The headline
Council passes a 12-month moratorium on data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations. Council members approved the temporary ban to allow time for the county to study the environmental and infrastructure impacts of these facilities and to develop appropriate zoning regulations. The decision follows months of public input regarding concerns over water usage, energy consumption, and lack of existing regulatory frameworks.
Temporary Moratorium on Data Centers and Cryptocurrency Mining (1st Reading):
Council passed a 12-month moratorium on new data centers and crypto mining to allow for regulatory study.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance establishes a 12-month temporary moratorium on the acceptance and review of applications for zoning, construction, and site plans for data centers, data processing facilities, and cryptocurrency mining operations in Kershaw County. The measure was initiated because the current Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations lacks specific definitions and oversight mechanisms for these power-intensive industries. Council members expressed concerns over the significant impact such facilities may have on local water supplies, electrical grids, and environmental quality. By pausing these developments, the county gains the necessary time to work with the Planning Commission, consultants, and legal experts to craft appropriate zoning amendments. The ordinance also invokes the Pending Ordinance Doctrine, meaning any new applications are effectively halted upon the first reading. Council will now move toward third reading, with potential future resolutions available if the county decides to extend the moratorium beyond the initial year.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Jimmy Jones Council Member: praised the council for implementing the moratorium to ensure proper regulations are in place. ▶︎» Danny Catoe Council Member: agreed that the moratorium is a necessary step to develop strict, appropriate local regulations. ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: supported the moratorium as a way for the county to proactively manage industrial development. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: expressed openness to implementing guardrails for new technology and industry types. ▶︎Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Temporary Moratorium on Data Centers and Cryptocurrency Mining (1st Reading):
Council passed a 12-month moratorium on new data centers and crypto mining to allow for regulatory study.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance establishes a 12-month temporary moratorium on the acceptance and review of applications for zoning, construction, and site plans for data centers, data processing facilities, and cryptocurrency mining operations in Kershaw County. The measure was initiated because the current Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations lacks specific definitions and oversight mechanisms for these power-intensive industries. Council members expressed concerns over the significant impact such facilities may have on local water supplies, electrical grids, and environmental quality. By pausing these developments, the county gains the necessary time to work with the Planning Commission, consultants, and legal experts to craft appropriate zoning amendments. The ordinance also invokes the Pending Ordinance Doctrine, meaning any new applications are effectively halted upon the first reading. Council will now move toward third reading, with potential future resolutions available if the county decides to extend the moratorium beyond the initial year.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Jimmy Jones Council Member: praised the council for implementing the moratorium to ensure proper regulations are in place. ▶︎» Danny Catoe Council Member: agreed that the moratorium is a necessary step to develop strict, appropriate local regulations. ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: supported the moratorium as a way for the county to proactively manage industrial development. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: expressed openness to implementing guardrails for new technology and industry types. ▶︎
Directional Signs for Hospital and Medical Facilities (1st Reading):
This amendment allows hospitals to install off-premise directional signage without it counting as advertising.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance amends the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations to permit hospitals and medical facilities to install off-premise directional signs in unincorporated areas of Kershaw County. Previously, medical facility signage was restricted to the property where the facility was physically located. The new language allows for specific signage - up to 12 square feet in area and 8 feet in height - that provides essential navigation for the public. A key amendment added during the Planning Commission's review, and supported by Council, ensures these signs contain only directional information and are not used as promotional advertising for the facilities. This clarifies that while the signs help citizens locate healthcare, they are not intended to create a landscape of commercial billboards.
PASSED (Unanimous). This amendment allows for off-premise directional signage while prohibiting the signs from being used for advertising
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake Council Member: explained that the Planning Commission amendments ensure signs remain purely directional and not promotional. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: thanked staff and the planning commission for their work in addressing constituent complaints about hospital signage. ▶︎
Subdivision Plat Note Requirements (1st Reading):
The ordinance mandates plat notes identifying if properties are part of a Larger Common Plan.
DevelopmentWater & sewer
Yes 5 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ 5 members voted yes✗ Jimmy JonesThe meeting video recorded this as a vote count without naming each member individually; the member-by-member roll is added automatically once the county posts the official minutes.
What this was about
This ordinance amends the zoning code to require specific notes on subdivision plats regarding the Larger Common Plan (LCP) status for stormwater permitting. The goal is to provide transparency to prospective property buyers, ensuring they understand that land disturbance on a parcel may trigger state-level stormwater permitting requirements through the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services. While current zoning codes grant certain exemptions for small subdivisions, these lots are not exempt from environmental discharge rules if they are part of a larger, multi-phase development. By mandating these notes on plats, the county aims to prevent future lot owners from being blindsided by unexpected and costly engineering requirements when they attempt to build. Council members debated the complexity of these federal and state definitions, ultimately deciding to move the measure forward to ensure greater consumer protection in real estate transactions.
