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Zoning Board of Appeals Joe Gilchrist Vicki Wooten James Galluzzo Larry Estes Andrea McHugh Planning C ommission Wally Shangle, Chair John Beerman, Vice Chair Mike Gordon , Secretary Lorine S. Anderson Josh McCormick Deborah Pelosi Wendy Wundruck Zoning Board of Appeals Meetings 6:00 p.m. Fourth Tuesday of every month based on need. Note: Meeting schedules are subject to change under the S.C. FOIA. All meetings are open to the public. Members Currently 5 members Terms: 3 years staggered Overview The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) reviews land use issues, including proposed variations from the Town's zoning ordinance; special uses that require review to determine compatibility with adjacent properties and appeals of decisions made by the zoning administrator. Planning Commission Meetings 6:00 p.m. First Tuesday of every month based on need. Note: Meeting schedules are subject to change under the S.C. FOIA. All meetings are open to the public. Members Currently 7 members Terms: 3 years staggered Overview Municipalities that regulate land development must establish a Planning Commission. The Commission is charged with continuous planning efforts for physical, social, and economic development in its jurisdiction. The Commission makes recommendations to Town Council on zoning and annexation issues; reviews and approves all new subdivisions and is involved in comprehensive planning to improve the health and welfare of the public.

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Zoning Map

TOWN OF SOUTH CONGAREE POLICE DEPARTMENT Chief of Police "CJ" Quinlan cjquinlan@southcongaree.org HOUSE WATCH APPLICATION The South Congaree Police Department is proud to offer the House Watch Program, designed to help residents within the town limits of South Congaree protect their homes while away. How it works: Residents who will be out of town for an extended period can register their home with the police department by filling out an application. An officer will physically check your property, including doors, windows, and the general exterior. (Please note the police department does not provide 24/7 coverage.) The program is free and available only to community members living inside the town limits. A SCPD Officer will conduct a check when beginning On Duty and before going Off Duty (Hours may differ daily) and will notify you if any suspicious activity is observed. Benefits of the program: Peace of mind knowing your home is being monitored during patrol hours. A proactive way to prevent burglaries and other criminal activity. Quick police response if an issue arises. Message from the Chief of Police It shall be the mission of the South Congaree Police Department to provide for the safety and security of the citizens of the town by serving and protecting the public interest and guaranteeing the liberties of the individual through: the enforcement of applicable laws and ordinances; the promotion of crime prevention; the investigation of criminal activity; the identification and arrest of those committing a crime; the advocacy of, and assistance to, those victimized by crime; the control of traffic and the enforcement of traffic laws. Our Agency Values Essential to our mission are the values that guide our work and decisions, and help us contribute to the quality of life in the Town of South Congaree. Although, we sometimes must balance them, we never ignore them. The men and women of the Town of South Congaree Police Department values: Human Life; we value Human Life and dignity above all else. Integrity; we believe integrity is the basis of community trust. Laws and Constitution; we respect and protect the rights of all citizens. Excellence; we strive for personal and professional excellence. We therefore strive to do our best. We have vision for the future. Accountability; we are accountable to each other and to the citizens we serve. Planning and Research; we understand the importance of planning for the future. Cooperation; we believe that cooperation and teamwork will enable us to combine our diverse backgrounds, skills, and knowledge to achieve common goals. Community Problem-Solving; we give high priority to preventing crime and helping citizens feel safe. POLICE DEPARTMENT STAFF Corporal - Patrol Division Ty McComas tmccomas@southcongaree.org SRO Sergeant Christopher Roche croche@southcongaree.org In South Carolina victims have rights. The Town of South Congaree provides a victims' advocate to ensure victim's rights are protected. if you've been a victim of a crime, press the button below to contact your advocate. CLICK FOR VICITMS' ADVOCATE

