Goose Creek Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Goose Creek Zoning Overview
Goose Creek is a city of approximately 47,060 residents in Berkeley County, South Carolina. The city manages land use and development through its local zoning ordinance, which divides the municipality into residential, commercial, and industrial districts with specific development standards for each.
Goose Creek's zoning framework includes large-lot single-family zones (RS-1, 15,000 sq ft minimum), standard single-family zones (RS-2, 10,000 sq ft minimum), multi-family districts (RM), a commercial district (C-1), and an industrial zone (I).
Key Zoning Districts
The RS-1 district requires minimum 15,000 sq ft lots with 25-foot front setbacks, 8-foot side setbacks, and 20-foot rear setbacks. The RS-2 district allows 10,000 sq ft lots with 20-foot front, 5-foot side, and 15-foot rear setbacks. Both districts have a 35-foot maximum building height. The RM multi-family district accommodates apartments and higher-density housing.
ADU Regulations
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) regulations have not been confirmed for Goose Creek. South Carolina does not have a statewide ADU mandate, so ADU policies are determined at the local level. Contact the Goose Creek Planning Department to verify whether ADUs are currently permitted and what requirements may apply.
Development Process
Development in Goose Creek generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the city's planning and building departments. The process typically involves:
- Zoning Verification -- Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
- Site Plan Review -- For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
- Building Permit -- Apply for a building permit with construction documents
- Inspections -- Schedule required inspections during construction
- Certificate of Occupancy -- Obtain final approval before occupying the structure
For projects that do not conform to existing zoning, property owners may need to seek a variance, special exception, or rezoning through the local board of zoning appeals or planning commission.
Key Considerations
Before starting any development project in Goose Creek, property owners should:
- Verify the zoning classification of their property
- Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements
- Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
- Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
- Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
- Contact the planning department at (843) 797-6220 for pre-application guidance
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Goose Creek and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the Goose Creek Planning Department or municipal code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Goose Creek
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — South Carolina
- Building Code: SC Building Codes Council (IBC/IRC based)
County — Berkeley County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 15,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 10,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
ADU Rules in Goose Creek
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Goose Creek are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Goose Creek permit fees →