Berkeley Co. zoning director addresses political sign “nuisance”

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–During a recent council meeting, Berkeley Co. Planning and Zoning Director, Eric Greenway, informed council members that since the last two election cycles his department has been inundated with complaints in reference to the many political signs scattered throughout the county.

“If council would like for us to make interpretation changes to that (ordinance) or if you would like to change the ordinance, then this is your opportunity to do so,” Greenway told council members.

Political signs are currently exempt from all requirements in the county’s zoning code regarding where they are placed.

However, there are a few restrictions, Greenway added, including that political signs cannot be placed out in public prior to 45 days of a General Election.

“The other provision that’s limited in the code is that the sign has to advertise a candidate or a position to be taken on a ballot,” stated Greenway. “Those signs have to be 10 feet outside of the road right of way.”

He went on to stress that any sign that does not call attention to a political candidate or to a bond referendum or some sort of issue on the ballot to be decided by a vote, will be pulled by Code Enforcement and the appropriate enforcement action will be taken.

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Natalie Vereen-Davis

A native of Mount Pleasant, Natalie attended Bishop England High School (Go Bishops!) before heading off to Clemson University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in English. She went on to earn an M.A. in British Literature from the University of South Carolina.

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