Do your part to make your community a better place, be a volunteer! The Town of South Congaree is looking for people that are willing to serve on our Planning Commission & Finance Committees. These important committees have a great deal to do with the direction of our town. The Planning Commission is responsible for drafting ordinances that govern the town. These are then presented to the town council which either passes them as drafted, ask the Planning Commission to make some changes, or votes the ordinances down completely. They also help develop and update a Master Plan under the direction of the mayor and town council. Planning now determines what South Congaree may be like for years to come. The Finance Committee helps to keep track of the town's money. It develops an annual budget which is then presented to the town's council for changes or approval. This committee watches closely throughout the year to make sure departments are spending within the limits of their budgets. The Finance Committee also has to make suggestions about where the town's reserve funds are kept so that they best benefit the citizens of the town. You do NOT have to be a resident of South Congaree to serve on boards, committees, or commissions. All that you must do is apply at the town hall, be able to pass a background check, and have a willingness to serve. Experience in Planning is helpful if you would like to serve on that committee. Perhaps you've been a developer, and architect, or held some other position that had to do with this field. In order to serve on the Finance Committee, a background in accounting, bookkeeping, or banking would help. You should be able to understand a balance sheet, read profit and loss statements, and in general be good with numbers. For more information about either of these positions, contact the town hall and ask for Municipal Clerk Sharon Williams.

Contact us at Town Hall 803-755-2760 or email kricard@southcongaree.org. CONTACT US South Congaree Town Hall 119 West Berry Rd. West Columbia, SC 29170 (803) 755-2760 Emergencies Dial 911 Contact the town hall by e-mail with questions, comments, or concerns by using the form below Success! Message received. Send

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Town of South Congaree Invitation to Bid The Town of South Congaree invites qualified vendors, contractors, and service providers to submit bids for goods, services, and construction projects in accordance with applicable laws and Town policies. This page provides information on current Invitations to Bid, including project descriptions, bid documents, submission requirements, deadlines, and contact information. All bids must be submitted by the specified date and time to be considered. The Town is committed to a fair, open, and competitive procurement process. Interested parties are encouraged to review all bid materials carefully and ensure compliance with the stated requirements. Questions regarding an Invitation to Bid should be directed to the contact listed in the bid documents.

