Building, Code Enforcement and Planning & Zoning
Building Code Enforcement & Planning and Zoning Staff
| Building Official/Inspector | Staff Secretary & Permit Clerk |
| Vacant, Manager | Amy Hilburn |
| Building Official/Inspector 401 W. Main St., Suite 201 Dillon, SC 29536 |
401 W. Main St., Suite 201 P.O Box 256 Dillon, SC 29536 |
| Phone: 843-841-3874 | Phone: (843)841-3874 / Fax: (843)841-3875 |
| Email: dilloncode17@dilloncountysc.org | Email: dilloncode17@dilloncountysc.org |
Management of Both Departments
The managing director serves both the Building Code Enforcement Department and the Dillon County Planning & Zoning Department. These two departments work closely together to ensure the safe construction and renovation of housing, retail, commercial and industrial buildings in Dillon County as well as managing the future growth and success of the County through proper planning and zoning within the County.
Building Code Enforcement Department Responsibilities
The Dillon County Building Code Enforcement Department is responsible for issuing building permits and providing follow-up inspections for construction and remodeling projects in the county. These permits include electrical, plumbing and mechanical.
Planning & Zoning Department Responsibilities
Planning & Zoning staff reviews and approves building plans for code compliance- Inspects residential, commercial, industrial, manufactured home set-up and other buildings during and after construction to ensure that codes are met for public safety- Writes new ordinances as deems necessary for the
The Planning & Zoning Department hold public hearings for rezoning, special exceptions, variances, conditional use and ordinance text amendments. Notice of public hearings are published in the local newspaper, on the public notice board of the County Council Office, and on the proposed property.
Planning
The mission of the Planning staff is to promote managed growth in Dillon County. Our team fulfills this mission by maintaining a comprehensive planning program to promote sustainable community development, minimize land-use conflicts, coordinate regional transportation planning and investment, and evaluate current rezoning and construction proposals in the unincorporated County. Primary oversight includes:- Long Range Planning is responsible for developing community and area plans with citizens and stakeholders along with managing the future growth of the County. The department also provides staffing assistance and expertise to other departments, management, and the County Council as needed.
- Transportation Planning is another important part of the Planning staff’s charge. Staff works with elected officials, stakeholders and citizens in development countywide transportation plans and providing assistance and as a liaison to the SC Department of Transportation.
Zoning
The Zoning Department is responsible for enforcing the County Zoning Ordinance set forth by the Planning Commission and adopted by the County Council. This includes the issuance of zoning permits for land use purposes and interpreting provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. The Planning & Zoning Department makes recommendations to the County Council for proposed changed to the Zoning Ordinance. Duties of staff in support of residents and businesses include:- Primary Oversight
- Members of the Planning & Zoning staff are responsible for rezoning applications, rezoning interpretations, zoning enforcement, project review of proposed development, maintenance of the Dillon County Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance, and act as liaisons with the Dillon County Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Zoning
- Zoning categories allow certain types of land uses. Oftentimes, a proposed land use may require a rezoning process, otherwise known as a zoning map amendment. Explore the GIS Zoning Map to determine whether you have zoning and what it is.
- Site Plan Review
- Oftentimes, zoning characteristics of site plans are reviewed and approved by staff, but in some cases, site plans are presented to the Planning Commission for a decision.
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) reviews applications at its monthly meeting for the following request types:- Variances from the dimensional terms of the Zoning Ordinance
- Special Exceptions for uses permitted by review in specified zoning districts
- Appeals of decisions made by the Zoning Administrator
- Interpretation of district boundaries that are unclear or indeterminate
The BZA has final decision-making authority on these matters. A public hearing is required with due notice for all applications reviewed by the BZA. The public may speak at the public hearing or send written comments to be read by the BZA concerning specific applications on the agenda.
GIS Mapping & Layers
The Dillon County GIS Department provides updated GIS data and mapping that can be accessed online. This includes mapping and data layers for properties, zoning, roads, and other key data points.Due to lag time from the time Council takes action to change ordinances, zoning, or other data, Dillon County Government asks that all users of the online GIS tool understand that the data may not be current and cannot be used for official purposes of being exact. That information can be requested and provided by County staff.
Road Naming
According to the South Carolina Local Government Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act of 1994 (South Carolina Code of Laws 6-29-1200), the local planning commission is responsible for approving street names in its area of jurisdiction.The Dillon County GIS Department is responsible for carrying out the requirements regarding the naming and renaming of roads in the unincorporated areas of Dillon County. The County GIS Department also acts as a clearinghouse for all road naming in the County (even inside the municipalities) in order to facilitate the prompt delivery of emergency services.
The requirements for road naming in Dillon County are governed by City ordinance or policy along with approved guidelines. These Guidelines include:
- General requirements for road naming
- Road name approval process
- Guidelines for Road Names
- Changing a Road Name
For assistance with an address (house number or business number), contact the addressing staff of the E911 Addressing Office at (843)774-1458. You can also learn more about changing or road or street names by reading our Road & Street Name Change Guide.
Road Name Change Guideline Document