West Columbia public meetings in 2024

Planning Commission

The West Columbia Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider two rezoning requests: a 2.25-acre parcel at 1640 Airport Blvd from C-2 to LM (Light Manufacturing) and a 0.34-acre parcel on Charleston Hwy to establish an infill overlay district. The meeting will also address the rescheduling of the next regular meeting.

• Public hearing for rezoning 1640 Airport Blvd (2.25 acres) from C-2 to LM
• Public hearing for infill overlay district on Charleston Hwy (0.34 acres)
• Rescheduling of the January 27, 2025 regular meeting
• Approval of November 25, 2024 Planning Commission minutes
• Consideration of Faith Hill Subdivision preliminary plat

Regular Council

The West Columbia City Council will hold a second‑reading vote on the Planning Commission’s recommendation to rezone a .27‑acre parcel at 1730 Augusta Road from C‑2 (General Commercial) to C‑3 (Restricted Commercial). Additional items include an infill overlay district for two parcels at 201 and 209 State Street, amendments to the zoning ordinance for health‑care uses and mini‑warehouses, and the annexation of several acres of property. The council will also consider appointing a Municipal Code Enforcement Officer, adopting the 2025 meeting calendar, and approving an engineering services agreement for the Woodsen Circle water main replacement project.

• Rezoning of .27‑acre parcel at 1730 Augusta Road from C‑2 to C‑3
• Infill Overlay District on .44‑acre parcels at 201 and 209 State Street
• Amendment to add physicians, dentists, health practitioners, and outpatient care centers to permitted uses in C‑3 district
• Annexation of 3.07 acres at 38, 40, 42, & 44 C Trotter Road
• Appointment of Johnny Waters as Municipal Code Enforcement Officer

Planning Commission

The West Columbia Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on two zoning ordinance amendments: one that would regulate tobacco stores, smoke shops, vape shops, hookah lounges, and vape lounges, and another that would permit mini‑warehouses in Light Manufacturing and Heavy Manufacturing districts. The commission will also consider a preliminary plat for the Faith Hill Subdivision. After the hearing, the commission will vote on the two zoning amendments.

• Public hearing on amendment to the zoning ordinance for tobacco, smoke, vape, and hookah lounges
• Public hearing on amendment to the zoning ordinance allowing mini‑warehouses in LM and HM districts
• Consideration of a preliminary plat for the Faith Hill Subdivision
• Consideration of the zoning amendment for tobacco, smoke, vape, and hookah lounges
• Consideration of the zoning amendment for mini‑warehouses in LM and HM districts

Special Council

The West Columbia City Council will meet to approve budget amendments for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, and consider a bond for Pinecrest Subdivision Phase II. The agenda includes first readings for rezoning, an infill overlay district, a zoning ordinance amendment, and the annexation of 3.07 acres on Trotter Road.

• Approval of budget amendments for FY ending June 30, 2024
• Consideration of bond for Pinecrest Subdivision Phase II
• First reading to rezone .27 acres at 1730 Augusta Road from C-2 to C-3
• First reading to amend zoning ordinance for C-3 district to allow physician offices
• First reading to annex 3.07 acres at 38, 40, 42, & 44 C Trotter Road

West Columbia Beautification Foundation

The West Columbia Beautification Foundation will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and review a monthly financial report. The body will discuss the 50/50 Reverse Raffle Fundraiser and current beautification projects within the city.

• Monthly Financial Report
• 50/50 Reverse Raffle Fundraiser update
• Update on city beautification projects
• Discussion of future projects

Regular Council

The West Columbia City Council meeting scheduled for November 4, 2024 at 6:00 PM was canceled. No agenda items were considered. The council will reconvene on Monday, November 18, 2024.

Planning Commission

The West Columbia Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on several land‑use proposals. Items include rezoning a .27‑acre parcel at 1730 Augusta Road from C‑2 (General Commercial) to C‑3 (Restricted Commercial), creating an infill overlay district on 201 and 209 State Street, and adding health‑practice uses to the C‑3 district. The commission will also consider the bonded plat for Pinecrest Phase 2. Decisions on these items will be made at the October 28 meeting.