Who needs a business license? Every person engaged or intending to engage in any calling, business, occupation or profession in whole or in part within the Town limits of South Congaree, is required to pay an annual license fee for the privilege of doing business and obtain a business license. “Business” is defined as a calling, occupation, profession, or activity engaged in with the object of gain, benefit, or advantage, either directly or indirectly. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Who needs a business license? Every person engaged or intending to engage in any calling, business, occupation or profession in whole or in part within the Town limits of South Congaree, is required to pay an annual license fee for the privilege of doing business and obtain a business license. “Business” is defined as a calling, occupation, profession or activity engaged in with the object of gain, benefit or advantage, either directly or indirectly. Do I need a business license? Does your entity (person, partnership, organization, or business): sell items to the public? claim office deductions or business expenses for a commercial or a residential location? use advertisements or business cards using an address based in the Town of South Congaree? have a business checking account? have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS? have any other professional or occupational state license regulated by SC Labor, Licensing and Regulation (for example, architects, contractors, cosmetologists, engineers, physicians, therapists, etc.)? operate, manage or have control of the entity? transport passengers? receive compensation as an independent contractor and/or a form 1099 for work? own and/or lease property to other businesses or individuals? occupy a commercial space used for an office? have a physical location outside of the Town of South Congaree and provide services within the Town limits of South Congaree? have a physical location outside of the Town of South Congaree and perform work on or provide services to a construction project within the Town limits? If you answered YES to any item listed above, then a business license is required. The Town of South Congaree requires all businesses operating within the Town limits, to obtain a business license and to pay a business license fee. This requirement ensures that businesses operating in the Town of South Congaree comply with local and state regulations. Tax-exempt organizations may be exempt from requiring a license. Please provide proof of exemption. How much does a business license cost? The business license fee is determined by where the business is located (inside/outside Town limits) and the business’ gross receipts/income. New businesses pay license fees on projected gross income from the start of business date through April 30th of that year. State law mandates that fees be paid on gross income without deductions for expense incurred for costs such as rents, salaries, cost of goods and other operational expenses. Existing businesses must renew their business license annually. Renewal fees are based on the previous year’s gross income reported to the Internal Revenue Service. Businesses located outside the town limits South Congaree must report gross income exclusively for business conducted inside the town limits only. What is “gross income”? “Gross income” means the total income of a business, received or accrued, for one year collected or to be collected from business done within the town, subtracting income from business done wholly outside of the town on which a license tax is paid to some other town or a county. Gross income is defined by ordinance to mean the total received from the business operation without deductions of goods, overhead or salaries. It should conform to the gross figure reported on the business federal income tax return defined by the IRS Code Section 61(a). See the (sample IRS tax ) forms to see which line item to report from your tax return. Gross income for brokers or agents means gross commissions received or retained, unless otherwise specified. Gross income for insurance companies means gross premiums collected. Gross income for business license tax purposes shall not include taxes collected for a governmental entity, escrow funds, or funds which are the property of a third party. The value of bartered goods or trade-in merchandise shall be included in gross income. The gross income for business license purposes may be verified by inspection of returns and reports filed with the Internal Revenue Service, the South Carolina Department of Revenue, the South Carolina Insurance Commission, or other government agency. Does a business license expire? Yes, business licenses expire April 30th of each year. You will have until April 30th to renew your license the following year to avoid a 5% late fee per month after the due date. Non-resident businesses must renew their license prior to conducting business in the new year. If you do not intend to conduct business in the town limits, please indicate this on your renewal form. If your business is closed, you may indicate this on your renewal form by noting this and the date the business closed. Are any businesses exempt from obtaining a business license? Yes, some businesses are exempt from business license fees, however the business or organization must still apply in order to obtain a compliance certificate. Please contact the Business License office at 803-755-2760, ext. 109, for more information about exemptions. Do I have to display my business license? Yes, the license should be displayed in a conspicuous place in the business establishment. A transient or non-resident business should carry the license upon his person or in a vehicle used in the business readily available for inspection by any authorized agent of the town. For companies with multiple vehicles, like contractors, it is recommended that each vehicle contain a copy of the license. If I am buying a business that already has a business license, is a business license transferable? No, the current ordinance states that business licenses are not transferable, and a transfer of ownership is considered a termination of the old business and the establishment of a new business requiring a new business license, based on the income of the old business. Before buying a business make sure that the old business complies with the current town ordinances. What should I do if I sell or close my business? You should notify the business license office by completing the Business Change/Closure Form to make the town aware that your business closed or was sold to another business or individual. Include the name of your business, physical location of your business, date sold or closed, and the business license account number located on your printed license. Your form should be signed and dated. Is there anything I need to do if my business location or activity changes during the year? If your business moves to another location or the activity of your business changes, you should notify the Town of South Congaree by email or mail immediately. A change in business activity may need to comply with building code or zoning code regulations. A change of address must be reported to license official within ten (10) days after the business moves to its new location. The license will then be valid at the new address after notifying the license official in writing and complying with zoning and building codes and approval of other departments as determined by the license official. Without this written notification, the existing business license is terminated, the business will be deemed as operating without a business license and subject the licensee to prosecution. Do I need a separate business license for each location and for each type of business activity? Yes, a separate license is required for each place of business and for each classification. If the gross income cannot be separate for classifications at one location, the license fee shall be computed on the combined gross income for the classification requiring the highest rate. If I am working for someone who has a business license already, do I need a business license? If you are not on that company’s payroll with taxes deducted out of your paycheck and you receive a 1099 form instead, then you are considered self-employed and a business license is required. How do I register the name of my business? You may contact the Secretary of State office to verify if anyone has incorporated the name you would like to use and inquire about the laws governing this issue. How do I find out in which licensing jurisdiction my business is located? You can use our online Lexington County Parcel Viewer (http://lexcogis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Solutions/s2.html?appid=93223c31eb2e46578b38e7bfd7af06bc ) to find your jurisdiction. On the right side of the screen, use the search bar to enter the address (Omit road, street lane etc.) and click "enter". If your business is inside town limits, you should see "(2-E)" in the Tax District column. If you need help, please email the Town Hall for assistance: kricard@southcongaree.org Are there any other business taxes required in the Town? The Town of South Congaree does have a 2% Hospitality Tax. The SC Dept. of Revenue also requires an Accommodations Tax. For more information visit www.sctax.org or www.scbos.sc.gov . If you have any questions please visit our town hall at 119 West Berry Road, West Columbia, South Carolina 29172 or e-mail your questions to kricard@southcongaree.org .

