Sumter County, SC Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Commission size
- 9 resident electors appointed by County Council
- Term
- 3 years, § 2-275
- Attendance rule
- Vacancy after 6 missed meetings/year
- Tax status
- Commission property exempt from ad valorem tax
- National Register
- Nomination needs prior Council approval
- Governing sections
- Sumter County Code §§ 2-273 to 2-279
Summary
Unincorporated Sumter County preserves historic sites through a nine-member County Historical Commission created under Sumter County Code § 2-273. The commission can acquire, restore and mark historic buildings and can nominate districts and structures to the National Register of Historic Places, but every major action needs prior County Council sign-off.
The commission created by this division shall have the following powers: ... (5)To acquire, buy, own, sell, hold in trust, lease, preserve, restore, refurbish, maintain, suitably mark, develop, advertise, and operate buildings, structures and personalty of historic significance, and the land upon which the same may be situated, in the county, and to receive funds, grants, donations and appropriations for the accomplishment of these purposes, subject to the prior approval of the County Council. ... (11)To research and appropriately submit for nomination by the county's state liaison officer districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects significant in American history, architecture, archeology and culture for entry in the National Register of Historic Places subject to prior approval of the County Council.
Full Breakdown
Sumter County Code § 2-273 creates the county historical commission as a body politic and corporate. Section 2-274 sets its composition at nine resident electors appointed by County Council, with one council member sitting ex officio. Section 2-276 lists the commission's powers, including the power to acquire, buy, own, sell, hold in trust, lease, preserve, restore, refurbish, maintain, suitably mark, develop, advertise and operate buildings, structures and personalty of historic significance, and to receive funds, grants and donations for that purpose, subject to prior County Council approval.
The same section authorizes the commission to research and submit nominations, through the county's state liaison officer, of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects significant in American history, architecture, archeology and culture for entry in the National Register of Historic Places, again subject to prior County Council approval. Any development plans, programs or projects for preserving historic places, and any application for outside funding beyond city or county sources, likewise require County Council approval before submission. Property the commission owns is exempt from all ad valorem taxes levied by the county or any municipality under § 2-277.
The commission must keep its books on the county's fiscal year and file an annual audited report with the legislative delegation, County Council, the city and the Clerk of Court under § 2-278. Commissioners serve three-year terms under § 2-275 and can be reappointed only up to a second consecutive term without an affirmative super-majority vote of County Council.
Violations & Fines
This division carries no fine or criminal penalty; its teeth are procedural. Acquisition, disposal, program development, outside funding applications and National Register nominations under § 2-276(5), (9), (10), (11) and (12) are only valid when the County Council has given prior approval, so commission action taken without that sign-off exceeds its statutory authority. Separately, under § 2-247, any appointee who misses six meetings in a year, or three consecutive meetings, without an excused absence approved by the board and confirmed by County Council resolution is deemed to have vacated the seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does unincorporated Sumter County have a landmark designation process for private buildings?
Who sits on the Sumter County Historical Commission?
Can the commission buy and restore a historic building on its own?
Is property owned by the Historical Commission taxed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sumter County
Compare Sumter County to another location·View the South Carolina historic preservation overview
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