Departments > Business

Chester County Building + Zoning

The Building & Zoning Department is responsible for enforcing the County's building codes, zoning regulations, and subdivision ordinances. They also provide recommendations to the County on current and future land use.

This department acts as the professional and technical support for the Planning Commission, an advisory body to County Council.

Online Services: Permitting + Plan Review

Manage all your permits and projects in one location via our dedicated website.


On This Page

  • Hours

    8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
    Monday - Friday

  • Location Address

    1476 J.A. Cochran Bypass
    Chester, SC 29706

  • Mailing Address

    PO Box 580
    Chester, SC 29706

  • Phone

    (803) 581-0942

  • Fax

    (855) 930-0979

Responsibilities and Services

The goal of the Building & Zoning Department is the protection of the property values, efficient use of land and the protection of the natural environment against the negative impact of incompatible uses. The department has planning, zoning, and building jurisdictions over all the unincorporated areas within Chester County, Town of Great Falls, and the Town of Fort Lawn.

Chester County Comprehensive Plan: 2020-2030

Chester County 2020-2030 Comprehensive Plan

  • This Department Does

    • Issues building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and zoning permits
    • Administers County development regulations for all newly developed and redeveloped properties
    • Enforces County ordinances related to land use
    • Protects the county and natural man-made environments
    • Reviews and approves real property plats in compliance with Chester County Development Regulations
    • Enforces Real Property subdivision administration
    • Assigns 911 addresses

  • This Department Does Not

    • Answer 911 Calls
    • Install Street Name Signs (see Road Department)
    • Assign Tax Map Numbers (see Tax Assessor)
    • Provide Copies of Tax Maps or Aerial Photos (See Tax Assessor)
    • Handle building, zoning or code enforcement requests for properties within the City of Chester, Town of Richburg, or Town of Lowrys.

      For information of those municipalities, please call:
      City of Chester: (803) 581-1405
      Town of Richburg: (803) 374-7222
      Town of Lowrys: (803) 377-1764

Planning Commission + Zoning Board of Appeals

Planning Commission / Zoning Board of Appeals

2025 Meeting Dates

Planning Commission

Planning Commission Information

  • Meeting Dates

    Third (3rd) Tuesday of each month
    (when applications are present)

  • Meeting Location

    County Council Chambers at Chester Government Complex
    1476 J.A. Cochran Bypass
    Chester, SC 29706

  • Meeting Time

    6:30 PM

Zoning

  • The Planning Commission evaluates and develops recommendations to the County Council for all proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, including the zoning map.
  • The Planning Commission holds a public hearing on all proposed amendments to this ordinance.
  • The Planning Commission has thirty (30) days after the hearing is held to make its recommendation to the County Council.
  • The Planning Commission recommendation is advisory only.

Land Development

  • The Planning Commission administers Land Development Regulations for the public health, safety, economy, good order, appearance, convenience, morals, and general welfare by promoting the harmonious, orderly, and progressive development of land within the County of Chester.

Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes

Zoning Board of Appeals

Zoning Board of Appeals Information

  • Meeting Dates

    Second (2nd) Tuesday of each month
    (when applications are present)

  • Meeting Location

    County Council Chambers at Chester Government Complex
    1476 J.A. Cochran Bypass
    Chester, SC 29706

  • Meeting Time

    6:00 PM

Zoning Board of Appeals

  • The Zoning Board of Appeals shall have the power to authorize a special exception subject to ordinance standards and additional conditions set by the board.
  • The Zoning Board of Appeals shall have the power to grant a variance from the strict application of the zoning regulations in an individual case of unnecessary hardship based on factual findings required by law.

Appeals from Decisions of the Zoning Administrator

  • When a person feels that the interpretation of the Zoning Administrator is incorrect.

Building Code Enforcement

  • The Building and Zoning Department if Chester enforces regulations that secure that public safety, health and general welfare through structural strength, stability, sanitation, adequate light, and ventilation, and safety life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment including alteration, repair, removal demolition, uses and occupancy of buildings, structures or premises, and by regulating the installation and maintenance of all electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing systems, which may be referred to as services systems.

Zoning Board of Appeals Agendas & Minutes

Applications + Forms + Fees

Applications + Forms

Fees

Fee Schedule
Effective September 1, 2017

All building valuations are based on the current scale of the International Codes Council’s data table, or the actual cost of construction.

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