The Planning Commission consists of a board of nine commissioners appointed by County Council and is supported by a full-time staff of professional planners and administrative and technical personnel. No member of a Planning Commission may hold an elected public office in the municipality or county from which appointed.
The mission of the Greenville County Planning Commission is to promote managed growth in Greenville County by maintaining a comprehensive planning program which minimizes land use conflicts, coordinates the provision of public services, and optimizes the quality of life for all county residents.
It is the function and duty of the Planning Commission to undertake a continuing planning program for the physical, social, and economic growth, development, and redevelopment of the area within its jurisdiction. The plans and programs must be designed to promote public health, safety, morals, convenience, prosperity, or the general welfare as well as the efficiency and economy of its area of jurisdiction. Specific planning elements must be based upon careful and comprehensive surveys and studies of existing conditions and probable future development and include recommended means of implementation.
Power and duties:
In the discharge of its responsibilities, the Planning Commission has the power and duty to:
- prepare and revise periodically plans and programs for the development and redevelopment of its area as provided in this chapter; and
- prepare and recommend for adoption to the appropriate governing authority or authorities as a means for implementing the plans and programs in its area:
- maintain the County Zoning Ordinance and recommend zoning district maps and text amendments;
- maintain the Land Development Regulations for the subdivision or development of land and appropriate revisions thereof, and to oversee the administration of the regulations that may be adopted as provided in this chapter;
- a landscaping ordinance setting forth required planting, tree preservation, and other aesthetic considerations for land and structures;
- facilitate implementation of the planning elements listed in the State Planning Law.
The commission adopts rules of organizational procedure and keeps a record of its resolutions, findings, and determinations, which record must be a public record. The planning commission may purchase equipment and supplies and may employ or contract for such staff and experts, as it considers necessary and consistent with funds appropriated.
The Planning Commission may cooperate with, contract with, or accept funds from federal government agencies, state government agencies, local general purpose governments, school districts, special purpose districts, including those of other states, public or eleemosynary agencies, or private individuals or corporations; it may expend the funds; and it may carry out such cooperative undertakings and contracts as it considers necessary.
The Greenville County Planning Commission meets the 4th Wednesday of each month at 301 University Ridge, Greenville. The meetings begin at 4:30 p.m. and generally last two hours.
The Commission is also asked to attend the monthly Zoning Public Hearing and a monthly Commission Workshop.
