Government

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.