The headline
Council approves moratorium on new development in Airport Overlay District. In a 5-1 vote, the Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to implement a six-month moratorium on new development submissions and zoning map amendments within the Airport Overlay District. The measure is designed to allow the county time to update its zoning regulations and ensure that future land use remains compatible with the long-term safety and operational needs of Woodward Field.
Moratorium on development in the Airport Overlay District (1st Reading):
Council approved a six-month moratorium on new development and zoning changes near Woodward Field airport.
Development
Yes 5 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Danny Catoe✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Russell BrazellWhat this was about
This ordinance implements a six-month moratorium on all new development submissions and zoning map amendments within the Airport Overlay District to protect the long-term operational viability of Woodward Field. The measure comes as the county works to update its 2017-2027 Comprehensive Plan and rewrite its zoning regulations for the airport area, incorporating updated Federal Aviation Administration and South Carolina Aeronautics Commission safety standards. Council identified that current development pressures near the airport could lead to incompatible land uses that might jeopardize future FAA funding. This is the first reading of the ordinance, which effectively pauses new applications through January 9, 2025, with a potential extension to April 9, 2025. The moratorium does not affect projects that have already received county approval. County officials emphasize that this measure ensures safety and preserves the airport as a critical economic asset for the region. A public hearing for the ordinance is set for July 23, 2024.
PASSED For 5 · Against 1
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake Council Member: Explained that the moratorium allows the county to pause and refine its growth strategy for the airport area. ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: Noted that protecting the airport from incompatible land use is essential for maintaining critical infrastructure and federal grant eligibility. ▶︎» Danny Templar Presenter: Explained that the moratorium prevents residential expansion that would interfere with critical FAA safety zones and flight paths. ▶︎» John DuBose Presenter: Clarified that the moratorium has a built-in expiration date but can be extended if necessary to complete the zoning rewrite. ▶︎Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Proclamation honoring The Legacy Weekend for William “Shorty” Williams Family (None):
Council honored the William Williams family of Knights Hill with a proclamation for their upcoming family reunion.
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
Council issued a proclamation recognizing the William 'Shorty' Williams family and their 'Legacy Weekend' reunion scheduled for July 19-21, 2024. The family has been a part of the Knights Hill community since the early 1800s, with roots spanning six generations. The recognition highlights the family's deep ties to Kershaw County and celebrates their efforts to gather descendants from across the country.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Resolution for Gregory “GG” Jackson II (None):
Council recognized Camden native and professional basketball player Gregory Jackson II for his achievements and philanthropy.
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
The Council formally recognized Gregory 'GG' Jackson II for his professional success in basketball and his commitment to the local youth. Jackson, a Camden native, attended the Jackson Teen Center and demonstrated significant academic and athletic success before being drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies. The resolution specifically honors his philanthropic 'Groom and Grind Day' event, which provides school supplies and resources to students while promoting anti-bullying efforts.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Approval of minutes (None):
Council voted to approve the minutes of the June 25, 2024, regular meeting.
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
The Council formally approved the minutes from the previous regular meeting held on June 25, 2024. These records document the proceedings of the budget process, various zoning discussions, and public comments from that session.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Amendment to Unified Code of Zoning regarding RV park impervious surface ratios (2nd Reading):
Council updated the zoning code to allow a 35% impervious surface ratio for campgrounds and RV parks.
DevelopmentParks & 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 amends the Kershaw County Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations to increase the maximum allowed impervious surface ratio for campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks from 15% to 35%. The amendment brings Kershaw County’s standards in line with those of neighboring jurisdictions, helping local business owners remain economically competitive. The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the proposal on June 10, 2024, and unanimously recommended its approval. The measure is designed to give small businesses more flexibility in developing their sites while maintaining responsible drainage and environmental standards. As this was the second reading, the measure passed with unanimous support from the Council members present. It will now move toward final adoption in a subsequent meeting.
