Regional Planning

The BCDCOG’s Planning Services Department is involved in a wide array of activities, from developing long-range transportation objectives for the region, to supervising efforts to keep our waterways free of pollutants. The department participates in virtually every major planning endeavor of regional significance. In some programs, the COG plays a small role by having its staff serve on various committees. In other projects, such as the comprehensive planning processes in Berkeley and Dorchester Counties, the COG acts as the primary facilitator and coordinated most activities.

Although the actions of the COG’s planning staff members overlap from time to time, their tasks can usually be broken down into several distinct categories.

• Water Quality Management
• Air Quality
• Transportation Planning
• Land Use Planning
• Urban Planning
• Mapping and GIS
• Community & Economic Development Planning

The BCDCOG is designated by the state as both the area-wide planning agency for water pollution reduction and the staff for metropolitan transportation planning and public involvement. In addition, local governments and non-profit organizations regularly enlist the COG to help conduct special studies and to prepare comprehensive or small area plans.

Under the 1994 S.C. Local Government Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act, all counties and municipalities with land use regulations had to have comprehensive plans in place by May 4, 1999. These plans, which contain nine?distinct elements — population, economics, natural resources, cultural resources, community facilities, housing, land use, transportation and priority investments — are aimed at managing future growth and preserving community identity. The BCDCOG assisted with developing several of the initial comprehensive plans prior to 1999 and continues to support local governments with preparing updates and/or zoning and land development regulations to implement these plans:

• Dorchester County
• Berkeley County
• Town of Summerville
• Town of Hollywood
• Town of Sullivan’s Island
• Town of Harleyville
• Town of Ridgeville
• Town of St. George
• Town of Folly Beach
• Town of Seabrook Island
• City of Goose Creek
• Town of Lincolnville
• City of Hanahan
• Town of McClellanville