• Rezone .27‑acre parcel at 1730 Augusta Road from C‑2 to C‑3
• Establish infill overlay district on 201 and 209 State Street (R‑1) within the Gateway Overlay District
• Add Offices of Physicians, Dentists, and Other Health Practitioners to the C‑3 district
• Consider the bonded plat for Pinecrest Phase 2

Special Council

The West Columbia Special Council will consider a resolution to approve LAD Construction, LLC as the lowest responsive bidder for the Shull Street water main replacement, valued at $1,653,650. Additional items include a resolution certifying 19 building sites at 228 North Parson Street as abandoned, an extension of the intergovernmental agreement for Animal Services with Lexington County, and planning commission recommendations for a PUD‑R at 910 Comanchee Trail and rezoning of 509 Jasper Street. The meeting also features presentations on proposed zoning amendments for medical offices and tobacco/vape shops.

• Approve LAD Construction, LLC as lowest responsive bidder for Shull Street water main replacement – $1,653,650
• Resolution certifying 19 building sites at 228 North Parson Street as abandoned buildings
• Extension of term for intergovernmental agreement for Animal Services with Lexington County
• Planning Commission recommendation to establish a PUD‑R on ~9.48 acres at 910 Comanchee Trail
• Second‑reading consideration to rezone 0.2‑acre parcel at 509 Jasper Street from LM to R‑1 residential

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet to discuss a variance request regarding the maximum display area of signs at a commercial property. The board will also review minutes from previous July and September meetings.

• ZBA 24-34: Variance request for maximum sign display area at 2501 Augusta Road (C-2 General Commercial)

West Columbia Beautification Foundation

The West Columbia Beautification Foundation will meet to approve previous minutes and review a monthly financial report. The body will also receive updates on the 2024 Litter Summit and the 50/50 Reverse Raffle Fundraiser.

• Monthly Financial Report
• Litter Summit 2024 update
• 50/50 Reverse Raffle Fundraiser update

Regular Council

The West Columbia City Council will consider approving a $3.4 million water main replacement project and resolutions to allow alcohol sales at two upcoming Riverwalk concerts. The meeting also includes the first readings of several zoning changes and the approval of previous council minutes.

• Approval of $3,402,185.00 water main replacement on SC Highway 302
• Resolution to allow beer and wine at 'Wine on the River' fundraiser
• Resolution to allow beer and wine at Fall Rhythm on the River concert
• First reading to rezone .2 acres at 509 Jasper Street from LM to R-1
• First reading to establish Capitol Square redevelopment floating zone

Council Work Session

The West Columbia Grievance Committee will meet on September 25, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. in the City Hall courtroom at 200 N. 12th Street. No specific agenda items are listed in the notice. The notice provides contact information for special accommodations.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider rezoning a 0.2-acre parcel at 509 Jasper Street from light manufacturing to residential. The body will also review a preliminary plat for a residential subdivision and a floating zone designation for redevelopment.

• PC 24-26: Rezoning of 0.2 acres at 509 Jasper Street from LM to R-1 for Habitat for Humanity
• PC 24-27: Preliminary plat for Henbet Drive Residential Subdivision
• PC 24-28: Capitol Square Redevelopment Floating Zone Designation

Zoning Board of Appeals

The West Columbia Zoning Board of Appeals will consider seven requests for variances and special exceptions at its September 17 meeting. Items include a parking‑requirement variance for a proposed 90,000‑sq‑ft medical office on Two Mac Lane, a parking‑relief variance for 3243 Sunset Blvd, and special‑exception requests affecting fence height, retaining‑wall height, front‑yard setbacks, and a child‑day‑care use. All items are presented for board review and decision.

