Richland County, SC Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- RS-LD maximum
- 45 feet
- RS-MD maximum
- 45 feet
- RS-HD maximum
- 45 feet
- Rural (RU)
- 45 feet
- Accessory structures
- Within district limit
Summary
In Richland County's single-family residential districts (RS-LD, RS-MD, RS-HD) and the rural district, the maximum height of structures is 45 feet. Accessory structures must stay within the height limit of the district where they are located unless specifically exempted.
The maximum height of structures in the RS-LD District shall be 45 feet.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-24: This supplement is current through Ordinance No. 033-25HR).
Full Breakdown
The Richland County Land Development Code (Chapter 26) caps structure height by zoning district for the unincorporated county. The single-family residential districts, RS-LD (low density), RS-MD (medium density), and RS-HD (high density), each set a maximum height of 45 feet, as does the RU rural district. Accessory structures such as detached garages and sheds may not exceed the height limit of the district in which they sit unless the code expressly exempts them. Height is generally measured to the highest point of the roof or structure. Taller or non-residential districts (industrial, mixed-use) carry their own height standards. Cities within the county (Columbia, Forest Acres, Blythewood) apply their own height limits.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the district height limit requires a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals; unpermitted over-height construction can face stop-work orders and civil penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can I build my house?
Do sheds and garages have a height cap?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richland County
Compare Richland County to another location·View the South Carolina building setbacks & zoning overview
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