Planning | City of Sumter, SC
Source: http://www.sumtersc.gov/planning
Archived: 2026-04-23 15:00
Planning | City of Sumter, SC
Skip to main content
Planning
Draft Unified Development Ordinance Available for Public Input
Click here to view the draft and comment
Our Mission is to Serve You
The Sumter City-County Planning Department provides responsive, efficient, factual, balanced, and transparent land use expertise to the citizens, property owners, businesses and public officials of the entire Sumter Community.
In doing so we:
Ensure that the land use process is fair, open and clear
Implement land use regulations in a uniform and reliable manner
Develop Tools and Strategies for the City of Sumter and Sumter County’s future growth and revitalization that are sensible, economically sustainable, and environmentally sensitive
Know that we work for YOU: neighbors and businesses, citizens and officials, advocates and land owners, equally deserving of respect, prompt attention, and diligence.
The major services provided by the Sumter City-County Planning Department are:
Rezoning and Land Use
:
Support, inquires, and guidance regarding land use in accordance with the City and County Zoning and Development Standards Ordinances
Shaw-Sumter Joint Land Use
:
Support, inquires, and guidance including area around Shaw Air Force Base and the Poinsett Electronic Combat Range
Commercial and Industrial Site Plan Approval
: Review and approval of site plans for all commercial and industrial developments
Subdivision Approval
:
Approval for survey plats.
Floodplain Management
:
Information, rules, and code compliance
Mobile/Manufactured Home Moving Permits
:
Certifications and Mobile Home Moving Permits for all manufactured / mobile homes moved
Temporary Uses
:
Regulations and permits for a variety of temporary uses
Signs
:
Permits for all signs except one per parcel based on zoning (special instructions are provided for size and location of all signs)
Rezoning/Land Use
All land use for the City and County of Sumter is governed by the Zoning and Development Standards Ordinances for each jurisdiction. The Sumter City-County Planning Department maintains and implements both Ordinances.
Any requests for zoning or ordinance text changes will go through the Planning Department by consultation and the submission of the proper request and appropriate fee. The full range of forms with fee included on the forms are attached.
Additionally, Conditional Use requests and any inquires for Business License issues should be addressed to the Planning Staff.
Subdivision of Property/Plats
The Planning Department and the Sumter City-County Planning Commission reviews all changes to property boundaries (plats) for the City of Sumter and Sumter County. Plats are reviewed for compliance with zoning and subdivisions standards as published in the appropriate Zoning and Development Standards Ordinance.
Major subdivisions and major site plans require Planning Commission approval while the Staff does all minor subdivisions, site plans, and plats for approved major subdivisions.
In accordance with state and local laws, an approved and recorded plat is required before property may be sold or transferred. Plats may also be required for Building Permits and/or on-site wastewater (septic tank) installation approval.
Variances to subdivision regulations are considered by the Planning Commission and/or Planning Staff.
See
City and County Zoning and Development Standards Ordinances
.
Floodplain Management
Sumter has over 4,000 parcels and 90,000 acres in designated Special Flood Hazard areas (SFHA) that require special permitting actions.
The Zoning Administrator is the Floodplain Manager for the City and County of Sumter and is responsible for all actions associated with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Community Rating System (CRS).
The Planning Department houses and maintains the required FEMA documents and material including submitted elevation certificates, FIRM maps, LOMRs and other adjustments to the FIRMs, and digital maps to help citizens determine floodplain boundaries and required actions.
For information regarding floodplain administration, please contact Jeff Derwort, Zoning Administrator, at (803) 774-1611.
Mobile / Manufactured Home Placement and Installation Permits
The Sumter City-County Planning Department and the Sumter County Assessor's office issue the certifications and permits necessary to move and site a mobile / manufactured home in both the City of Sumter and Sumter County. (Modular Homes with proper documentation are permitted using the same procedures for site built homes).
A fact sheet covering key details on the process for move and installation is available by
clicking here.
The Planning Department issues a Placement Certification, the Building Department issues an Installation Permit, and the Tax Assessor issues a Moving Permit. All 3 approvals are required prior to moving a mobile / manufactured home to a new site in the City or County.
Contact the Planning Department at (803) 774-1660 or
[email protected]
with questions and to review site plans and parcel zoning.
Temporary Uses
Temporary Uses for Sumter City and County are controlled by the appropriate Zoning and Development Standards Ordinance and reviewed and permitted by the Planning Staff. All temporary use rules and guide lines are contained in
Article 5.c
of the Zoning Ordinances
. Fees for the different temporary uses are attached as part of the Planning Fees.
