Zoning Board of Appeals

State law mandates everyone who serves on a board of zoning appeals must attend 6 hours of orientation training within their first year of service. The SC Local Government Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act also requires 3 hours of continuing education each year for the same individuals.

Forms for Zoning Board of Appeal Application

Form No. 01 Notice of Appeal

Form No. 02 Appeal from Action of Zoning Official

Form No. 03 Variance Application

From No. 04 Special Exception Application

Zoning Board of Appeals Rules of Procedure

Section 1. Form of Appeal. Appeals from administrative decisions, applications for variances, and applications for special exceptions shall be filed on forms approved by the Board and provided to applicants by the secretary. The Board may require additional information deemed necessary. The failure to submit adequate information may be grounds for dismissal. An application filed by an agent shall be accompanied by written designation of the agent signed by the applicant or party in interest.

Section 2. Time for Appeal. An appeal from an administrative decision must be filed within 15 days after the decision becomes a matter of public record by denial or issuance of a permit or the filing of a written decision in the office of the Zoning Administrator. An appeal shall be filed by delivery of the approved appeal form to the secretary of the Board who shall notify the official appealed from.

Section 3. Calendar. Appeals and applications shall be marked with the date of receipt and placed on the hearing calendar in the order in which received. Appeals shall be heard in the order on the calendar unless otherwise set by the Board for good cause shown.

Section 4. Withdrawal of Appeal. Any appeal or application may be withdrawn by written notice delivered to the secretary prior to action by the Board. An appeal from an administrative decision which is withdrawn may not be refiled after the 15 day time for appeal has expired. Withdrawn applications for variances and special exceptions may be refiled after six months and shall be placed on the calendar according to the date refiled.

Section 5. Continuances. The Board may continue an appeal or application hearing one time for good cause shown.

Section 6. Notice. Public notice of a hearing of the Board shall be published in a local newspaper and posted on or adjacent to the property affected at least 15 days prior to the hearing. The notice shall contain a description of each matter to be heard and identify the applicant and property affected. To meet the above schedule, the appeal must be filed 20 days prior to a scheduled meeting.

Zoning Board of Appeals