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 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.
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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Richland County's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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