Early contact with the Planning Department Staff will answer all questions and help avoid major conflicts.
Signs
All signs are regulated by the City and County Zoning and Development Standards Ordinances. Most have permits and fees associated with them, while almost all have time, manner, and place rules.
Please contact Planning Staff as soon as possible with all questions relating to sign permits and fees.
Contact Info
12 W. Liberty Street
Sumter, SC 29150
Phone: (803) 774-1660
Fax: (803) 774-1687
[email protected]
Hours of Operation:
8:30am - 5:00pm
Active Planning Projects and Studies:
Historic Resource Survey of West End, Greater Hampton Park, and Mason Croft Neighborhoods
Key Publications:
SUMTER 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
2024 YEAR END REPORT
Additional Documents & Information:
Sumter County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
City of Sumter Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
2020-2025 Santee-Lynches Hazard Mitigation Plan: City of Sumter Mitigation Strategy Progress Analysis
2020-2025 Santee-Lynches Hazard Mitigation Plan: Sumter County Mitigation Strategy Progress Analysis
Fact Sheets for Commonly Asked Questions:
MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOME INSTALLATION
FOOD TRUCK PERMITTING
FENCE INSTALLATION
Flood Facts: Citizens Community Awareness Guide
Helpful Links
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
SC Department of Public Health (SCDPH)
SC Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)
SC Department of Transportation (SCDOT)
SC Dept of Labor & Licensing Regulations (SC LLR)
Sumter County Government
US Census Bureau
Pay My Utility Bill
Mayor and Council
Boards and Commissions
Council Meetings
Public Comment Form
Mayor
Mayor's Christmas Card Contest
City Council
Ordinances
Voting Wards & Elections
Departments
Administration
City Manager
Senior Staff
Office Locations
Partnerships
Sumter GREEN
growing GREEN Month
THE FALL FEAST
Fall Feast CHEF Registration
Join the Fall Feast Partners
Contribution Form
Aquatics Center
Fees & Pricing
Adult Programs
Swim Lessons
Swim Team
Lifeguard Programs
CPR Training
Pool Passes & Rentals
Building
Building FAQ
Building Forms & Applications
Building Permits
Code Interpretations
Business License
City Utilities
Account Services
How Billing Works
Your Water Meter
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Water Assistance Program
Drinking Water
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Water Plants
Sanitation
Electronic Waste
Yard Debris
Keep Sumter Clean
City/Municipal Court
Codes Enforcement
Litter Prevention
Cleaning Up Our Community
Liberty the Litter Pup
Litter-Smart Business Pledge
Sumter Litter Advisory Board
Sumter Pride Program
Community Development
Community Improvement
HOPE Centers
Historic Preservation
Housing Assistance
Program Funding
Youth Programs
First Serve Program
Youth Employment Program
Youth Hunting Take One Make One Program
Downtown Sumter
Join Our Mailing List
Boards & Committees
Downtown Businesses
Downtown Development
Commercial Properties
Façade Grant Program
Fourth Friday Concert Series
Sumter Opera House
Economic Development
Emergency Management
Finance
Annual Financial Reports
Monthly Financial Statements
Fire Department
Command Staff
Fire Marshal's Office
Fire Inspections
Community Participation
Fire Safety Tips
Recruiting & Training
Explorers Program
Training Division
History
Stations
Human Resources
Available Positions
Employment Application
News & Updates
Sign up for City Notifications
Freedom of Information Act
Mayor's Minute
Palmetto Tennis Center
About PTC
PTC TEAM
Philip L. Edwards Tennis Complex
Tennis Programs
Youth Programs
Adult Programs
Tennis Schedule
Sumter Tennis Association
Tournament Schedule
Serve First Open
USTA Palmetto Pro Open
Ball Runner Volunteers
Pickleball Programs
Sumter Pickleball Association
Parks & Gardens
Swan Lake Iris Gardens
Veteran's Park
Planning
2040 Comprehensive Plan
Board of Zoning Appeals
Design Review Board
Draft Unified Development Ordinance
Forms & Applications
Mapping Services
Ordinances
Planning Commission
Plans and Reports
Sumter Area Transportation Study
About Us
Safe Streets for Sumter
LRTP
Plans
Walk Bike Sumter
Policy Committee
Procurement
Projects
Connect378
Project Status
Public Meeting Info
Turkey Creek Greenway
Public Involvement
Police Department
Procurement
Frequently Asked Questions
Invitation to Bid
RFP / RFQ
Vendor Registration
Public Works
Tourism
Love Sumter
Calendar
Living Here
