One of the most overlooked ways a civic-minded Spartanburg resident can choose to get involved in shaping the future of our city is by serving on one of the city boards and commissions.
Maybe you’re a local architect interested in helping to preserve historic homes, or a local cycling enthusiast who’d like to have a say in expanding opportunities for our citizens to get active. Perhaps you’re a member of one of the city’s neighborhood watch organizations, and you’d like to help influence crime prevention efforts citywide.
Whatever the case, odds are there’s a city board and commission that could use your input, and with a total of 25 vacancies, now would be a great time to step up and help us continue to improve our great city.
Check out some of the great opportunities to serve listed below, and contact the City Clerk Connie McIntyre by email at [email protected] or by phone at (864) 596-2019 if you would like to apply for one of the open board or commission positions
Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee — 4 vacancies (2 eligible for reappointment if desired)
Term: 4 years
Purpose: To make recommendations to City Council on the expenditure of revenues generated from the Accommodations Tax. A majority of the members must be selected from the hospitality industry. Two of these members must be from the lodging industry. One member shall represent the cultural organizations of the City.
Meetings: On call as required
Alcohol & Drug Abuse Commission — 4 vacancies (all eligible for reappointment if desired)
Term: 5 years
Purpose: Established by City Council & County Council to serve as Approval Board for all activities of the Commission. Participates in planning procedures by giving advice from professional, administrative & financial experience.
Membership: Ten members – City Council appoints five members & County Council appoints five members.
Meetings: Once per quarter on the fourth Monday of the month (February, May, August and November)
Board of Architectural Design and Historic Review — 2 vacancies (1 eligible for reappointment if desired)
Term: 3 years with no member serving more than two consecutive terms. Former members may be reappointed after the expiration of two years. Members must be residents of the City of Spartanburg.
Purpose: The Board is responsible for administering and enforcing the provisions of the Architectural Design & Historic Review Ordinance of the City of Spartanburg dated March 6, 1995
Membership: This is a nine member board comprised of persons who have demonstrated civic interest and have general knowledge of and interest in history and historic preservation. At least four members shall be citizens who are knowledgeable in one of the following disciplines: archeology, architecture, landscape architecture, American history, urban planning, engineering, environmental science, law, banking or real estate. A historian and professional architect will serve at all times. None of the voting members may hold any other public office or position in the City. Members must be residents of the City of Spartanburg.
Meetings: Second Thursday of every month
Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals — 1 vacancy
Term: 3 years
Purpose: To hear appeals from decisions of the Building Inspections Department and the Fire Division of the City of Spartanburg. The Board shall be comprised of individuals with knowledge and experience in the technical codes such as design professionals, contractors or building industry representatives. Two such board members should consist of one member at large from the building industry and one member at large from the public.
Meetings: On-call as requested.
Design Review Board — 1 vacancy
Term: 3 years.
Purpose: to make advisory opinions to the Planning Director (if requested) on all projects proposed for construction or alteration under the purview of this Code; to make final determinations on the compliance of all new construction applications in DT-6, along those frontages designated as Required Shopfront (Section 4.2), and for all lots 2 acres or greater.
Membership: A five member Board, which members should be residents of the City of Spartanburg or have a significant business interest in the City of Spartanburg. The majority of the members of this board shall have an expertise in building design and construction (e.g. architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, construction).
Meetings: First Tuesday of every month. Special called meetings as needed.
Hospitality Tax Committee — 2 vacancies (both eligible for reappointment if desired)
Term: 3 years
Purpose: To review grant applications and make recommendations to City Council on the expenditure of revenues generated from the City’s Hospitality Taxl. Members must be residents of the city of Spartanburg. The Committee consists of five members appointed by City Council and two members of City Council appointed by the Mayor.
Meetings: On-call as needed
Housing Board of Adjustment and Appeals — 3 vacancies (1 eligible for reappointment if desired)
Term: 3 years
Purpose: To hear appeals from decisions of the Code Enforcement division of the Community Services Department regarding housing code and nuisance ordinance violations.
Membership: A five member board appointed by City Council.
Meetings: On call as needed
Planning Commission — 2 vacancies (2 eligible for reappointment if desired)
Term: 4 years
Purpose: Reviews rezoning petitions, subdivision plats and text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. The commission also prepares and updates the Comprehensive Plan of the City.
Membership: A seven member board. Members must be residents of the City of Spartanburg.
Meetings: Third Thursday of each month
Public Safety Committee — 2 vacancies (1 eligible for reappointment if desired)
Term: 3 years
Purpose: To assist in development, promotion, and support the programs and efforts of the Public Safety departments of the City of Spartanburg.
Membership: Twelve members who must be residents of the City.
Meetings: First Monday of the month from September to May, as well as special meetings.
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium Commission — 2 vacancies
Term: 4 years
Purpose: Act 196 SC General Assembly 1995-96
Membership: Two members appointed by City Council
Board of Zoning and Appeals — 2 vacancies (both eligible for reappointment if desired)
Term: 3 years
Purpose: Provides a forum for appeal for any persons that are aggrieved by the zoning administrator or those who are seeking a variance of special exception to the requirements of the zoning ordinance.
Membership: Seven member board. Members must be residents of the City of Spartanburg.
Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month
Prepared by the City of Spartanburg.