisory committee and bring draft amendments to the planning commission for review before any county council consideration. The commission asked staff to report back on opportunities for commissioner participation in workshops and strategic planning sessions.
