The headline
Council members approved a six-month moratorium on new development and zoning map amendments within the Airport Overlay District to allow time for a comprehensive review of land use regulations. This temporary pause aims to protect Woodward Field from incompatible growth while staff and consultants revise the county's zoning code and comprehensive plan.
Case 24-19 Zoning Amendment for Camps and RV Parks (3rd Reading):
This ordinance increases the maximum impervious surface ratio for RV parks and camps to 35 percent.
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
Council approved a text amendment to the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations regarding camps and recreational vehicle parks. Specifically, the ordinance raises the maximum allowable impervious surface ratio - the limit on surfaces like concrete, asphalt, and rooftops that do not absorb water - from 15 percent to 35 percent for these sites. The change was requested by a local park owner, Christopher Renfroe, to allow for project site improvements while remaining competitive with neighboring jurisdictions and other commercial property standards in the county. The Planning Commission previously recommended approval in a 5-0 vote, and the measure saw no public opposition during the hearing. Councilman Derek Shoemake explained that this adjustment provides flexibility for business growth while maintaining enough pervious space to prevent excessive stormwater runoff. This ordinance is effective immediately upon this third and final reading.
PASSED (Unanimous). This amendment increases the maximum impervious surface ratio to 35 percent for these sites
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Adoption of Agenda (as amended):
Council approved the meeting agenda after removing a New Business item and adding an Executive Session.
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 adopted the meeting agenda for the July 23, 2024, session. During the process, County Administrator Danny Templar requested the removal of Item 10 under New Business, stating the matter was no longer an issue requiring discussion. Additionally, the Council voted to add an Executive Session to the end of the meeting to address two personnel matters and one legal matter. These amendments were approved unanimously by the Council members present. The adoption ensures the meeting proceeds in an orderly fashion while addressing time-sensitive administrative needs. This routine procedural step allows the Council to remain flexible in its scheduling and address emerging operational priorities.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Resolution Acknowledging Public Safety Telecommunications Officers as First Responders:
Council recognized 911 dispatchers and telecommunications officers as first responders in county policy.
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 resolution formally designates Kershaw County’s public safety telecommunications officers as first responders, ensuring they receive the same recognition in county policy as law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel. The measure emphasizes the critical nature of their work, noting that these officers provide life-saving instructions during emergency calls, manage high-stress incidents, and face emotional trauma similar to those on the scene. Councilman Danny Catoe, who introduced the measure, shared a personal experience regarding the vital role dispatchers played during his career in law enforcement, highlighting the emotional toll of the profession. The resolution acknowledges that the advent of Next Generation 911 technology subjects these officers to increasingly graphic visual and audio evidence, justifying their need for professional support and parity. The move was met with unanimous approval from the Council, followed by a ceremonial presentation and photo opportunity with dispatch staff present in the chambers to show appreciation for their service to the community.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Danny Catoe Council Member: stressed that dispatchers deserve the same recognition and benefits as other emergency personnel because they are the first line of defense. ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: praised dispatchers for their ability to remain calm and provide essential support to responders in the field during high-stress situations. ▶︎» Ben Connell Chairman: noted that the telecommunications role is the heartbeat of the public safety system. ▶︎
Approval of Minutes (July 9, 2024):
Council approved the minutes from the July 9, 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 reviewed and approved the official minutes from the July 9, 2024, regular meeting. These records serve as the official historical account of the Council's previous deliberations, votes, and administrative actions. Assistant County Administrator Lauren Reeder prepared the minutes for submission. The motion for approval was made by Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. and seconded by Councilman Danny Catoe, receiving unanimous support from the members present. Maintaining accurate records is a vital function of the Council to ensure transparency and accountability to the public. The approval of these minutes verifies that the information captured during the previous assembly is correct and ready for permanent filing.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Case 24-19 Zoning Amendment for Camps and RV Parks (3rd Reading):
This ordinance increases the maximum impervious surface ratio for RV parks and camps to 35 percent.