Community Resources
Education
Healthcare
Housing & Accommodations
Transportation
Utilities
Things to Do
Arts & Entertainment
Creative Canvas
Car-Bike Culture
Festivals & Events
Facility Rentals
City of Sumter Special Event Application
Community Calendar
Fantasy of Lights
Iris Festival
2026 Festival Schedule
Applications
Become a Sponsor
Education Day at the Iris Festival
History of the Iris Festival
Iris Festival FAQs
History & Heritage
African-American History
Historic Churches
Parks & Trails
Prisma Health Shot Pouch Greenway
Crosswalk Safety
Riley Park
Riley Park History
Schedule of Games
Sumter Track Trails
Swan Lake Iris Gardens
Butterfly & Chocolate Gardens
Fantasy of Lights
Gardens FAQ
Iris Festival
Recovery Wing
The Swans
Pet-friendly
Recreation
Aquatics Center
Palmetto Tennis Center
Shopping
Sumter Eats
Military Support
Military Land Protection
Veteran Resources
Visitors Center
Get Your HeY'all Insider's Guide
Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee
Business
Business License
Chamber of Commerce
Development Board
Smarter Growth Initiative
Sumter County Airport
Santee-Lynches COG
SC Department of Commerce
SC Works
Secretary of State's Office
Small Business Administration
Small Business Development
How Do I...
Apply for...
Attend a Council Meeting
Commercial Trash Pickup
Contact Code Enforcement
Contact the City of Sumter
Find City Office Hours
Find My Representative
Find a City Office Location
Obtain a Building Permit
Pay City Utilities
Pay Taxes
Pay a Traffic Ticket
Prepare for Emergencies
Rent a Facility
Report Litter
Residential Trash Pickup
Residential Yard Debris
Run for Mayor/Council
Search Property Cards
Search for Property
Search for a Deed
Start/Stop Water Service
View Area Maps
Volunteer
Vote
Services
City Utilities
Garbage Route Schedule
Fire Department
Police Department
Youth Programs
Development
Community Development
Planning and Zoning
Business License
Transportation Improvements
Ordinances
Engagement
Meetings and Agendas
Boards and Committees
City News & Updates
Military Support
Things to Do
Apply For..
Contact Us...
Skip to main content
Planning
Draft Unified Development Ordinance Available for Public Input
Click here to view the draft and comment
Our Mission is to Serve You
The Sumter City-County Planning Department provides responsive, efficient, factual, balanced, and transparent land use expertise to the citizens, property owners, businesses and public officials of the entire Sumter Community.
In doing so we:
Ensure that the land use process is fair, open and clear
Implement land use regulations in a uniform and reliable manner
Develop Tools and Strategies for the City of Sumter and Sumter County’s future growth and revitalization that are sensible, economically sustainable, and environmentally sensitive
Know that we work for YOU: neighbors and businesses, citizens and officials, advocates and land owners, equally deserving of respect, prompt attention, and diligence.
The major services provided by the Sumter City-County Planning Department are:
Rezoning and Land Use
:
Support, inquires, and guidance regarding land use in accordance with the City and County Zoning and Development Standards Ordinances
Shaw-Sumter Joint Land Use
:
Support, inquires, and guidance including area around Shaw Air Force Base and the Poinsett Electronic Combat Range
Commercial and Industrial Site Plan Approval
: Review and approval of site plans for all commercial and industrial developments
Subdivision Approval
:
Approval for survey plats.
Floodplain Management
:
Information, rules, and code compliance
Mobile/Manufactured Home Moving Permits
:
Certifications and Mobile Home Moving Permits for all manufactured / mobile homes moved
Temporary Uses
:
Regulations and permits for a variety of temporary uses
Signs
:
Permits for all signs except one per parcel based on zoning (special instructions are provided for size and location of all signs)
Rezoning/Land Use
All land use for the City and County of Sumter is governed by the Zoning and Development Standards Ordinances for each jurisdiction. The Sumter City-County Planning Department maintains and implements both Ordinances.
Any requests for zoning or ordinance text changes will go through the Planning Department by consultation and the submission of the proper request and appropriate fee. The full range of forms with fee included on the forms are attached.
Additionally, Conditional Use requests and any inquires for Business License issues should be addressed to the Planning Staff.
