The COG's Planning Services Department is involved in a wide array of activities, from developing long-range transportation objectives for the region, to supervising efforts to keep our waterways free of pollutants.  The department participates in virtually every major planning endeavor of regional significance.  In some programs, the COG plays a small role by having its staff serve on various committees.  In other projects, such as the comprehensive planning processes in Berkeley and Dorchester Counties, the COG acted as the primary facilitator and coordinated most activities.

Although the actions of the COG's planning staff members overlap from time to time, their tasks can usually be broken down into several distinct categories.

• Water Quality Management

• Air Quality

• Transportation Planning

• Urban Planning

• Mapping and GIS

The BCDCOG is designated by the state as both the area-wide planning agency for water pollution reduction and the staff for metropolitan transportation planning and public involvement.  In addition, local governments and non-profit organizations regularly enlist the COG to help conduct studies to prepare plans. 

One of the fastest growing roles of the BCDCOG is Land Use Planning. The COG has long been involved in the development of area wide strategies, but it's Planning Services Department has recently gained an unprecedented importance in local planning. These efforts are focused on two specific areas, comprehensive planning and land use regulations.

Under the 1994 S.C. Local Government Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act, all counties and municipalities with land use regulations had to have comprehensive plans in place by May 4, 1999. These plans, which contain seven distinct elements -- population, economics, natural resources, cultural resources, community facilities, housing and land use -- are aimed at managing future growth and preserving community identity.  The BCDCOG is facilitating updates or has completed such plans for several local governments including:

• Dorchester County

• Berkeley County

• Town of Summerville

• Town of Hollywood

• Town of Sullivan's Island

• Town of Harleyville

• Town of Ridgeville

• Town of St. George

• Town of Folly Beach

• Town of Seabrook Island

• City of Goose Creek

The BCDCOG will be hosting the following APA Webcasts. All webcasts run from 1-2:30pm and are shown in the BCD Council of Governments conference room with an MASC approved facilitator so board and commission members can earn required continuing education credits.

• July 9, 2010 - Land Use Law

• August 13, 2010 - Wind and Utility Corridors

• September 3, 2010 - Planning Law

• September 10, 2010 - Economic Development

Click here to register for the webcasts