DevelopmentParks & rec
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council approved a text amendment to the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations regarding camps and recreational vehicle parks. Specifically, the ordinance raises the maximum allowable impervious surface ratio - the limit on surfaces like concrete, asphalt, and rooftops that do not absorb water - from 15 percent to 35 percent for these sites. The change was requested by a local park owner, Christopher Renfroe, to allow for project site improvements while remaining competitive with neighboring jurisdictions and other commercial property standards in the county. The Planning Commission previously recommended approval in a 5-0 vote, and the measure saw no public opposition during the hearing. Councilman Derek Shoemake explained that this adjustment provides flexibility for business growth while maintaining enough pervious space to prevent excessive stormwater runoff. This ordinance is effective immediately upon this third and final reading.
PASSED (Unanimous). This amendment increases the maximum impervious surface ratio to 35 percent for these sites
Case 24-21 Subdivision Residential Density Cap (3rd Reading):
Major subdivisions are now limited to 10 percent residential attached housing, such as townhomes and apartments.
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 zoning regulations to cap the concentration of high-density housing within major residential subdivisions. Specifically, single-family attached units, townhomes, patio homes, and multifamily apartments may no longer comprise more than 10 percent of the net developable acreage of a major subdivision. The measure serves as part of the county's ongoing effort to manage rapid residential growth and prevent local infrastructure from becoming overburdened. While the Planning Commission previously forwarded an unfavorable recommendation, citing concerns that it might disincentivize mixed housing types, the Council moved forward with the amendment to prioritize infrastructure stability. Councilman Russell Brazell, who supported the final reading, framed the ordinance as a necessary measure to ensure sustainable growth patterns. This final vote concludes the legislative process for this density cap, which is intended to balance housing diversity with the county's ability to maintain public services.
PASSED (Unanimous). This limits townhomes, patio homes, and multifamily uses to 10 percent of the net developable acreage in major subdivisions
Moratorium on Airport Overlay District Applications (2nd Reading):
Council imposed a six-month moratorium on new development and zoning changes near the airport.
Development
Yes 5 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ Russell BrazellWhat this was about
In a 5-1 vote, Council approved a six-month moratorium on the acceptance and processing of new zoning map amendments and development applications within the Airport Overlay District. The freeze, which lasts until January 9, 2025, is intended to pause new projects near Woodward Field while the county completes a comprehensive rewrite of its land use and zoning regulations. The goal is to align local ordinances with Federal Aviation Administration guidelines to protect the airport from incompatible uses - such as schools or high-density housing - that could jeopardize flight operations or airport safety. Councilman Brant Tomlinson stated that the measure is a temporary, proactive step to ensure the county manages future growth responsibly. Councilman Russell Brazell voted against the moratorium, citing concern for individual property owners, such as a local church with ongoing expansion plans that may be caught in the regulatory pause. The ordinance is slated for a third reading on August 13.
PASSED For 5 · Against 1. Councilman Brazell noted concerns regarding the impact on property owners, such as a local church planning an expansion
Who said what
» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: noted the moratorium is a temporary tool to allow the county to rewrite its comprehensive plan and protect the airport. ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: supported the moratorium due to its temporary nature and the need to protect the long-term viability of the airport. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: expressed concern that the broad nature of the moratorium unfairly impacts property owners who were already in the development process. ▶︎
Routine Housekeeping (Executive Session entry/exit, Adjournment):
Council held an executive session for personnel and legal matters before adjourning 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
The Council entered an Executive Session at 7:12 p.m. to discuss two personnel matters and one legal matter, as permitted by the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. Members returned from the closed session at 7:42 p.m., with Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. confirming that no votes were taken and no action was required during the private discussion. Following the return to open session, the Council moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:43 p.m. This process allows the Council to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive legal and personnel issues while upholding the public's right to see the body conduct its final business. Routine housekeeping ensures that the meeting concludes in accordance with state law and established Council procedures.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Council members discussed the ongoing county zoning and comprehensive plan rewrite process, emphasizing the need for future public input and the potential formation of an ad hoc committee to facilitate community feedback. The Administrator provided updates on IT infrastructure repairs following a recent outage, ongoing repairs to dirt roads, and timelines for recreational facility projects, including the new boat ramp at Veterans Park.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Several residents addressed the Council regarding recent growth. Comments included concerns over housing density in the Village of Boulware, the history and importance of preserving equine and airport heritage, the construction quality of large-scale residential developers, and general opposition to the current litter ordinance as an infringement on private property rights.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- August 13, 2024: Scheduled Council meeting where the Airport Overlay District moratorium is expected to move toward its final reading.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.