Government

The City of Westminster Municipal Government was established on December 20, 1826. The operation of the City Government remained largely unchanged until 2004 when the City adopted the Council form of government under which the City continues to operate today.

Serving the City and People

The Mayor of Westminster

Our city is governed by Mayor Brian Ramey and a council of six members. Mayor Ramey has served the City of Westminster since 2015 with integrity and a strong drive to support the community.

He owns and operates Ramey Home Builders in Westminster.

Headshot of Mayor Brian Ramey

Municipal Court in Westminster

Our Judicial System

The City Council appoints the Municipal Judge and is contracted with the Oconee County Magistrates Office to serve as the City’s court. Judge Will Derrick, the current Magistrate Judge, presides over traffic court, jury trials, and bond hearings.

The Municipal Court meets on Tuesday evenings of the second and fourth week for traffic court. All court sessions are open to the public.

Contact the City

For questions concerning warrants, jury trial, jury duty, NRVC forms, and DMV form DL-53 please contact the City.

Appointed Boards, Commissions, and Committees

The Board of Zoning Appeals was established to:

  • Hear and Decide appeals where it is alleged there is an error in an order, requirement, decision, or determination made by the administrative official in the enforcement of the City of Westminster Code of Ordinance.
  • Hear and decide individual requests for variance from the requirements of the City of Westminster Code of Ordinance when strict application of the provisions of the ordinance would result in unnecessary hardship.

Variances shall be decided based upon the standards and procedures set forth by the South Carolina Code of Laws and the City of Westminster Code of Ordinance.

The Board of Zoning Appeals includes five non-compensated members appointed by the City Council to serve in five-year terms. If possible, members should be architects, engineers, building contractors, and/or building material suppliers, and one member at large. Members must attend the state-mandated orientation in the first year of appointment and annual continuing education once a year during their term.

The Planning Commission prepares and periodically makes recommendations for the revision of the City of Westminster Comprehensive Plan, development plans, and programs for the City.

The Commission also handles all implementation measures required to carry out the goals of the Comprehensive Plan, including:

  • The Zoning Ordinance which includes zoning, subdivision, and land development regulations.
  • The Official Zoning Map
  • The Capital Improvements Program
  • The Commission shall catalog public improvements needed in the City, place them in a logical chronological order, and prioritize them. An annual list of priority projects should be forwarded to the City Council.

Meeting Agendas and Minutes – Agendas and minutes before 2023 are available upon request by emailing the City Clerk.

Elected Officials

Westminster City Council

The City Council serves by creating and passing city policies, laws, and budgets. The City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings start at 6pm at the fire department and are open to the public.

Council Members

Meeting Agendas and Minutes

March

Council Meeting

March 19, 2024

Council Budget Workshop

March 19, 2024

Planning Commission Meeting

March 18, 2024

Questions About City Government?

For any questions about the government of the City of Westminster, please contact our office.

FOIA Documents