Common Questions
Land Development
I am starting a new project. Where should I start?
Go to the Step by Step Process and it will walk you through all of the requirements for your project.
Is there an additional fee for paying online?
Yes, online submittals using eTrakit carry an additional fee by SCGOV:
- e-check- $2.50 flat fee
- credit card- 1.7% plus $1.00 portal fee
How do I know when my project has been submitted?
When you have submitted your payment information (Step 4 of the eTrakit application process), your project is considered submitted. At the completion of the application, you will be provided a link to print the payment receipt. All submitted projects are under the My Active Projects tab on your eTrakit Dashboard.
Flood
How do I determine if a property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area?
To determine if the property is located within a special flood hazard area you can view the property on either the FEMA Map Service Center website or the County GIS Map.
What can I do when my lender determined my structure to be in a floodplain and required flood insurance and I believe my structure is located above the base flood elevation?
Anyone who applies for a federally backed mortgage/loan or refinancing on an existing home that is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area is required to carry flood insurance for the life of the mortgage/loan. Typically, the only documentation lenders will accept to change their floodplain determination is a FEMA Letter of Map Amendment.
The mortgage company or bank is required to ensure structures located within the Special Flood Hazard Area are insured for flood losses. For structures located outside the Special Flood Hazard Area, the mortgage company or bank can still require flood insurance, even though it is not federally mandated.
What do I need to know about developing in a Special Flood Hazard Area?
The requirements for development in a special flood hazard area are outlined in the Chapter 26 of the County Ordinance.
For more in depth information on floods, floodplains, and the permitting process, click here.
Addressing and Road Naming
I'm a residential subdivision developer. When can I get the addresses for my lots?
Addresses in subdivisions will be released upon request after completion of first review of the bonded plat digital file. The addresses will be provided in an excel spreadsheet. The digital file must include the following:
- Closed parcels
- Correct street names
- Correct lot numbers
- Correct centerlines
Please contact Betty Etheredge at etheredge.betty@richlandcountysc.gov to request subdivision addresses.
How are road and subdivision names assigned?
Names proposed by property owners, surveyors, developers, etc. must be submitted to Planning GIS staff, who verifies the names follow the standards of the Road Name and Addressing Guidelines for Richland County.
The Planning Commission Board gives final approval to street names, which receive preliminary approval from Planning GIS staff.
Development and subdivision names are approved by Planning GIS Staff. To apply, please complete the Reserved Name Application.
How can you change the name of an existing road?
A Road Naming Petition must be completed. If the road has existed with the same name 10 or more years, 75% of the landowners must agree to the name change. Please complete and submit the Road Name Change Petition Form.
My road sign has been stolen or missing, how can I get another one installed?
Please report signs that have been missing or damaged to the Richland County Ombudsman's Office at (803) 929-6000.
How do I get an address for my house or business?
You may apply for an address in person at 2020 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 1st floor in the Planning Department or complete and return an address application (click here for application).
What would I need to bring to the County to get an address assigned?
A tax map number for your property, or if it is a newly subdivided piece of property a copy of the approved individual plat.
How long does it take to get an address assigned?
This depends on the stage of the development of the property. Please call (803) 576-2147 before you visit.
Where do I post my 911 number?
Always post numbers on both sides of the mailbox and on your residence or business above the door or to the right of the door where it is clearly visible. Read the numbering brochure for more details concerning posting facts.
Who should I inform of my new address?
Notify all utilities, banking institutions, educational establishments, tax office, DMV, insurance company and most importantly the phone company. Anyone else you do business with should be notified.