Scenic Corridors and Open Space

About the Program

Category: Planning (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

Prior to January 2010, the Lexington County Landscape Ordinance only covered the developing urban and suburban portions of the county. When the ordinance did pass, one of the most comprehensive aesthetic projects in the history of the county was completed. It successfully addressed the preservation of trees in residential subdivisions through mandated open space, the business failure of golf courses serving as an amenity to residential development, the creation of 254 miles of scenic corridors, the compatibility of sign regulations when property is annexed by a municipality, the responsible and aesthetic use of digital technology in signs and the expansion of the Landscape Ordinance countywide. However, the most important aspect of the entire project is the flexibility of both the Zoning Ordinance and the newly named Landscape and Open Space Ordinance that allows Lexington County to personalize the implementation of these restrictions to fit the geography, vegetation, personality and character of the wide variety of regions in our 755 square-mile county. This is done by selecting the specific aspects of both ordinances that will apply in each area and designating scenic corridors from three very different options.