City of Goose Creek

What is a Zoning Ordinance?

Zoning ordinances are a set of rules that regulate what can and can't be done on a particular piece of property – they influence where we live, where we work and how we get around. For more information on zoning, check out this Zoning Primer.

Because zoning ordinances have a significant impact on how we build and shape our community, they are an important tool in fostering equitable growth. The Goose Creek Zoning Ordinance has not been comprehensively updated since 1985. A reflection of the time it was written, the ordinance is still rooted in dated ideas of our needs, desires and values. Several discrepancies exist in the code today, likely due to various amendments that have occurred in the years since. Updating the Zoning Ordinance will not only eliminate these discrepancies, but will reflect opportunities to address the growing needs of our city.

To meet the recommendations outlined in the Comprehensive Plan, the City of Goose Creek is updating the current Zoning and Land Development Ordinance with the following goals in mind:

• Modernize our zoning code to reflect our community’s current and future needs, values and aspirations. 
• Guide the design and development of main streets, neighborhoods and activity centers to support community goals while celebrating the unique character of our neighborhoods and creating a sense of place for residents. 
• Ensure the Goose Creek zoning code is fair, predictable, and accessible. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is the City's process?

Using the information gathered from the public for the Comprehensive Plan, staff worked with outside consultants to create a new Zoning Ordinance. Staff will work with the Planning Commission, City Council, and take input at public meetings to inform the elements of the Zoning Ordinance.

Planning Commission Workshops

• Wednesday, October 11th 6:00pm @ City Hall - 519 N. Goose Creek Boulevard

• Wednesday, October 18th 7:00pm @ Fire Station Headquarters - 201 Button Hall Avenue

Open House Posters

View the posters from the open house here. For any questions or comments please send an email to [email protected]

Proposed Zoning Map

Use the new proposed zoning map to identify if your property will change zoning and what the new district will be. The zoning districts correspond to the districts in Section Three: Zoning District of the proposed zoning ordinance below. The proposed zoning map can be found here.

Proposed Zoning Ordinance

Central Creek District Design Standards

Proposed Land Development Regulations

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the city rezoning properties?

The City's current zoning ordinance is nearly 40 years only and has not had a comprehensive update since it was originally enacted. Both residents and developers are frustrated by the lack of clarity and inconsistencies throughout the ordinance, which provides inconsistent development outcomes, does little to protect existing neighborhoods, and is inadequate for our growing community.

What will the new code do?

The new code was developed for the residents who currently live in Goose Creek and is designed to:

• Protect existing neighborhoods from incompatible development
• Provide new housing options at various price points
• Steer more intense development to major roadways
• Provide more recreation and open space
• Enact new road, sidewalk and bicycle standards to improve mobility throughout the community and take vehicular pressure off our streets

Will my school district change under the new code?

No. School assignments are decided by Berkeley County School District.

My use is no longer permitted in my new zoning district, does this mean I have to move?

If your use is no longer permitted in the new zoning district, you do not need to move your business.