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Investigator & Victim Services Phone: (803) 755 - 2760 x 105 Fax: (803) 755 - 0456 For non-emergent Victim Services pertaining to the Town of South Congaree, please call (803) 755 - 2760 x 105 or complete the contact form to reach us by email. E-Mail Victim Advocate SC Victims' Asstance South Congaree's Police Department is dedicated to the principle that all persons in South Congaree will be provided equal protection under the laws of this state and the federal government, as well as any ordinances set forth by the South Congaree Town Council. It is the goal of our department to treat all victims of crime with compassion and respect, ensuring that their dignity is maintained and to promote healing of the suffering that they may have endured. No victim of crime will be turned away for any reason or discriminated against based on sex, race, religion, social or economic status, sexual orientation, age or mental or physical disability. Some of the Services our Investigator Provides: Emotional and moral support. Identify and inform victims of their rights under the law. Conduct on the scene crisis intervention. Act as a liaison between victim, police officers, investigators, and community-based agencies. Arrange for professional counseling and support groups. Provide information and referral. Educate law enforcement and victims of new law pertaining to specific victimization such as domestic violence. Provide applications and information to victims concerning South Carolina Crime Victims' Compensation; explain purpose, procedures, and policies, and assist in completion of forms. Intervene on behalf of victims with creditors, employers, etc. upon request. Help prepare victims for court and provide court advocacy and accompaniment. Provide information regarding current status of case. Provide information on rights, services and procedures if a victim or witness is harassed or threatened. Assist domestic violence victims in obtaining Orders of Protection and emergency housing. Your Rights as a Victim or Witness of a Crime: Right to be treated with dignity and compassion. Right to be protected from intimidation and harm. Right to be informed concerning the criminal justice process. Right to restitution and compensation. Right to preservation of property and employment. Right to due process in criminal court proceedings. Right to special recognition and attention to the very young, elderly, those who are handicapped or who have special needs, by all criminal justice, medical, and social service agencies. Right to be notified of a suspect's arrest or detention. Right to be informed when a suspect/offender is released, escapes, or is transferred. Right to attend a bond hearing and make recommendations. Right to attend court proceedings. Right to have personal property taken, recovered, or returned expeditiously. Right to be informed of the status and progress of the case.

Welcome to South Congaree! Our friendly town of just over 2,300 residents offers parks, schools, churches, a library, and welcoming local businesses. We’re proud of our small‑town charm and inviting community. Come visit, explore our town, and see why so many choose to call South Congaree home! Lexington County Transportation Improvement Plan 2025 APPROVED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (803) 755-2760 119 W. Berry Road West Columbia, SC 29172 https://www.facebook.com/TownOfSouthCongaree BUSINESS LICENSE REQUIRED - ZONING ENFORCED Important Links: Mayor's Message Council Meeting Dates 2026 Approved 2026 Holidays Job Openings Link Join us Live on YouTube for Council Meetings. Complaint PDF Form EMERGENCY POLICE - FIRE - MEDICAL DIAL 911 NON-EMERGENCY Police Matters: Lex-Co. Dispatch: (803) 785- 8230 S.C. Police Department Number: (803-845-4301) PAY FINES The Town of South Congaree's Clerk of Court Office is still without a full-time Clerk of court. The Clerk is unavailable to take calls at this time. For assistance, please email clerkofcourt@southcongaree.org with a detailed message. Emails will be answered by the assisting clerk as her availability permits. Tickets can be paid online at https://www.ncourt.com/x-press/x-onlinepayments.aspx?juris=721EC2AF-091C-48E8-989A-1647167740C5 or by phone at 844-279-9642. Scheduled Court time is at 2:00 P.M., please arrive 30 minutes prior to speak with an officer. If you've been affected by rescheduled court dates, letters have been sent to the address on file for notification. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Thank you, Clerk of Court.

