(A) Applicability. Public project review shall apply to all public projects except those expressly exempt under S.C. Code § 6-29-540.
(B) Application filing. Applications for public project review shall be submitted to the Zoning Administrator on forms available in the Planning/Zoning Department.
(C) Public hearing notice. Newspaper and parties in interest notice of the Planning Commission meeting shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of § 153.040(G) of this code.
(D) Zoning Administrator review and report. The Zoning Administrator shall review each proposed public project in light of the Comprehensive Plan. Based on the results of that review, the Zoning Administrator shall provide a report on the proposed public project to the Planning Commission.
(E) Planning Commission review and decision.
(1) The Planning Commission shall review the public project to determine whether it is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. This determination shall include written findings. The Planning Commission may hold one or more public hearings in accordance with the requirements of § 153.040(G) prior to completing its review.
(2) If the Planning Commission finds the proposal conflicts with the Comprehensive Plan, it shall forward its written findings and an explanation of its reasoning to the public entity proposing the project.
(3) If the public entity proposes to proceed with its public project in conflict with the Comprehensive Plan, then the entity must publicly state its intention to proceed and its reasons for proceeding. The public entity must provide written notice of its intention to proceed and its reasons to the Planning Commission, as well as public notice in a publication of general circulation at least 30 days in advance of award of a contract or beginning construction of the proposed public project.
(Ord. 2012-06, § 3.12, passed 10-18-2012; Ord. 2012-21, passed 12-20-2012)