The headline
Council denied a zoning map amendment that would have rezoned 60 acres on Wildwood Lane to allow for higher-density residential development. The 1-4 vote reflects a shift in policy as council members prioritize slowing growth and infrastructure strain in the Elgin and Lugoff areas ahead of a future comprehensive plan update.
60-Acre Rezoning at Wildwood Lane (2nd Reading):
Council rejected a rezoning request for 60 acres on Wildwood Lane from rural to low-density residential.
Development
Yes 1 · No 4
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How they voted
✓ 1 member voted yes✗ Derek Shoemake✗ Brant Tomlinson✗ 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
The proposal aimed to rezone approximately 60 acres located on Wildwood Lane and Watts Hill Road in Elgin from RD-2, Rural Resource District, to R-15, Low Density Residential. The applicant, Mark Taylor, intended to develop the property for residential use, citing issues with trespassing and vandalism as primary motivations for seeking the change to create a residential buffer. Although the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval, the request was denied by Council. The property has a history of failed rezoning efforts, with a similar request denied by Council in 2022. During the meeting, developers noted that while the property lacks public sewer, the proposed R-15 zoning would require half-acre lots due to well and septic constraints. Ultimately, the Council's 1-4 vote signaled a shift in policy, with members expressing a desire to limit high-density growth and infrastructure strain in the Lugoff and Elgin areas ahead of a comprehensive plan update.
FAILED For 1 · Against 4
Who said what
» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: questioned the developer regarding the specific housing plans for the site ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: requested clarification on whether the project aligned with the comprehensive plan ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: explained his hesitance to support new high-density rezonings until growth issues are addressed ▶︎Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
60-Acre Rezoning at Wildwood Lane (2nd Reading):
Council rejected a rezoning request for 60 acres on Wildwood Lane from rural to low-density residential.
Development
Yes 1 · No 4
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detailsless
How they voted
✓ 1 member voted yes✗ Derek Shoemake✗ Brant Tomlinson✗ 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
The proposal aimed to rezone approximately 60 acres located on Wildwood Lane and Watts Hill Road in Elgin from RD-2, Rural Resource District, to R-15, Low Density Residential. The applicant, Mark Taylor, intended to develop the property for residential use, citing issues with trespassing and vandalism as primary motivations for seeking the change to create a residential buffer. Although the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval, the request was denied by Council. The property has a history of failed rezoning efforts, with a similar request denied by Council in 2022. During the meeting, developers noted that while the property lacks public sewer, the proposed R-15 zoning would require half-acre lots due to well and septic constraints. Ultimately, the Council's 1-4 vote signaled a shift in policy, with members expressing a desire to limit high-density growth and infrastructure strain in the Lugoff and Elgin areas ahead of a comprehensive plan update.
FAILED For 1 · Against 4
Who said what
» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: questioned the developer regarding the specific housing plans for the site ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: requested clarification on whether the project aligned with the comprehensive plan ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: explained his hesitance to support new high-density rezonings until growth issues are addressed ▶︎
Minimum 15,000 Sq. Ft. Lot Size for Residential Development (2nd Reading):
Council passed an ordinance increasing the minimum residential lot size requirement to 15,000 square feet.
DevelopmentHousing
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 mandate a 15,000-square-foot minimum lot size for residential development. The measure is designed to address the rapid influx of high-density housing in the Elgin and West Wateree areas, which officials say has strained school capacity, roads, and sewer systems. By increasing the minimum lot size, the Council intends to promote more sustainable land use patterns and reduce the environmental impact of impervious surfaces. The ordinance applies to all zoning districts where residential use is permitted, effectively eliminating smaller, higher-density lot requirements (such as 6,000 or 10,000 square-foot options) previously allowed in some areas. This measure is part of a broader, ongoing policy effort to manage infrastructure demand as the county works toward a future comprehensive plan update.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Deletion of Conservation Design Zoning Districts (2nd Reading):
Council repealed the conservation design zoning provisions as they were deemed impractical and unused.