CODE ENFORCEMENT The Code Enforcement Department enforces a wide range of ordinances regarding property maintenance and nuisances on all properties in the Town of South Congaree. This is accomplished to ensure a healthy and safe environment to provide a high quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors. The Town's Code Enforcement Official focuses on the visual enhancement of properties and the improvement of health and safety for citizens and business operators. The Code Enforcement Official is knowledgeable in municipal ordinances, zoning regulations, and property maintenance codes. Contact Us Ronnie Hingleton, Code Enforcement Official rhingleton@southcongaree.org (803) 755-2760 ext. 102 Documents & Forms CODE ENFORCMENT COMPLAINT

Administration Crystal Bouknight Town Administrator cbouknight@southcongaree.org Kelli Ricard Town Clerk kricard@southcongaree.org Susan Battles Deputy Town Clerk sbattles@southcongaree.org

STORM WATER "WE ALL LIVE DOWNSTREAM" S tormwater pollution is the runoff that occurs from rain, irrigation and snow melt and everything that is picked up along the way as it travels downhill to the nearest stream, river lake and beach. This runoff does not get treated, but goes straight to the waterways that we use for fishing, bathing and even drinking. What is picked up by stormwater runoff is “people pollution” – fertilizers and pesticides, motor oil, sand and dirt, pet waste, trash and so on. All of this can amount to one dirty waterway. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) actually considers stormwater the greatest threat to our water quality. Here is what you, as a homeowner, pet owner, or car owner can do to reduce stormwater pollution: Test Your Soil before applying fertilizer to your lawn – your lawn may already have enough nutrients. Excess nutrients from excess fertilizer ends up in our lakes and rivers leading to algae blooms and fish kills. Pick Up Pet Waste to keep it from contaminating water supplies. You can flush the waste, bag it for trash or build a doggie-loo (pet waste septic system). Wash Your Car On The Lawn instead of the driveway to minimize runoff into the storm drain and use low-phosphorus, biodegradable soaps. Remember to check your car for leaks – these chemicals wash off road surfaces into the waterway. Bag Grass Clippings And Leaves Or Use Them As Compost. Don’t sweep them into the street or down storm drains as that leads to nutrient issues and potential clogging and flooding. Don’t Over-Water Your Lawn, doing so sends more pollutants into nearby drains. Plus, your lawn only requires little more than an inch of rain per week. A rain gauge will help you keep track of how much rain your lawn is receiving. To report illicit discharge, please complete the online Illicit Discharge Reporting Form . For more information, please see Lexington County Stormwater. Storm Water Details To learn more about storm water including car washing, rain barrels, rain gardens, South Congaree's storm water ordinances, and important links on storm water, click the above link. Car Washing Washing your car at home can use 80-140 gallons of water – In comparison, a commercial car wash facility uses 40-45 gallons of water per wash. Many commercial car washes recycle and reuse the wash water that is generated. Most professional car washes save water by using high pressure pumps to clean the car thoroughly while conserving water. The presence of soap in waterways at low concentrations can kill fish eggs and at higher concentrations lead to fish kills. There are 214,023 personal vehicles registered in Lexington County. If 40% of those vehicles are washed at home once a month, then well over 82 million gallons of polluted water could potentially enter local waterways. "What is a Rain barrel?" Save rain, save water, save money! Did you know that half of a typical household’s water use is outside of the home? That’s half of your water bill! Rain barrels, or similar rain catchment systems (cisterns), have been used throughout history in many different cultures. Rainwater collection systems offer many benefits to individuals who use them, ranging from lower water bills to a better quality water for plants (no chlorine, which some plants dislike). Rainwater collection systems also benefit the environment. The obvious advantages are less withdrawal of groundwater and conserved use of treated municipal water. The less obvious advantage of rainwater collection is that it helps reduce stormwater runoff, lessening the amount of runoff that may lead to flooding. Click on Rain Barrel Construction Instructions to build your own rain barrel. "What Is A Rain Garden?" A rain garden is a landscape depression that intercepts runoff, and allows the water to slowly infiltrate into the groundwater table. As well as intercepting runoff that could possibly add to flooding and stream erosion problems, the rain garden allows nature to play a role in removing pollutants from stormwater runoff that could otherwise affect the water quality of nearby lakes, rivers, and streams. Plants use excess nutrients for growth, sediment gets trapped in the rain garden, and the rain garden becomes a landscaped feature in your yard that is also habitat for bees, butterflies, and birds. Plus, a rain garden uses water from your rooftop and driveway for irrigation, saving you money on your water bill. For more information on upcoming Rain Barrel or Rain Garden Workshops, please click on Lexington County Workshops. “GO GREEN” Lexington County Car Wash Fundraiser Program The Lexington Countywide Stormwater Consortium (LCSC) has partnered with local commercial car wash operators to launch the Car Wash Fundraiser Program. Community groups can purchase discounted car wash coupons from participating facilities that they can then re-sell. It’s quick, easy and safe for the environment. Car wash fundraisers are an important means for an organization to raise money, but if the wash water isn’t handled properly, it can be harmful to the environment. Car wash fundraisers are usually held in parking lots of local businesses where the water enters the storm drain. The water that enters a storm drain doesn’t go to a wastewater treatment facility where it is cleaned. Instead the water empties directly into local creeks, rivers and streams. All of the pollutants that are in wash water go down the storm drain and are deposited in local waterways as well. If you think about all the pollutants that are in car wash water, soaps, oils & grease, heavy metals, you realize that a lot of pollutants can be transported to local waterways. Commercial car washing facilities direct their wash water to the sanitary sewer where the wash water is treated. Most commercial car wash facilities use special equipment to conserve water and recycle the wash water at their facility. Using a commercial facility is the best choice when washing a car. This partnership allows local organizations to meet their fundraising goals without holding the traditional (time consuming and labor intensive) car wash. Through this partnership groups can not only raise funds year-round they can also ensure that their fundraisers will not be harmful to the environment. We urge local groups to contact the participating car washes and get started selling tickets instead of holding car washes in a parking lot somewhere. More Resources LEX. CO. WIDE STORM WATER CONSORTIUM LEXINGTON COUNTY STORM WATER ENVIROMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY S. CONGAREE STORM WATER KEEP THE MIDLANDS BEAUTIFUL