• ZBA 24-27 – variance to reduce parking requirements on Two Mac Lane (C‑3 Restricted Commercial)
• ZBA 24-28 – variance for relief under Section 908.2 at 3243 Sunset Blvd (C‑2 General Commercial)
• ZBA 24-29 – special exception to raise front‑yard fence height at 1418 D Avenue (R‑3 Residential)
• ZBA 24-30 – special exception to increase retaining‑wall height at 1605 Platt Springs Road (C‑2 General Commercial)
• ZBA 24-31 – variance to reduce front‑yard setback at 1500 Cardinal Drive (R‑4 Residential)

Special Council

The West Columbia City Council will hold a second reading on an ordinance to issue a water and sewer system improvement revenue bond not exceeding $10,000,000. It will also consider planning commission recommendations to amend zoning sections for catering and remote parking, and to rezone a parcel at 1903 Augusta Road. New business includes a resolution to permit beer and wine at the Fall Rhythm on the River concert series and a contract negotiation for engineering services at the riverside water treatment plant.

• Second reading of ordinance to authorize a water and sewer system improvement revenue bond up to $10,000,000
• Second reading of planning commission recommendation to amend Zoning Ordinance Section 710.5 to allow catering as a permitted use
• Second reading of planning commission recommendation to amend Zoning Ordinance Section 611.4.4 regarding remote parking
• Second reading of planning commission recommendation to rezone 0.2 acre at 1903 Augusta Road from C-2 to C-3
• Resolution to allow beer and wine consumption at the Fall Rhythm on the River concert series at Wyman C. “Mac” Rish Riverwalk Amphitheater

Planning Commission

The West Columbia Planning Commission will hold a joint public hearing and consider a map amendment to establish a Planned Unit Development‑Residential (PUD‑R) on approximately 9.48 acres at 910 Comanchee Trail. The proposal seeks to rezone the site from R‑3 to PUD‑R and includes 55 single‑family homes, 110 off‑street parking spaces, and a small non‑residential component. The commission will discuss the detailed site plan, density, and design standards before making a recommendation to the city council.

• Joint public hearing for case PC 24-25 to amend the map for a PUD‑R at 910 Comanchee Trail
• Consideration of a map amendment to rezone 9.48 acres from R‑3 to PUD‑R
• Proposed development includes 55 dwelling units with a density of 5.8 units per acre
• Plan provides 110 off‑street parking spaces (two per dwelling unit)
• Non‑residential use limited to 0.12 acres, with permitted C‑3 uses such as offices and studios

West Columbia Beautification Foundation

The West Columbia Beautification Foundation will meet to approve previous meeting minutes. The body will review a monthly financial report and receive an update on a raffle fundraising event.

• Approval of August 1, 2024 meeting minutes
• Monthly Financial Report
• Update on Raffle Fundraising Event

Regular Council

The City Council will discuss a revenue bond for utility improvements and a local match for a municipal grant. The body is also considering three zoning changes and the appointment of a municipal code enforcement officer.

• Ordinance for a Water and Sewer System Improvement Revenue Bond Anticipation Note not exceeding $10,000,000
• Resolution for a local match for a Municipal Association of South Carolina Grant
• Appointment of Tim Pecori as a Municipal Code Enforcement Officer
• Rezoning of 0.2 acres at 1903 Augusta Road from C-2 (General Commercial) to C-3 (Restricted Commercial)
• Zoning text amendments regarding remote parking (Section 611.4.4) and catering as a permitted use (Section 710.5)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings and consider a rezoning request for a parcel on Augusta Road. The body will also discuss two text amendments to the City of West Columbia Zoning Ordinance.

• Rezoning of .2 acres at 1903 Augusta Road from C-2 (General Commercial) to C-3 (Restricted Commercial)
• Text amendment to Section 611.4.4 regarding remote parking
• Text amendment to Section 710.5 to add catering as a permitted use
• Ratification of Gary Prince as Chairperson and Jason Speake as Vice-Chairperson

Special Council

The West Columbia Special Council will consider several resolutions, including authorizing alcohol at the Gervais Street Bridge dinner on Oct. 13 and supporting a temporary road closure on Center Street for Savage Craft Ale Works' Oktoberfest on Sept. 28. The council will also authorize the City Administrator to negotiate a landscape architectural/engineering contract for the Meeting Street Corridor Improvement Project and to approve Willdan as the city’s rate‑study consultant. Finally, a lease‑purchase financing resolution for two sanitation trucks not to exceed $600,000 will be voted on.

