Georgetown County may soon have ordinances governing outdoor shooting ranges and outdoor displays of goods.

Planning Director Boyd Johnson said someone approached the county about building an outdoor shooting range in a “general commercial” zoning district and that’s when staff discovered that outdoor ranges were not included in any zoning ordinances.

“If it’s not listed it’s not allowed,” Johnson said.

The proposed ordinance wouldn’t allow outdoor ranges in general commercial districts, and would require them to be on at least 3 acres, and be at least a half mile from homes, schools, churches and parks.

Johnson said the he sent the proposal to the National Rifle Association to get some input.

Another thing not currently covered in zoning ordinances is outdoor displays of goods.

After complaints from residents about car dealers parking vehicles in rights-of-way, county staff called several dealers and asked that the vehicles be removed. Some complied, some did not. It was then that staff realized there were no ordinances to be enforced.

The proposed ordinance would require goods to be displayed on the owner’s property, and at least 10 feet from the property line.

Both proposals were discussed at the Georgetown County Planning Commission meeting last week and now go to County Council.

In other business:

• The Planning Commission approved three street names: Banister Lane in Choppee, Silver Bullet Court in Andrews, and White Bear Court in Pleasant Hill.

• Rezoning requests from Three Island Girls and Colony Partners were withdrawn.

Three Island Girls wants to rezone .6 acres on the North Causeway in Pawleys Island.

Colony Partners wants to rezone 21 acres on U.S. Highway 17 near Denny Drive in Pawleys Island.

Johnson expects Colony Partners to amend its plans and resubmit them.

By Chris Sokoloski

csokoloski@gtowntimes.com