In order to advance the purpose of these regulations, the unincorporated county is hereby divided into zoning and development districts, as defined in articles 5 through 10.

Within each district, the regulations set forth herein shall be made in accordance with Berkeley County's Comprehensive Plan of 1999, and shall be made with the view of promoting the purposes of S.C. Code 1976, § 6-29-310 et seq., as amended. Except as otherwise provided, these regulations shall apply uniformly to each class or kind of building, structure or use throughout each district, but the regulations in one district may differ from those in other districts.

3.2.1. Format. The boundaries of the zoning development standards districts shall be shown on a series of maps collectively entitled "Official Zoning and Development Standards Maps, Berkeley County, South Carolina," which together with all explanatory matter thereon shall be adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this ordinance.

The official zoning and development standards maps shall be identified by signature of the chairman of county council, attested by the clerk of council, together with the date of the adoption of this ordinance and the adoption of the official maps.

3.2.2. Interpretation of district boundaries. Where uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of districts as shown on the official zoning and development standards maps, the following rules shall apply:

A.

Boundaries indicated as approximately following the centerlines of streets, highways, or alleys shall be construed to follow such centerlines;

B.

Boundaries indicated as approximately following platted lot lines shall be construed as following such lot lines;

C.

Boundaries indicated as approximately following political boundaries shall be construed as following such boundaries;

D.

Boundaries indicated as following the centerlines of waterways, marsh areas, and ditches shall be construed as following such lines;

E.

Boundaries indicated as parallel to or extension of features indicated in subsections A through D above shall be so construed. Distances not specifically indicated on the official zoning and development standards maps shall be determined by the scale of the map;

F.

Where physical or cultural features existing on the ground are at variance with those shown on the official zoning and development standards maps, or in other circumstances [not] covered by subsections A through E above, the Berkeley County Board of Zoning Appeals shall interpret the district boundaries.

3.2.3. Custodian of the official zoning and development standards map. Regardless of the existence of purported copies of the official zoning and development standards maps, which may from time to time be made or published, the official maps, and any amendments thereto, shall be located in the office of the planning and zoning department. The Berkeley County Zoning Administrator shall be the final authority as to the current zoning status of land and water areas, buildings, and other structures.

3.2.4. Wetland, waterway, and marsh boundaries. The Army Corps of Engineers and office of coastal resource management shall determine the boundaries and have jurisdiction over critical areas including marsh, wetlands, and waterways.

3.2.5. Amendments to district boundaries. If, in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance changes are made to the official zoning and development standards maps, such changes shall be promptly entered into the records of the Berkeley County GIS Department after county council has approved such amendments.

No change of any nature shall be made to the official zoning and development standards maps except in conformity with the procedures set forth by this ordinance.

3.2.6. Corrections and replacement. In the event that the official zoning and development standards maps becomes damaged, destroyed, lost, or difficult to interpret the county council may by resolution adopt a new official zoning and development standards maps that shall supersede the prior official zoning and development standards maps. The new official zoning and development standards maps may correct drafting and other errors or omissions in the prior official zoning and development standards maps, but no such correction shall have the effect of amending the original official zoning and development standards maps, as amended.

The new official zoning and development standards maps shall be marked, "These Official Zoning and Development Standards Maps, adopted by resolution of the County Council of Berkeley County, SC on (date) supersedes the Official Zoning and Development Standards Maps adopted (date)."

The official zoning and development standards maps shall be identified by signature of the supervisor of county council, attested by the clerk of council, together with the date of the adoption of this ordinance and the adoption of the official maps.