FAQs

The State of South Carolina requires all jurisdictions that regulate land development to develop a comprehensive plan that is reviewed every five years for changes in demographics and development and every 10 years for a full update.

The SC Legislature also prescribes elements that must be incorporated into comprehensive plans. Counties must include an inventory of current conditions, identify long-range needs and goals for these elements, and, lastly, strategies to achieve these goals. Currently, there are 10 required elements:

1. Population
2. Economic
3. Cultural Resources
4. Natural Resources
5. Community Facilities
6. Housing
7. Land Use
8. Transportation
9. Priority Investment
10. Resiliency

While mandated by law, the One Berkeley Comprehensive Plan is much more than a plan to be completed per state law and put on a shelf. Clearly, Berkeley County had changed over the past decade and faced new challenges related to growth, infrastructure, housing, and more. A regular Comprehensive Plan update provides opportunities for our community to create a shared vision, identify strengths and weaknesses, and develop a sound strategy for the future.

The One Berkeley Comprehensive Plan captures the history of Berkeley County and expresses the shared community vision of what the county means and what it should be in the future.

This long-range strategic planning document provides a framework for county elected leaders, appointed officials, and staff to develop policies that realize the community’s vision. It is the county’s goal for the One Berkeley Comprehensive Plan to be a living document that will be easy-to-read, interactive and a valuable reference tool for officials and alike. 

Simply put, because “the world is run by those who show up.” A comprehensive plan like One Berkeley represents all community members, which means public participation is integral to a mutually beneficial outcome. The 2020’s are quite possibly Berkeley County’s most important decade. If you have concerns, ideas, or suggestions about important topics in your community, such as housing, land use, economic development, transportation, and more, a comprehensive plan update is the time to bring your thoughts to the public forum and have your voice included.

No, the plan itself does not change zoning in the county. However, this long-range strategic planning document provides a framework for county elected leaders, appointed officials, and staff to develop policies that will guide zoning decisions to support the realization of the community’s vision.

The Planning Commission consists of eight members appointed by County Council to make recommendations on land development proposals in unincorporated areas of the county. The commission also has a duty to engage in a continuous planning program for the physical, social, and economic growth, development, and redevelopment of the area within its authority. That’s why the Planning Commission leads the Comprehensive Plan process and makes a recommendation on the final plan to County Council for its adoption!

In itself, One Berkeley is not regulatory; it won’t change zoning, for instance. However, the Plan serves as a guide for land development and infrastructure decisions that are made by the Planning Commission and County Council in the future. The Plan can be amended between its adoption and the five-year review to address the rapid pace of changes that are occurring.

Scenario planning is a process that considers multiple futures for a planning area based on competing physical, policy, or financial scenarios. Scenarios contemplated for the area are not forecasts or predictions, but possible futures that might occur based on physical features, community desires, infrastructure investments, or policy decisions in the area. They represent possible futures based on what already exists, emerging trends and opportunities, or community desires to change the future.

For more info on Scenario Planning, click below:

  Scenario Planning