Council enacted a temporary moratorium on major subdivisions and approved new impact fees for growth-related infrastructure
In a significant shift for county development policy, the council voted to restrict new major subdivision applications while implementing development impact fees to fund future infrastructure needs. These measures aim to manage growth pressures within the county, with the moratorium now covering subdivisions of more than five lots.
9 votes9 passed4 split
The vote behind the headline
Temporary Moratorium on Subdivision Applications (3rd Reading):Council enacted a 255-day moratorium on new subdivision applications of more than five lots.Development
Yes 4 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ Jimmy Jones
Council approved a third and final reading of a temporary moratorium on the processing of subdivision applications. Councilman Derek Shoemake introduced an amendment extending the duration from 180 to 255 days and updating the threshold to apply to subdivisions of more than five lots, matching the new major subdivision definition. The extension is intended to provide staff and consultants sufficient time to integrate findings from the recently completed comprehensive plan into the zoning code. Councilman Shoemake argued the extra time is necessary to allow for a thorough review without the pressure of a looming deadline. Councilmen Sammie Tucker Jr. and Jimmy Jones voted against the final ordinance. The moratorium now applies to subdivisions of greater than five lots for a 255-day period.
PASSEDFor 4 · Against 2. A Shoemake Amendment increased the duration of the moratorium to 255 days and updated the threshold to apply to subdivisions of more than five lots
Amendment to Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development (1st Reading):Council moved to lower the threshold for major subdivisions from 10 lots to more than five lots.Development
Yes 4 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ Jimmy Jones
This ordinance changes the definition of a major subdivision in the county’s land development regulations. By reducing the threshold from 10 lots to more than five lots, the council aims to subject smaller-scale residential developments to the more rigorous oversight required for major subdivisions. Councilman Derek Shoemake, who moved for approval, argued that historical data shows very few developments exist in the six-to-nine lot range, meaning the change primarily captures developers who were previously skirting stricter regulations. Councilman Brant Tomlinson supported the measure, emphasizing that even smaller developments strain local infrastructure, and argued this change protects taxpayers by ensuring growth pays for itself. Councilmen Sammie Tucker Jr. and Jimmy Jones voted against the measure. Jones expressed frustration with creating additional bureaucracy and legislation for developments that he believes were not identified as the primary source of the county's infrastructure problems. The measure passed 4-2 and will proceed to subsequent readings for further refinement.
PASSEDFor 4 · Against 2. This ordinance redefines major subdivisions to include developments of more than five lots
Ordinance for Commercial and Rural Event Venues (1st Reading):Council passed a first reading to regulate event venues, which supporters say provides better enforcement tools.
Yes 5 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy Jones
This ordinance amends the zoning code to specifically regulate commercial and rural event venues, including country clubs and wedding spaces. The proposal follows a December 2024 directive where Council unanimously asked staff to draft regulations for event venues. During the discussion, residents voiced concerns about noise and traffic in rural areas, citing specific cases of unpermitted venues. Councilman Derek Shoemake apologized to planning staff for earlier confusion regarding the ordinance's origin, confirming Council had requested the draft. Supporters like Councilman Danny Catoe argued that current regulations are ineffective, and this amendment provides necessary tools for staff to manage these uses. Councilman Jimmy Jones voted against the measure, characterizing it as government overreach that could restrict private citizens from hosting gatherings like weddings on their own property. The ordinance passed 5-1 and will require further readings and potential revisions to address concerns about enforcement and property rights.
Intergovernmental Agreement with the Town of Elgin (1st Reading):The Council agreed to help the Town of Elgin manage its planning and zoning duties temporarily.
Unanimous · 6-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
Council approved a first reading of an agreement to provide planning, zoning, and building permit services to the Town of Elgin for up to 90 days. The Town of Elgin faces a staffing deficit following the departure of its previous inspector, and this agreement functions like a mutual aid pact to ensure development projects do not stall. Administrator Danny Templar noted that the Town is currently exploring long-term solutions, including potential contracts with firms like Safe Build, making this 90-day window a stopgap measure. Council members expressed unanimous support for assisting a neighboring municipality. The agreement passed unanimously and will return for subsequent readings, allowing time to monitor the Town of Elgin's progress in securing permanent staffing solutions.
Amendment to Joint Industrial and Business Park Agreement (2nd Reading):Council advanced an agreement to include Creed Solar in the joint industrial and business park.Jobs & economyParks & rec
Unanimous · 6-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
This ordinance serves as the second reading for an amendment to the Joint Industrial and Business Park agreement between Kershaw and Lee Counties. The primary purpose of this amendment is to formally include Creed Solar within the park boundaries. Inclusion in these parks is often a prerequisite for economic development incentives provided by the county to businesses. Council members moved the item forward without additional substantive debate, following previous discussions on the economic development benefits. The vote was unanimous.
Sale and Conveyance of 205 Sumter Highway (3rd Reading):Council finalized the sale of 205 Sumter Highway to the American Battlefield Trust with new deed restrictions.