The South Congaree Town Council meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. Council Work Sessions are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. All meetings take place in the courtroom at Town Hall, located at 119 West Berry Road, West Columbia, SC 29172. Meetings will be announced through the town sign, the Town of South Congaree website, and the town’s social media platforms, posted on the bulletin board outside Town Hall. The media is also notified. The Town of South Congaree operates under a Council form of government. The Mayor serves a term of four (4) years, or until a successor is duly elected and qualified. Council Members are elected to staggered four (4) year terms, or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. CONTACT INFORMATION FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS Click for Mayor's Message Mayor Cindy Campbell Email: ccampbell@southcongaree.org Phone: (803) 665-1943 Mayor Cindy Campbell was first elected Mayor of South Congaree in July 2020. Since taking office, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the Town’s residents and visitors alike. Her leadership reflects a strong belief in service, collaboration, and community pride. Among her initiatives, Mayor Campbell partnered with Palmetto Pride to launch quarterly community litter cleanups, which were coined Team Up 2 Cleanup South Congaree, an effort that has strengthened community engagement while promoting a cleaner, more welcoming town. Mayor Campbell serves on the Advisory Board of the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce and is Vice Chair of the Greater CWC Chamber’s Cares Foundation. Her involvement in the Chamber reflects her commitment to ensuring that South Congaree has a strong voice and meaningful representation in regional conversations and initiatives. Mayor Campbell also serves on the Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission. She believes that building strong regional partnerships is essential to moving South Congaree forward and creating lasting opportunities for growth and success. She and her husband, Ronnie, reside in Blue Ridge Terrace and are the proud parents of two adult children, Garrett and Bailey (Josh). Outside of her mayoral responsibilities, her favorite and most cherished title is “Gammy” to her granddaughters, Presley and Cecilia. Mayor Pro-Tem Kitty Spires Email: kspires@southcongaree.org Phone: (803) 622-8396 Kitty Spires, a lifelong resident of the Town of South Congaree, currently serves as Mayor Pro-Tempore of the Council since her 2024 appointment. First serving on Council from 2005 to 2008, her current term began in 2022. Kitty led the focus of having the town ordinances codified and posted to the internet during her first term. She also led the focus to secure a professional Certified Accounting firm to help the town manage the financial processes. She is a graduate of Midlands Technical College with an Associate of Arts, Columbia College with a Bachelor of Arts in English Composition and a Masters of Divergent Learning, and the University of South Carolina with an Educational Specialist degree in Language and Literacy. Kitty is a retired college English and Reading professor having taught part-time at Columbia College and Midlands Technical College until 2005 when she began teaching full-time at Midlands Technical College. Kitty has led educational leadership teams at Midlands Technical College, and she has served as Chair of the Lexington County Library Board. Having served as president of the Friends of South Carolina Libraries state organization, she currently serves as president of the Friends of the South Congaree Pine Ridge Library. Kitty is the granddaughter of the late G.E. and Letha Outlaw and the daughter of the late Earl and Marjorie Outlaw. Her family heritage in South Congaree spans back to the 1930s when her family settled here. She was married to the late Roger Spires for 56 years, and they shared two beautiful daughters and three wonderful grandchildren. Her goal is to work to make the Town of South Congaree the best small town in South Carolina so that when asked town citizens can say— “South Congaree—that’s my hometown, the best small town anywhere.” She can be reached at kspires@southcongaree.org . Councilmember Brian Jackson Email: bjackson@southcongaree.org Phone: (803) 530-9929 Biography to come. Councilmember Debbie McIver Email: dmciver@southcongaree.org Phone: (803) 600-8852 Debbie McIver is a longtime resident of South Congaree, having lived within the town limits for 35 years and spending a total of 46 years in the community. She moved to the Lexington area at the age of 10 and attended Lexington Elementary, Middle, and High School. Debbie raised her three children in South Congaree, where they attended Congaree Elementary School, and she served as PTA President for two years. Debbie began her professional career in the legal field at age 17 after completing vocational training. She gained extensive experience supporting a four-attorney law firm in Lexington and later worked as a legal assistant to a senior partner at Nelson Mullins. She then transitioned into Human Resources with Laidlaw Environmental, followed by a successful career in communications sales. In 2003, Debbie became a licensed Realtor and has since worked with ERA Wilder Realty, RE/MAX, and currently NextHome Specialists, where she has been since 2017. She also serves as a Mary Kay Sales Director, mentoring and coaching women over the past decade. Debbie has served on South Congaree Town Council since April 2024 and previously served nearly four years on the South Congaree Planning Commission. She is a proud mother of three adult children and grandmother of five, who remain the center of her life. Councilmember Dwayne Prosser Email: dprosser@southcongaree.org Phone: (803) 446-6387 Biography to come.