County Council makes policy decisions for Charleston County, as established in state law. Council's nine members serve four-year staggered terms and are elected from single member districts. County Council elects a Chair annually to act as its spokesperson and preside at its meetings. Councilmembers serve on a part-time basis and each member receives an annual salary of $20,738. The Council Chair receives an annual salary of $26,142 for the performance of extra duties. County Council generally meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month and holds committee meetings on the Thursday prior to the County Council meeting. County Council operates under the Rules of Council. In compliance with the S.C. Freedom of Information Act, all meetings are open to the public. Meeting agendas are posted in the lobby of the Lonnie Hamilton, III, Public Services Building, and sent to anyone who requests notice. To be added to County Council's notification list, please subscribe!

County Council serves as a link between county government and the citizens, municipalities, and agencies located within its boundaries, and also represents the area's concerns and interests when dealing with other local, state, federal, or international governments. Council is responsible for approving an annual budget to fund county operations, including the determination of any necessary taxes or fees.

Charleston County Government operates under the Council-Administrator form of government. County Council directly employs and supervises four employees of Charleston County Government: the Clerk of Council, the County Administrator, the County Attorney, and the Internal Auditor. The Clerk of Council is appointed to provide administrative support and maintain official records of County Council. The County Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the County. The County Attorney represents, advises, and advocates for Charleston County government, including County Council as well as the County’s various boards, commissions, elected officials, appointed officials, and employees acting in their governmental capacity. The Internal Auditor provides County Council with professional and independent evaluations of county activities. All other Charleston County employees report to and are supervised by the County Administrator or an elected or appointed official.

At this time, only Zoning & Planning Department related cases are collecting public input on this page.  To access the Engagement Portal and see the cases under Council consideration, please visit: engage.charlestoncounty.org/CouncilPortal

To submit public comments to County Council for matters NOT listed on the Engagement page above, please email public-comments@charlestoncounty.org.