This ordinance is adopted pursuant to the statutory authority conferred by S.C. Code 1976, § 6-29-710 et seq., as amended.

It is the purpose of this ordinance to:

A.

Implement the goals and policies outlined in the Berkeley County comprehensive plan;

B.

Provide for adequate light, air, and open space;

C.

Prevent the overcrowding of land, to avoid undue concentration of population, and to lessen congestion in the streets;

D.

Facilitate the creation of a convenient, attractive, and harmonious community; to protect and preserve scenic, historic, or ecologically sensitive areas;

E.

Regulate the density and distribution of populations and the uses of buildings, structures and land for trade, industry, residence, recreation, agriculture, forestry, conservation, airports and approaches thereto, water supply, sanitation, and public activities;

F.

Facilitate the adequate provision or availability of transportation, police and fire protection, water, sewage, schools, parks, and other recreational facilities, affordable housing, and disaster evacuation;

G.

Distribution of population and traffic that will tend to create conditions favorable to health, safety, convenience, appearance, prosperity, morals, order, and the general welfare of the county.

This ordinance shall be known as the Berkeley County Zoning and Development Standards Ordinance.

The regulations set forth herein shall apply to all land [and] improvements thereon in the unincorporated areas of Berkeley County, S.C.

Should any portion of this ordinance be found illegal by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the ordinance shall remain in effect.

These regulations shall become effective on August 28, 2001.