• Resolution to authorize alcoholic beverage consumption at the Gervais Street Bridge dinner (Oct. 13, 2024)
• Resolution to support temporary road closure of Center Street for Savage Craft Ale Works' Oktoberfest (Sept. 28, 2024)
• Authorization for the City Administrator to negotiate a contract for landscape architectural/engineering services for the Meeting Street Corridor Improvement Project
• Approval of Willdan as the city’s rate‑study consultant and authorization to negotiate that contract
• Lease‑purchase financing resolution for two sanitation trucks, not to exceed $600,000

Planning Commission

The West Columbia Planning Commission will hold a joint public hearing and consider a map amendment to establish a Planned Unit Development‑Residential (PUD‑R) on approximately 9.48 acres at 910 Comanchee Trail. The commission will also ratify the election of Gary Prince as Chairperson and Jason Speake as Vice‑Chairperson for the upcoming term. Minutes from the previous meeting will be set for approval at the next regular meeting. The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 26, 2024.

• Joint public hearing on PC 24-22 map amendment to create a PUD‑R at 910 Comanchee Trail (9.48 acres)
• Consideration of the map amendment to establish the PUD‑R at the same site
• Ratify election of Gary Prince as Chairperson and Jason Speake as Vice‑Chairperson
• Approval of minutes from the prior Planning Commission meeting (to be considered at next meeting)
• Next regular Planning Commission meeting set for August 26, 2024

Regular Council

The City of West Columbia scheduled a regular council meeting for August 6, 2024, but it was canceled because of weather and will be reconvened on August 19. The agenda would have included recognitions, a remote‑parking text amendment, and several resolutions covering alcohol at a bridge dinner, a temporary road closure for an Oktoberfest event, landscape‑services contracting, a rate‑study consultant, and financing for sanitation trucks. No decisions will be made at this meeting.

• Resolution to authorize alcoholic beverage consumption at the Gervais Street Bridge dinner on Oct 13, 2024
• Resolution to support temporary road closure of Center Street for Savage Craft Ale Works' Oktoberfest on Sept 28, 2024
• Authorization for the City Administrator to negotiate a contract for landscape architectural/engineering services for the Meeting Street Corridor Improvement Project
• Approval of Willdan as the city’s rate‑study consultant and authorization to negotiate a contract
• Lease‑purchase financing resolution for two sanitation trucks not to exceed $600,000

West Columbia Beautification Foundation

The West Columbia Beautification Foundation will review a monthly financial report and receive an update on the US #1 Beautification Project. Members will also discuss future fundraising options and a Litter Summit scheduled for September 4-6, 2024.

• Update on US #1 Beautification Project
• Discussion of potential raffle and fundraising options
• Discussion regarding Litter Summit September 4-6, 2024
• Monthly Financial Report

Zoning Board of Appeals

The West Columbia Zoning Board of Appeals will consider three special exception requests to allow fences taller than the standard 36 inches in required front yards. The board will also approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• ZBA 24-24: Special exception for fence height at 118 Pineview Road
• ZBA 24-25: Special exception for fence height at 1051 Meeting Street
• ZBA 24-26: Special exception for construction use at 220 Senn St
• Approval of June 18, 2024 ZBA minutes
• Next meeting scheduled for August 20, 2024

Special Council

The West Columbia City Council will consider authorizing contracts for pavement replacement at the Riverside Water Treatment Plant and for material procurement in the Mill Village area. The body will also review a proposal to allow alcohol sales at a local music festival.

• Approval of Eddie Smith & Sons Paving for Riverside WTP pavement replacement ($95,000.00)
• Award of Core and Main LP for Mill Village area infrastructure improvements ($378,618.18)
• Authorization to negotiate a contract with Weston and Sampson for the Utility Maintenance Facility
• Consideration to authorize public consumption of alcoholic beverages at the Meeting Street Music Fest
• Second reading of a PUD-R zoning request for property at 723 and 725 Center Street

West Columbia Beautification Foundation

The West Columbia Beautification Foundation will review its monthly financial report. The meeting also includes progress updates regarding Taste on the River and the US #1 Beautification Project.

• Monthly Financial Report
• Update Regarding Taste on the River
• Update Regarding US #1 Beautification Project