SOUTH CONGAREE MUNICIPAL COURT Welcome to the South Congaree Municipal Court. The court is part of the integrated judicial system for South Carolina and serves as the judicial branch of the government of the Town of South Congaree. We are committed to administering justice in a fair, efficient, and professional manner and to ensuring that the rights of all persons are observed. With a focus on protecting those rights, privileges and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States of America and of the State of South Carolina, South Congaree Municipal Court will consistently and impartially interpret, apply and abide by applicable laws. We seek to continually enhance our court operations to promote confidence in our court. Municipal Court Information: The South Congaree Municipal Court is located at 119 West Berry Road, West Columbia, SC 29172. The Honorable Kenneth W. Ebener serves as the Chief Judge and in a supervisory capacity over court staff. The Clerk of Court is responsible for administering the daily operations of the South Congaree Municipal Court. South Congaree Municipal Court schedules and adjudicates criminal, traffic and town ordinance violations that occur within the South Congaree Town limits. As a court of limited jurisdiction, the Court hears traffic and misdemeanor criminal cases. The Municipal Court Division provides: Administrative support to the judicial arm of the court Case management Alternative sentence monitoring Court fines collection Court fine and case load reporting Payment Arrangement Management Collection and Organization Records Tow Lot Management South Congaree Municipal Court conducts court on Wednesdays, at 2:00 PM. Proper Attire Required Contact the Clerk of Court Email:clerkofcourt@southcongaree.org Phone: 803-755-2760 ext. 103 To pay fines online Click image below To pay over the phone call 844-279-9642