PASSED For 5 · Against 1. This ordinance requires plat notes regarding "Larger Common Plan" status for stormwater permitting to ensure purchasers are informed of future requirements
Fire Hydrant Requirements for Subdivisions (1st Reading):
This update streamlines fire hydrant requirements, providing relief for smaller subdivisions while maintaining safety.
DevelopmentEMS & fire
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance amends the fire protection and water infrastructure requirements for subdivisions, providing relief for minor subdivisions (five lots or fewer) that previously faced rigid installation rules. The new language directs developers to obtain a determination letter from the local water district to verify infrastructure proximity and capacity. For major subdivisions (six or more lots), the ordinance provides clear mitigation options, such as extending water lines if they are within 2,000 feet of a property boundary, or installing internal fire flow systems. This change is designed to be more cost-effective for smaller developments while ensuring the Kershaw County Fire Marshal has accurate data for ISO compliance and emergency planning. Council members noted that this approach balances the need for fire safety with the economic reality of smaller, rural housing projects.
PASSED (Unanimous). This update clarifies fire hydrant requirements for major and minor subdivisions, providing relief for smaller developments while maintaining fire safety standards
Multi-County Park Agreement with Lancaster County (2nd Reading):
Council approved the second reading of a multi-county industrial park agreement with Lancaster County.
Parks & rec
Yes 4 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ 4 members voted yes✗ Russell Brazell✗ Danny CatoeThe meeting video recorded this as a vote count without naming each member individually; the member-by-member roll is added automatically once the county posts the official minutes.
What this was about
This ordinance authorizes a Multi-County Park Agreement (MCPA) between Kershaw County and Lancaster County, establishing a joint industrial park located within Kershaw County’s geographic boundaries. MCPAs are a common economic development tool in South Carolina that allow counties to offer fee-in-lieu-of-tax (FILOT) incentives to businesses while sharing a small percentage of tax revenue with the neighboring county. This agreement serves to promote regional economic cooperation and competitiveness. The property currently included in the park consists of several parcels registered under BRNG LLC. This vote represents the second reading of the agreement; it will require a final third reading and a public hearing before it is finalized.
PASSED For 4 · Against 2
County Human Resources Policy Updates (New Business):
Council approved updates to HR policies, including new Sick Leave Bank and Paid Parental Leave provisions.
Yes 4 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ 4 members voted yes✗ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy JonesThe meeting video recorded this as a vote count without naming each member individually; the member-by-member roll is added automatically once the county posts the official minutes.
What this was about
This vote approves a package of updates to the Kershaw County Personnel Manual, specifically introducing a Sick Leave Bank and a Paid Parental Leave policy. The Sick Leave Bank is designed to protect employees from financial hardship during catastrophic or prolonged illnesses by allowing them to draw from a collective pool of donated leave, provided they have exhausted their own accrued sick and annual time. The Paid Parental Leave policy offers six weeks of paid leave to full-time employees following the birth, adoption, or foster-to-adopt placement of a child. These policies are intended to make Kershaw County a more competitive employer, aiding in the recruitment and retention of high-quality staff. Council members noted that the initiatives are largely revenue-neutral and align the county with modern workplace standards for employee welfare.
PASSED For 4 · Against 2. These updates include new policies for a Sick Leave Bank and Paid Parental Leave
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Gladiator Boxing / KC Elite Training Center: Representatives presented a proposal for a youth mentorship and crime prevention initiative centered on boxing and wrestling. Council directed them to the finance committee for future budget discussions.
- Flock Safety Cameras: Councilman Tomlinson provided a brief update on the use of automated license plate readers, noting that the Sheriff will present a formal report on the technology at the next meeting.
- Boat Ramp Extension: Councilman Brazell discussed ongoing delays in repairing the boat ramp, noting that low water levels provide a critical window for repairs that is being missed.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Eight speakers addressed the council, with the majority voicing strong support for the data center moratorium due to concerns regarding water pressure and energy infrastructure. Other speakers requested increased transparency regarding development projects in the Bethune area, voiced concerns over potential misuse of Flock safety cameras, and questioned the necessity of new data center construction in light of existing global and domestic facility counts.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Sheriff’s Presentation: A report on Flock Safety camera policy and operations is scheduled for the next meeting.
- Budget Cycle: Future funding requests, including those for the KC Elite Training Center, will be reviewed by the finance committee in the next budget cycle.
Independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.