Subdivision of Property/Plats
The Planning Department and the Sumter City-County Planning Commission reviews all changes to property boundaries (plats) for the City of Sumter and Sumter County. Plats are reviewed for compliance with zoning and subdivisions standards as published in the appropriate Zoning and Development Standards Ordinance.
Major subdivisions and major site plans require Planning Commission approval while the Staff does all minor subdivisions, site plans, and plats for approved major subdivisions.
In accordance with state and local laws, an approved and recorded plat is required before property may be sold or transferred. Plats may also be required for Building Permits and/or on-site wastewater (septic tank) installation approval.
Variances to subdivision regulations are considered by the Planning Commission and/or Planning Staff.
See
City and County Zoning and Development Standards Ordinances
.
Floodplain Management
Sumter has over 4,000 parcels and 90,000 acres in designated Special Flood Hazard areas (SFHA) that require special permitting actions.
The Zoning Administrator is the Floodplain Manager for the City and County of Sumter and is responsible for all actions associated with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Community Rating System (CRS).
The Planning Department houses and maintains the required FEMA documents and material including submitted elevation certificates, FIRM maps, LOMRs and other adjustments to the FIRMs, and digital maps to help citizens determine floodplain boundaries and required actions.
For information regarding floodplain administration, please contact Jeff Derwort, Zoning Administrator, at (803) 774-1611.
Mobile / Manufactured Home Placement and Installation Permits
The Sumter City-County Planning Department and the Sumter County Assessor's office issue the certifications and permits necessary to move and site a mobile / manufactured home in both the City of Sumter and Sumter County. (Modular Homes with proper documentation are permitted using the same procedures for site built homes).
A fact sheet covering key details on the process for move and installation is available by
clicking here.
The Planning Department issues a Placement Certification, the Building Department issues an Installation Permit, and the Tax Assessor issues a Moving Permit. All 3 approvals are required prior to moving a mobile / manufactured home to a new site in the City or County.
Contact the Planning Department at (803) 774-1660 or
[email protected]
with questions and to review site plans and parcel zoning.
Temporary Uses
Temporary Uses for Sumter City and County are controlled by the appropriate Zoning and Development Standards Ordinance and reviewed and permitted by the Planning Staff. All temporary use rules and guide lines are contained in
Article 5.c
of the Zoning Ordinances
. Fees for the different temporary uses are attached as part of the Planning Fees.
Early contact with the Planning Department Staff will answer all questions and help avoid major conflicts.
Signs
All signs are regulated by the City and County Zoning and Development Standards Ordinances. Most have permits and fees associated with them, while almost all have time, manner, and place rules.
Please contact Planning Staff as soon as possible with all questions relating to sign permits and fees.
Contact Info
12 W. Liberty Street
Sumter, SC 29150
Phone: (803) 774-1660
Fax: (803) 774-1687
[email protected]
Hours of Operation:
8:30am - 5:00pm
Active Planning Projects and Studies:
Historic Resource Survey of West End, Greater Hampton Park, and Mason Croft Neighborhoods
Key Publications:
SUMTER 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
2024 YEAR END REPORT
Additional Documents & Information:
Sumter County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
City of Sumter Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
2020-2025 Santee-Lynches Hazard Mitigation Plan: City of Sumter Mitigation Strategy Progress Analysis
2020-2025 Santee-Lynches Hazard Mitigation Plan: Sumter County Mitigation Strategy Progress Analysis
Fact Sheets for Commonly Asked Questions:
MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOME INSTALLATION
FOOD TRUCK PERMITTING
FENCE INSTALLATION
Flood Facts: Citizens Community Awareness Guide
Helpful Links
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
SC Department of Public Health (SCDPH)
SC Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)
SC Department of Transportation (SCDOT)
SC Dept of Labor & Licensing Regulations (SC LLR)
Sumter County Government
US Census Bureau
Pay My Utility Bill
Mayor and Council
Boards and Commissions
Council Meetings
Public Comment Form
Mayor
Mayor's Christmas Card Contest
City Council
Ordinances