PUBLIC DEFENDER BID OPPORTUNITY 2024 MUNICIPAL ATTORNEY BID OPPORTUNITY 2024 RFP 2025 - DESIGN-BUILD SERVICES FOR Municipal Complex for the Town of South Congaree RFP 2025 - Q & A

ZONING PERMIT APPLICATION Download Download and submit the Zoning Permit Application in person or via email to cbouknight@southcongaree.org . ZONING VARIANCE APPLICATION Download ZONING RELATED FEES The following fees apply to zoning-related applications and services: Zoning Permit - $50 Map Amendment - $175 Sign Permit - $50 Subdivision Plat-Minor and Major Simple (1 to 3 lots)- $5 per plat copy Complex (4-9 lots) - $50 base fee plus $10 per lot Plat (10 lots and up) - $50 base fee plus $10 per lot (Maximum of $2,000) Zoning Board of Appeals Variance - $175 Zoning Map DOWNLOAD

Budget 2024/2025 2023/2024 2024/2025-Revised 2025/2026 2022/2023 2021/2022 2018/2019 2017/2018

BUSINESS LICENSING INFORMATION All businesses must obtain a business license when engaging or intending to engage in any calling, business, occupation, or profession, in whole or in part, within the limits of the Town of South Congaree, and shall be required to pay an annual license tax for the privilege of doing business in the Town. The license payment shall be computed on the gross income generated from the preceding calendar year on business performed within the limits of the Town of South Congaree. No deductions from gross income shall be made except income from business done wholly outside of the Municipality on which a license tax is paid to some other municipality or a county, taxes collected for a government entity, or income which cannot be included for computation of the tax pursuant to State or Federal law. BUSINESS LICENSE RENEWALS All Town Business Licenses expire on April 30th each year; the deadline to renew without penalties is April 30th. Annual license fees are based on the gross receipts/gross revenue for the business (or projected gross for new businesses). Please print a copy of application form, fill in the application and return to the town hall. Please make sure all appropriate documentation is included with your application so that the processing will not be delayed. Please do not mail cash payment. You may also pay by company check or cashier’s check. The town makes every effort to remind you of your Business License Renewal, sometimes this may not happen. It is your responsibility to renew whether you receive renewal notice or not. Please mark your calendar for this yearly renewal to avoid penalties. If you have any questions please visit our town hall or e-mail your questions to kricard@southcongaree.org . Contact Us Kelli Ricard, Town Clerk kricard@southcongaree.org (803) 755-2760 ext. 109 Documents & Forms BL ONLINE RENEWAL LINK BUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATION HOW TO CALCULATE BIS. LIC. FEE BUS. NAME CHANGE/CLOSURE SAMPLE IRS FORM RENTAL PROPERTY LIST HOME-BASED BUSINESS PERMIT

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.