DevelopmentEnvironment
Yes 4 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ 4 members voted yes✗ Russell BrazellThe 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 removes the 'Conservation Design' district from the county's zoning regulations. Conservation design was originally intended to allow for higher density on a portion of a parcel if the developer designated at least 60 percent of the land as permanent open space. However, staff reported that the provisions were flawed, unachievable in practice, and had not been utilized by developers in the decade since their adoption. Council members noted that because these large-parcel developments often required access to public sewer - which is increasingly unavailable in the areas where such land exists - the current design standards were essentially moot. The repeal allows the county to clear the code of unused regulations while staff works with consultants to develop a more effective and sustainable model for land conservation in future code updates.
PASSED For 4 · Against 1
Correction of Site-Built Housing Categories in ZLDR (2nd Reading):
This ordinance corrects a technical error in the zoning code regarding triplex and quadruplex housing categories.
Housing
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 was brought forward as a technical cleanup measure for the Kershaw County Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations (ZLDR). The amendment specifically addresses a typographical error found in Section 3:1.3, Table 3-3, where housing categories were incorrectly listed. By passing this correction, the Council ensures the zoning table accurately reflects the intended regulations for triplex and quadruplex housing types. This was the second reading of the measure, following a first reading held on July 25, 2023. No controversy or debate occurred regarding this change, as it was treated as a routine administrative update to maintain the integrity of county land-use documentation. The passage of this ordinance ensures that developers and property owners have clear, accurate information when navigating local zoning requirements. This vote was approved unanimously.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Reduction of Manufactured Home Density to 3 per Acre (2nd Reading):
Council reduced the allowed density for manufactured home parks from six to three units per acre.
Development
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 lowers the permitted density for manufactured home parks from six units per acre to three units per acre. It also changes the status of manufactured housing parks in R-6 and General Development districts from a 'permitted use' to a 'conditional use.' The change is intended to align manufactured housing standards with the county's broader effort to limit high-density residential growth. By reducing the number of units allowed per acre, the council aims to reduce the load on local infrastructure, including septic systems and public roadways, in areas where such density was previously unrestricted.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Amendment to Joint County Industrial Park Agreement (1st Reading):
Council approved expanding the joint industrial park boundary to include the Pinnacle Precast property.
Jobs & economyParks & rec
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 approves the first reading of an amendment to the Joint County Industrial Park agreement between Kershaw and Fairfield Counties. The expansion brings a specific property, identified as the Pinnacle Precast facility located off Whiting Way, into the existing multi-county industrial park boundary. This administrative action follows commitments made in a previously approved Fee-in-Lieu-of-Tax (FILO) agreement with the company. Including the property in the joint park is a standard economic development procedure that provides the necessary framework for existing tax incentives.
PASSED (Unanimous). This adds the Pinnacle Precast property to the existing park
Appointment of Tanisha Jay to Health Service District Seat 1:
Council appointed Tanisha Jay to the Health Service District board for Seat 1.
Appointments
Yes 5 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ 5 members voted yes✗ K. GuinnThe 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
Council voted 5-1 to appoint Tanisha Jay to Seat 1 of the Health Service District of Kershaw County. This seat corresponds with the district of the nominating council member, Russell Brazell. Tanisha Jay has served on the board for the past two years, and this appointment secures her position for a new six-year term. The board oversees healthcare resources and initiatives in the county, and the appointment process is governed by state law, which mandates that seven board seats correspond to council districts, with two additional seats nominated by any member of the council.
PASSED For 5 · Against 1
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Council discussed the Recreation Master Plan, which features three preliminary options costing roughly $10 million each to upgrade facilities like the Larry Doby complex and Woodward Park. Administrator Danny Templar noted that these plans will undergo public input before a final decision is made. Council members also received an update on the Patriots Landing boat ramp and the status of the detention center study.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Resident Tom Webb III raised concerns regarding a 2017 ordinance that prohibits the solicitation of funds from motorists on public roadways and requested that council revisit the regulation to protect religious and charitable organizations.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- August 11, 3:00 p.m.: Finance Committee meeting in Room 207.
- August 11, 6:00 p.m.: Football jamboree at North Central High School.
- August 11 (scheduled): Town Hall meeting at Blaney Baptist Church to discuss growth and community issues.
- August 22: The next council meeting will include nominations for Health Service District Seats 3 and 8, as well as additional board and commission appointments.
Independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.