Unanimous · 6-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
Council approved the third and final reading for the sale of approximately 1.76 acres at 205 Sumter Highway to the American Battlefield Trust. Before the final vote, Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. introduced an amendment to add deed restrictions to the property. These restrictions ensure the land cannot be sold for profit in the future and must be used for public benefit, addressing concerns previously raised by Council members regarding potential resale. The Trust, which uses grant funding to preserve historic sites, agreed to these terms as they align with their own preservation mission. The ordinance passed unanimously following the inclusion of the Tucker Amendment.
PASSED (Unanimous). This approval included a Tucker Amendment adding deed restrictions to prevent profit-driven reconveyance
Impact Fees Ordinance and Capital Improvements Plan (3rd Reading):Council adopted development impact fees to fund growth-related infrastructure projects, effective immediately.
Yes 5 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Jimmy Jones
This ordinance adopts development impact fees for new development in unincorporated areas of the county, coupled with a Capital Improvements Plan. The final approval included the Tomlinson Amendment, which delays expenditures for parks and recreation projects until the 2026/27 fiscal year to align with the county budget process. Specific allocations include $91,163 for Woodward Field, $100,313 for Bethune Copeland Park, and $104,326 for the Boyd Young Park expansion. Councilman Derek Shoemake moved to make the fees effective immediately. Administrator Danny Templar clarified that these fees will also be used to fund solid waste facility expansions as the county grows. Councilman Jimmy Jones cast the sole dissenting vote, questioning the focus on recreational projects over other needs like stormwater drainage. The ordinance passed 5-1.
PASSEDFor 5 · Against 1. This included a Tomlinson Amendment delaying initial expenditures until the 2026/27 fiscal year and a motion making the fees effective immediately
Temporary Moratorium on Subdivision Applications (3rd Reading):Council enacted a 255-day moratorium on new subdivision applications of more than five lots.Development
Yes 4 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ Jimmy Jones
Council approved a third and final reading of a temporary moratorium on the processing of subdivision applications. Councilman Derek Shoemake introduced an amendment extending the duration from 180 to 255 days and updating the threshold to apply to subdivisions of more than five lots, matching the new major subdivision definition. The extension is intended to provide staff and consultants sufficient time to integrate findings from the recently completed comprehensive plan into the zoning code. Councilman Shoemake argued the extra time is necessary to allow for a thorough review without the pressure of a looming deadline. Councilmen Sammie Tucker Jr. and Jimmy Jones voted against the final ordinance. The moratorium now applies to subdivisions of greater than five lots for a 255-day period.
PASSEDFor 4 · Against 2. A Shoemake Amendment increased the duration of the moratorium to 255 days and updated the threshold to apply to subdivisions of more than five lots
Master Equipment Lease Purchase for Fire Service (Resolution):Council approved financing for a new fire pumper truck to be paid for in the future budget.EMS & fireCounty property
Unanimous · 6-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
Council approved a resolution authorizing a $869,100 master equipment lease purchase agreement with Community Leasing Partners. The county is acquiring a new fire pumper truck that became available through a flash sale when another entity's funding fell through. Administrator Danny Templar noted that the county secured a significant discount on this brand-new equipment. The financing agreement is structured so that payments will not begin until the 2026/27 fiscal year, allowing the county to fit the cost into future budgets. Council members expressed support for the deal, thanking fire service leadership for finding this cost-saving opportunity. The vote was unanimous.
Roof Repairs for Airport Hangars 2 and 3 (Contract Award):Council awarded a contract for roof repairs at the airport following successful cooperative procurement.
Unanimous · 6-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
Council awarded a contract to Johnson-Laux Construction for $334,284.47 to repair the roofs of Hangar 2 and Hangar 3 at the Woodward Field Airport. The project was procured through the Gordian ezIQC cooperative purchasing network, which allows the county to access pre-vetted, competitively awarded contractors. Administrator Danny Templar highlighted that this method streamlines the procurement process for maintenance projects that have been needed for several years. The repairs are intended to resolve ongoing water intrusion issues in the hangars. Council voted unanimously to award the contract.
Council unanimously adopted the agenda, approved the minutes for July 8, 2025, passed a proclamation honoring William Gamewell (Bill) Major, Jr., and authorized entering and exiting executive session before adjourning.
Public comment▸showhide
Seven residents spoke during the public comment period.
Speakers discussed the proposed civics education workshops for the county, voiced concerns regarding the regulation and enforcement of event venues in rural areas, and urged the council to move forward with the moratorium and impact fee ordinances to address infrastructure strain.
Coming up▸showhide
The Finance Committee is scheduled to meet on July 30, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. to discuss solutions for stormwater issues in the Pecan Orchard subdivision.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.
How this recap was made: Prepared from the county's official minutes (the verified vote record) combined with the meeting's live stream (quotes and discussion). This is an automated summary written by software (a neural-network summarizer working from the documents above). Rely on the official county record for anything important.