Notice to Citizens Regarding Council Meeting Participation If you wish to be placed on the agenda for a Regularly Scheduled Council Meeting, you must submit a request to the Town Clerk at kricard@southcongaree.org no later than Friday at 12:00 PM (noon) prior to the scheduled meeting date. For Public Hearing Meetings, citizens may sign up with the Town Clerk at the meeting in order to speak. Please note that all documents are in draft form until approved by Council. Ordinances become law after two approved readings by Council. Minutes, resolutions, proclamations, and contracts are considered official after one approved reading by Council. 2026 Agendas 2026 Approved Minutes Minutes are added once Council approves them. REVISED 1/13/26 Special 1/20/26 CANCELED Regular REVISED 1/13/26 Special 1/20/26 CANCELED Regular 1/20/26 Delegates' Dinner 1/28/26 Special Council CANCELED 2/10/26 CWS 2/17/26 Regular Council REVISED 3/10/26 Special 3/17/26 Regular Council 3/24/26 Work Session 3/30/26 Notice of Meeting 1/28/26 Special Council CANCELED 2/10/26 CWS 2/17/26 Regular Council REVISED 3/10/26 Special 03/17/26 Regular Council 03/24/26 Work Session 03/30/26 Notice of Meeting 2025 Agendas 2025 Approved Minutes 01/14/2025 WS 01/21/2025 Cancelled 01/28/2025 Rev. CM 02/11/2025 WS 02/11/2025 Regular CM 02/19/2025 SCM 02/24/2025 SCM 03/11/2025 WS 03/18/2025 CM 03/26/2025 SCES 04/08/2025 CM 04/23/2025 S.C. Budget 04/08/2025 CM 04/23/2025 S.C. Budget 03/26/2025 SCES 04/08/2025 CM 04/23/2025 S.C. Budget 07/02/2025 Public Hearing 07/02/25 SCM Revised 07/15/2025 Special Council 7/22/25 Revised Special 7/29/25 Council Work Session 8/12/25 Public Hearing 8/19/25 Regular Council 8/19/25 Special Council 9/9/25 Regular Council 9/16/25 Special Council 9/24/25 REV Special Council 9/26/25 Work Session 10/14/25 REV Regular Council 10/21/25 Work Session 11/10/25 Regular Council 11/18/25 PH Zoning Fees 12/16/25 1/14/25 Work Session 1/21/25 Cancelled 1/28/25 Rev. CM 2/11/25 Council WS 2/11/2025 Regular CM 02/19/2025 SCM 02/24/2025 SCM 03/11/2025 WS 03/18/2025 CM 03/26/2025 CANCELLED SCES 04/08/2025 CM 04/23/2025 S.C. Budget 5/7/2025 Special CM 05/20/2025 Regular CM 05/20/2025 - Special CM 06/05/2025 Special CM 06/17/2025 Regular CM 07/02/2025 Public Hearing 07/02/25 SCM Revised 07/15/2025 Special Council 7/22/25 Revised Special 7/29/25 Council Work Session 8/12/25 Public Hearing 8/19/25 Regular Council 8/19/25 Special Council 9/9/25 Regular Council 9/16/25 Special Council 9/24/25 Special Council 9/26/25 Work Session 10/14/25 Regular Council 10/21/25 Work Session 11/10/25 Regular Council 11/18/25 PH Zoning Fees 12/16/25 Public Hearing - Zoning Fees Regular Council 12/16/25 Regular Council 12/16/25 2026 Zoning Board of Appeals 2025 Agendas 01/27/2026 ZBA Meeting 02/24/2026 ZBA Meeting 2025 Minutes 01/27/2026 ZBA Meeting 02/24/2026 ZBA Meeting 2025 Zoning Board of Appeals 2025 Agendas 06/02/2025 ZBA Meeting 09/02/2025 REV ZBA Meeting 11/25/2025 REV ZBA Meeting 2025 Minutes 06/02/2025 ZBA Meeting 09/02/2025 ZBA Meeting 09/02/2025 ZBA Meeting 2025 Planning Commission Agendas 01/09/2025 PC 04/01/2025 PCM 12/2/2025 PCM 2025 Planning Commission Minutes 01/09/2025 PC 04/01/2025 PCM 12/2/2025 PCM 2024 Planning Commission Agendas 01/10/2024 02/06/24 PC 03/21/2024 PC 04/09/2024 PC 04/30/2024 PC 05/07/2024 PC 06/04/2024 PC 08/06/2024 PCM 09/03/2024 PC 09/09/2024 PC 12/03/2024 PC 12/18/2024 PC 2024 Planning Commission Minutes 01/10/2024 02/06/24 PC 03/21/24 PC 04/09/24 PC 04/30/24 PC 05/07/24 PC 06/04/24 PC 08/06/2024 PCM 09/03/2024 PC 09/09/2024 PC 12/03/2024 PC 12/18/2024 PC