Zoning & Regulations
Planning and Zoning Division
The City of Cayce's Planning and Zoning Division administers and enforces a comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance includes a full spectrum of regulations that include the following: zoning district regulations, flood damage prevention regulations, off-street parking and loading requirements, supplemental district regulations (such as high-rise structures, garage sales, video game establishments, etc.), landscape and buffer yard requirements, and regulations of signs, communication towers, and antennas.
Before a new business can operate or a new building or dwelling can be built, the zoning classification of the proposed location must be determined. Businesses other than home businesses ("Home Occupations") can not locate in residential districts, just as homes are not a permitted principal use in most commercial and all industrial districts. Certain types of businesses are permitted only within specific zoning districts.
In addition to regulating the types of uses permitted in designated areas, zoning regulates building setbacks, built-upon area, parking, and other characteristics of land development.
If you're planning to build a new home, multi-family dwelling, or structure for business purposes, or if you plan to build an addition on an existing structure, you will need to follow zoning regulations concerning the following:
- The zoning classification of the proposed location
- Floodplain/floodway status
- Minimum lot area
- Minimum lot width
- Maximum yard requirements for building setbacks
- Maximum lot coverage by all buildings
- Maximum height of structure
- Off-street parking requirements
If you are building a new business structure or subdivision, or if you are locating a new business in an established building, regulations concerning the following issues may apply to you:
- Sign requirements—height, size, type, location, and number
- Tree protection requirements
- Landscape and buffer yard requirements
Plan review and permitting
The type and number of required permits depends on your project's characteristics. Before permits are issued, the Planning and Development Department must review your site and building plans to ensure compliance with zoning regulations and building practices.
The type and complexity of the project dictates the information required on site and building plans. All site plans must reflect the general information outlined above and provide details on existing and proposed structures, existing natural features, and other information as outlined in the Land Development Regulations.
Steps for Obtaining a Permit
New Residential Construction:
- Submit site plans and building plans for review.
- Apply for Building Permit.
- Receive Certificate of Occupancy upon completion of all improvements.
Home Occupations:
- Apply for Home Occupations permit.
- Apply for business license.
New Commercial and Industrial Development:
- Apply for Zoning Permit.
- Apply for Business License.
- Submit tree survey that depicts all trees 18 inches in circumference and larger.
- Submit site plans (include grading, storm water management, sediment control, parking, landscaping, retained trees, water, and sewer).
- Submit building plans.
- Apply for Landscaping/Tree Protection Permit.
- Apply for Land Disturbance Permit.
- Apply for Building Permit.
- Apply for Sign Permit.
- Receive Certificate of Occupancy upon completion of all improvements.
Business Locating in Existing Structures:
- Apply for Zoning Permit (zoning district and off-street parking).
- Apply for Business License.
- Apply for Sign Permit.
Please call the Planning and Development Department at (803)796-9020 or e-mail plancayce@sc.rr.com for more information.