PASSED (Unanimous). This update allows for a 35% impervious surface ratio for campgrounds and RV parks
Amendment to Zoning Land and Development Regulations regarding major subdivision residential density (2nd Reading):
Council moved to limit high-density residential uses to 10% of the net developable acreage in major subdivisions.
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 Kershaw County Zoning and Land Development Regulations to cap the acreage for townhomes, patio homes, and multifamily apartment complexes at 10% of the net developable acreage in any new major subdivision. The goal is to slow the rapid pace of high-density residential growth, which Council argues could overburden existing public infrastructure and services. While the Planning Commission previously forwarded an unfavorable recommendation, citing concerns that it might disincentivize diverse housing options, the Council voted to proceed with the second reading. The measure is part of a broader county effort, following earlier ordinances, to manage residential density and maintain the character of local neighborhoods. This policy specifically excludes infrastructure and environmental buffers from the calculation, focusing only on the usable developable land within a project site.
PASSED (Unanimous). This limits townhomes, patio homes, and multifamily uses to 10% of the net developable acreage in major subdivisions
Moratorium on development in the Airport Overlay District (1st Reading):
Council approved a six-month moratorium on new development and zoning changes near Woodward Field airport.
Development
Yes 5 · No 1
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detailsless
How they voted
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Danny Catoe✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Russell BrazellWhat this was about
This ordinance implements a six-month moratorium on all new development submissions and zoning map amendments within the Airport Overlay District to protect the long-term operational viability of Woodward Field. The measure comes as the county works to update its 2017-2027 Comprehensive Plan and rewrite its zoning regulations for the airport area, incorporating updated Federal Aviation Administration and South Carolina Aeronautics Commission safety standards. Council identified that current development pressures near the airport could lead to incompatible land uses that might jeopardize future FAA funding. This is the first reading of the ordinance, which effectively pauses new applications through January 9, 2025, with a potential extension to April 9, 2025. The moratorium does not affect projects that have already received county approval. County officials emphasize that this measure ensures safety and preserves the airport as a critical economic asset for the region. A public hearing for the ordinance is set for July 23, 2024.
PASSED For 5 · Against 1
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake Council Member: Explained that the moratorium allows the county to pause and refine its growth strategy for the airport area. ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: Noted that protecting the airport from incompatible land use is essential for maintaining critical infrastructure and federal grant eligibility. ▶︎» Danny Templar Presenter: Explained that the moratorium prevents residential expansion that would interfere with critical FAA safety zones and flight paths. ▶︎» John DuBose Presenter: Clarified that the moratorium has a built-in expiration date but can be extended if necessary to complete the zoning rewrite. ▶︎
Executive Session exit and meeting adjournment:
Council held an executive session regarding pending litigation and then adjourned the meeting.
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
Council entered an executive session to receive legal advice regarding pending litigation, as permitted under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. Following the session, the members returned to the public meeting and promptly voted to adjourn at 7:06 p.m.
PASSED (Unanimous, 4-0)
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Equine Committee update: Councilman Brant Tomlinson reported that draft ordinances and applications for the joint City/County Equine Committee are currently under review by staff, with a goal to bring them before the Council for a vote within the next two months.
- Clean Community Commission funding: Vice Chairman Jimmy Jones expressed an interest in increasing financial support for the Clean Community Commission, proposing that the administration evaluate funding options to bolster local litter prevention efforts.
- 911 Services: Administrator Danny Templar confirmed that a temporary network provider issue affecting 911 connections was resolved and thanked the community for sharing the emergency alert.
- GIS Software: The county announced the launch of "qPublic," a new web-based GIS platform, effective July 10.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Ted Brunson: Provided information on moratorium processes used in other South Carolina counties and requested better coordination between City and County meeting schedules.
- Linda Canatzar: Discussed the regional landscape of state-owned equine facilities and highlighted the economic impact of the South Carolina Equine Park in Kershaw County.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Moratorium Ordinance Public Hearing: Scheduled for July 23, 2024.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.