South Congaree City Zoning Code

1. A visually appealing community increases property values, attracts businesses, and improves the town’s image. Research shows that a nice-looking main street promotes good behavior.
2. The purpose of the Town Beautification Plan is a comprehensive long-range plan intended to guide the beautification of public and commercial properties along Main Street, Pine Street, and sections of Ramblin Road.

(Ord. 2019-10, passed 12-10-2019)

1. Structures must be designed to be unobtrusive. In addition, all sides of a structure should be given the same design consideration as the entrance or street façade.
2. Structures shall demonstrate the general principles of good design, including, but not limited to, those dealing with form, mass, scale, detail, materials, and colors.
3. All architectural plans are to be submitted and subject to the South Congaree Architectural Review Board’s approval.
4. 1. Colors.
      1. Definition. For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

         Earth Tones. Color scheme that reflects a palette of natural colors found in rocks, soil, and vegetation. These colors are usually represented by muted shades of blues, brown, tan, gray, green, and red. These palettes can create a warm, nature-friendly atmosphere.

      2. Context.
         1. The overall exterior color scheme must be selected to be harmonious with the neighborhood. Earth tones must be chosen as the predominant colors. Colors shall not be used to cause the structure to stand out from others or its background.
         2. Consideration must be given to the compatibility of colors with those existing in the vicinity. The size of the structure and the amount of shading it will receive are also factors in the selection of colors. Colors that may be approved on sites with good tree coverage providing adequate shading may not be approved on a site with inadequate shading.
      3. Hue. Any accent colors shall be of analogous tints, shades, or tones that are low in intensity or brightness. Primary; secondary; and highly saturated, bright tertiary colors should be avoided. Accent colors may only be approved for very limited use where appropriate to highlight a feature of the design or provide visual interest. A small area of brighter color may be appropriate to emphasize an architectural detail but would not be approved for a larger area. The number of such colors shall be limited and must be compatible within the overall color scheme.
      4. Contrast. Exterior color schemes must avoid placing together colors with values that are highly contrasting. Subtle levels of contrast are desirable to emphasize architectural elements or to provide visual interest. A slightly darker wall color on the bottom story of a two (2) story structure may help reduce the visual height of the building. The use of black, white or off-white is typically avoided and may be approved only for very limited use where a high level of contrast is warranted.
      5. Samples.

1. Form.
   1. The form or shape of structures should avoid monotonous, unbroken planes or unrelieved repetition of shape. Visual interest and shadow play can be created through several techniques, including the use of offsetting planes with a variety of depths.
   2. Roof form is also a key element to achieve character. Gable, hip or shed roof forms are desirable with a minimum pitch of 6/12. In larger structures, a variety of forms can provide greater visual interest and break up large roof planes. Flat roof designs should generally not be used unless concealed within another roof or other architectural element. Overhangs of sufficient depth and in proportion to the façade height can also be important to roof form and for shadow play.
2. Materials. Generally, materials common to the area or historically present should be selected. Suitable materials may include stucco, hardi-plank, stone, brick, wood, metal, and glass. Other materials may be considered but in lesser quantities. A variety of compatible contrasting textures should be used to provide visual interest. Single material façades are generally not appropriate. Materials should be arranged in logical fashion, lighter above heavier, and in relationship to other materials in terms of percentage, not equal or dominating. Reflective materials other than glass must be avoided. All materials should be high quality and durable to be selected with the beautification of South Congaree in mind. All materials are to be submitted and subject to the South Congaree Architectural Review Board’s approval.

(Ord. 2019-10, passed 12-10-2019)

1. Purpose. The purpose of landscaping street frontages and perimeters is to soften the visual impact of development from public view and adjacent property and to enhance the appearance of the town.
2. Trees, shrubs, grass and ground cover. Shrubs must be selected to provide visual interest, and screen fewer desirable elements of the project. The species used must take into consideration the site's growing conditions and existing vegetation types. While a variety of species is desirable for texture and color, emphasis must be given to overall order and continuity of the landscape plan. Seasonal availability and planting time period also need to be considered. The number of plants will be determined by the scope of the project and the function of the landscaping. A variety of sizes is desirable to create a "layered" appearance for visual interest and a sense of depth. Placement of shrubs must also take into account the location of existing mature trees so as not to damage tree roots. Proper spacing and location are required to allow for plants to reach their mature size and natural shape while avoiding excessive or unnatural pruning. All landscaping (trees, shrubs, grass and ground cover) are to be submitted and subject to the South Congaree Architectural Review Board's approval.
3. Landscape plan required.
   1. Landscaping, planting of new vegetation, is to be used to supplement the existing vegetation and provide for a harmonious setting for the site's structures, parking areas or other construction. The landscape will contain four basic elements:
      1. Trees;
      2. Shrubs;
      3. Groundcovers; and
      4. Buffers.
   2. It requires landscaping between dissimilar land uses, along public rights-of-way, and within and around parking areas. A minimum overall tree coverage based on tree diameter is required, which may be met with existing and/or new trees. Screening for loading, trash collection, display areas, and utility areas is required. Landscape plans are required for all new development and certain renovations and expansions.
4. 1. Required design elements.
      1. Parcel(s) that adjoin or front all proposed, future, private and public streets shall have a minimum street frontage depth of ten (10) feet. Measurements shall begin at the property line and extend toward the interior of the parcel(s).
      2. Large broad-leaved canopy trees shall average at least one tree per 35 feet or portion thereof. Placement shall be within 20 feet of the street frontage property line.
      3. Perimeter (sides and rear) landscape areas shall be a minimum of five (5) feet wide and are required when the surface parking lot can be viewed by adjoining property or street right-of-way.
      4. The street frontage, perimeter and perimeter landscape zones shall be reserved for landscaping materials only and landscaping shall be planted over the entire landscape zone.
   2. Plans are to be submitted and subject to the South Congaree Architectural Review Board's approval.

(Ord. 2019-10, passed 12-10-2019)

1. Buffers must be clearly indicated on submitted site plans for permit approval and are to be drawn to the same scale. Existing vegetation that will be protected and retained as part of the buffer must be included with all new proposed plantings within the buffer areas and identified on the required tree survey. Proposed plantings are to be drawn depicting maturity.
2. All buffers are to be submitted and subject to the South Congaree Architectural Review Board’s approval.

(Ord. 2019-10, passed 12-10-2019)

1. Any person violating, by act or omission, any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined the maximum amount able to impose by S.C. Code § 14-25-65 without indictment by grand jury or 30 days in jail or both, at the discretion of the court.
2. Where the an act or omission is continued in violation of the provisions of these regulations after notice of the violation by Zoning Administrator, each and every day during which the act or omission continues shall be deemed a separate violation.
3. The owner or tenant of any building, structure, premises, or part thereof, and any architect, surveyor, builder, engineer, contractor, agent, or other person who commits, participates in, assists in, or maintains the violations may each be found guilty of a separate offense and suffer the penalties herein provided.
4. If a sex offender is in violation of § 158.146 and fails to vacate the residence within 30 days of the local law enforcement agency satisfying the requirements of § 158.146(D), the sex offender must be punished as follows:
   1. For a first offense, the sex offender is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than 30 days, or fined not more than $500, or both;
   2. For a second offense, the sex offender is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than three (3) years, or fined not more than $1,000, or both;
   3. For a third or subsequent offense, the sex offender is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned for not more than five (5) years, or fined not more than $5,000, or both.

(1985 Code, § 9-158; Am. Ord. passed 8-18-2009)