Voting Wards & Elections
Departments
Administration
City Manager
Senior Staff
Office Locations
Partnerships
Sumter GREEN
growing GREEN Month
THE FALL FEAST
Fall Feast CHEF Registration
Join the Fall Feast Partners
Contribution Form
Aquatics Center
Fees & Pricing
Adult Programs
Swim Lessons
Swim Team
Lifeguard Programs
CPR Training
Pool Passes & Rentals
Building
Building FAQ
Building Forms & Applications
Building Permits
Code Interpretations
Business License
City Utilities
Account Services
How Billing Works
Your Water Meter
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Water Assistance Program
Drinking Water
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Water Plants
Sanitation
Electronic Waste
Yard Debris
Keep Sumter Clean
City/Municipal Court
Codes Enforcement
Litter Prevention
Cleaning Up Our Community
Liberty the Litter Pup
Litter-Smart Business Pledge
Sumter Litter Advisory Board
Sumter Pride Program
Community Development
Community Improvement
HOPE Centers
Historic Preservation
Housing Assistance
Program Funding
Youth Programs
First Serve Program
Youth Employment Program
Youth Hunting Take One Make One Program
Downtown Sumter
Join Our Mailing List
Boards & Committees
Downtown Businesses
Downtown Development
Commercial Properties
Façade Grant Program
Fourth Friday Concert Series
Sumter Opera House
Economic Development
Emergency Management
Finance
Annual Financial Reports
Monthly Financial Statements
Fire Department
Command Staff
Fire Marshal's Office
Fire Inspections
Community Participation
Fire Safety Tips
Recruiting & Training
Explorers Program
Training Division
History
Stations
Human Resources
Available Positions
Employment Application
News & Updates
Sign up for City Notifications
Freedom of Information Act
Mayor's Minute
Palmetto Tennis Center
About PTC
PTC TEAM
Philip L. Edwards Tennis Complex
Tennis Programs
Youth Programs
Adult Programs
Tennis Schedule
Sumter Tennis Association
Tournament Schedule
Serve First Open
USTA Palmetto Pro Open
Ball Runner Volunteers
Pickleball Programs
Sumter Pickleball Association
Parks & Gardens
Swan Lake Iris Gardens
Veteran's Park
Planning
2040 Comprehensive Plan
Board of Zoning Appeals
Design Review Board
Draft Unified Development Ordinance
Forms & Applications
Mapping Services
Ordinances
Planning Commission
Plans and Reports
Sumter Area Transportation Study
About Us
Safe Streets for Sumter
LRTP
Plans
Walk Bike Sumter
Policy Committee
Procurement
Projects
Connect378
Project Status
Public Meeting Info
Turkey Creek Greenway
Public Involvement
Police Department
Procurement
Frequently Asked Questions
Invitation to Bid
RFP / RFQ
Vendor Registration
Public Works
Tourism
Love Sumter
Calendar
Living Here
Community Resources
Education
Healthcare
Housing & Accommodations
Transportation
Utilities
Things to Do
Arts & Entertainment
Creative Canvas
Car-Bike Culture
Festivals & Events
Facility Rentals
City of Sumter Special Event Application
Community Calendar
Fantasy of Lights
Iris Festival
2026 Festival Schedule
Applications
Become a Sponsor
Education Day at the Iris Festival
History of the Iris Festival
Iris Festival FAQs
History & Heritage
African-American History
Historic Churches
Parks & Trails
Prisma Health Shot Pouch Greenway
Crosswalk Safety
Riley Park
Riley Park History
Schedule of Games
Sumter Track Trails
Swan Lake Iris Gardens
Butterfly & Chocolate Gardens
Fantasy of Lights
Gardens FAQ
Iris Festival
Recovery Wing
The Swans
Pet-friendly
Recreation
Aquatics Center
Palmetto Tennis Center
Shopping
Sumter Eats
Military Support
Military Land Protection
Veteran Resources
Visitors Center
Get Your HeY'all Insider's Guide
Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee
Business
Business License
Chamber of Commerce
Development Board
Smarter Growth Initiative
Sumter County Airport
Santee-Lynches COG
SC Department of Commerce
SC Works
Secretary of State's Office
Small Business Administration
Small Business Development
How Do I...
Apply for...
Attend a Council Meeting
Commercial Trash Pickup
Contact Code Enforcement
Contact the City of Sumter
Find City Office Hours
Find My Representative
Find a City Office Location
Obtain a Building Permit
Pay City Utilities
Pay Taxes
Pay a Traffic Ticket
Prepare for Emergencies
Rent a Facility
Report Litter
Residential Trash Pickup
Residential Yard Debris
Run for Mayor/Council
Search Property Cards
Search for Property
Search for a Deed
Start/Stop Water Service
View Area Maps
Volunteer
Vote
Services
City Utilities
Garbage Route Schedule
Fire Department
Police Department
Youth Programs
Development
Community Development
Planning and Zoning
Business License
Transportation Improvements
Ordinances
Engagement
Meetings and Agendas
Boards and Committees
City News & Updates
Military Support
Things to Do
Apply For..
Contact Us...