The headline
Council passes new event venue regulations and increases minimum lot size requirements. The Council finalized a new ordinance regulating commercial and rural event venues, including an amendment that raises the minimum lot size for such venues to 10 acres to protect agricultural and residential zones. This decision was part of a broader push to balance economic development with local zoning concerns.
Event Venue Ordinance with 10-Acre Minimum Amendment (2nd Reading):
Council approved new regulations for event venues, including a mandatory 10-acre minimum lot size requirement.
Development
Yes 6 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ J. JonesWhat this was about
This ordinance creates a new regulatory framework for commercial event venues, rural event venues, and rural country clubs within Kershaw County. A key component of the measure is an amendment introduced by Councilman Brant Tomlinson, which increases the minimum lot size requirement for these venues to 10 acres. This amendment is intended to serve as a protective buffer, preventing high-traffic event spaces from being established in close proximity to existing residential neighborhoods or strictly agricultural tracts. The ordinance also updates signage regulations and removes previous provisions that allowed bed and breakfast inns to host weddings. The measure passed with a 6-1 vote, with Councilman Jimmy Jones casting the dissenting vote. Proponents argue the policy balances the need for economic development through small business growth with the necessity of preserving rural character and neighborly peace. The ordinance serves as a response to growing concerns about noise and traffic in unincorporated areas.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1 (J. Jones voted NO)
Who said what
» Councilman Brant Tomlinson: This gives protective measure to prevent properties and concerns about having rural events spaces within or right next to properties in neighborhoods.
» Councilman Brant Tomlinson: The expansion prevents larger track neighborhoods that are coming up, kind of your agricultural neighborhoods from having an event space right next to them.
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Minor Subdivisions Definition Amendment (2nd Reading):
Council approved a zoning code amendment redefining minor subdivisions as any development involving fewer than five lots.
Development
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.What this was about
This ordinance updates the Kershaw County Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations to modify the legal definition of a minor subdivision. Specifically, the amendment establishes that any subdivision resulting in fewer than five lots will be classified as a minor subdivision. This legislative change is part of the county's ongoing effort to streamline land development processes and ensure consistency within its zoning framework. The measure successfully passed its first reading on July 22, 2025, and received final approval during this session through a unanimous vote. By standardizing this definition, the county aims to provide clearer guidance for property owners and developers planning small-scale residential or commercial projects. This change will affect the permitting and review timelines for property owners across the county who are looking to subdivide land. No further legislative action is required for this amendment to take effect as part of the unified zoning code.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Event Venue Ordinance with 10-Acre Minimum Amendment (2nd Reading):
Council approved new regulations for event venues, including a mandatory 10-acre minimum lot size requirement.
Development
Yes 6 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ J. JonesWhat this was about
This ordinance creates a new regulatory framework for commercial event venues, rural event venues, and rural country clubs within Kershaw County. A key component of the measure is an amendment introduced by Councilman Brant Tomlinson, which increases the minimum lot size requirement for these venues to 10 acres. This amendment is intended to serve as a protective buffer, preventing high-traffic event spaces from being established in close proximity to existing residential neighborhoods or strictly agricultural tracts. The ordinance also updates signage regulations and removes previous provisions that allowed bed and breakfast inns to host weddings. The measure passed with a 6-1 vote, with Councilman Jimmy Jones casting the dissenting vote. Proponents argue the policy balances the need for economic development through small business growth with the necessity of preserving rural character and neighborly peace. The ordinance serves as a response to growing concerns about noise and traffic in unincorporated areas.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1 (J. Jones voted NO)
Who said what
» Councilman Brant Tomlinson: This gives protective measure to prevent properties and concerns about having rural events spaces within or right next to properties in neighborhoods.
» Councilman Brant Tomlinson: The expansion prevents larger track neighborhoods that are coming up, kind of your agricultural neighborhoods from having an event space right next to them.
Intergovernmental Agreement with Town of Elgin (2nd Reading):
Council approved a 90-day agreement to provide planning, zoning, and building inspection services to Elgin.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.What this was about
Kershaw County Council finalized an intergovernmental agreement to provide municipal support services to the Town of Elgin. Under the terms of this arrangement, the County Planning and Zoning Department will manage specific planning duties, as well as building permit and inspection services, for new developments within Elgin. The agreement is limited to a duration not to exceed 90 days, serving as a temporary measure to ensure continuity of service. This collaborative effort demonstrates the partnership between the county and local municipalities to manage growth and construction compliance effectively. The ordinance passed unanimously, signaling broad council support for the administrative assistance. This intergovernmental cooperation helps ensure that building safety and zoning standards are upheld across the county regardless of specific jurisdictional boundaries. The measure had previously passed its first reading in title only on July 22, 2025.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Intergovernmental Judicial Services Agreement (Resolution):
Council approved an agreement for county magistrates to provide judicial services for the City of Camden.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.What this was about
This resolution authorizes an intergovernmental judicial services agreement between Kershaw County and the City of Camden. The agreement addresses the workload challenges currently faced by Camden's part-time municipal judges, Michael D. Wright and H. Thomas Morgan, Jr. Under the contract, Kershaw County will provide magistrate judges to assist with bond coverage twice daily, seven days a week, and offer supplemental arrest and search warrant coverage on weekends. The agreement includes a compensation structure where the City of Camden pays the county $15,000 annually, while the municipal judges agree to a corresponding reduction in their salaries to ensure the arrangement is cost-neutral for the city. The contract term runs through June 30, 2026, with automatic one-year renewals. This resolution is designed to improve the efficiency and availability of the court system for both city and county residents.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Stormwater Analysis and Fee Study Funding ($80,000):
Council authorized $80,000 from emergency reserves to fund a comprehensive stormwater analysis and fee study.
Water & sewer
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 funding request of $80,000 to initiate a formal stormwater analysis and fee study for Kershaw County. The funds will be drawn from the county's emergency reserves. This study is the direct result of recommendations from the Stormwater Ad Hoc Committee, which was formed to address mounting infrastructure and drainage concerns across the county. By commissioning this analysis, the county aims to develop a long-term, sustainable plan for managing stormwater needs and determining the feasibility of implementing a dedicated fee structure. Chairman Connell acknowledged several committee members in attendance who contributed to the planning effort, including Jay Johnson and Brian Cox. The study is a critical step in addressing recurring flooding issues and ensuring that the county's infrastructure can handle future development safely. This allocation represents the first significant fiscal commitment toward a systematic solution to the county's stormwater challenges.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Pecan Orchard Phase I Funding ($350,000):
Council approved $350,000 for Phase I of the Pecan Orchard project using emergency reserve funds.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.What this was about
Following a recommendation from the Finance Committee, Council approved the allocation of $350,000 for Phase I of the Pecan Orchard project. These funds are also being pulled from the county's emergency reserve accounts. Councilman Sammie Tucker, Jr. spearheaded the motion, noting that while this immediate funding is necessary for the initial stage of the project, county staff should aggressively pursue state or federal grants to cover the costs of future phases. This funding will allow for the commencement of work that has been identified as a priority by the council. The move highlights the county's commitment to advancing infrastructure and development projects despite budget constraints. Council members emphasized that this appropriation is intended to provide the necessary spark to get the project moving while maintaining a long-term goal of finding external revenue sources to mitigate the impact on local taxpayers.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Councilman Sammie Tucker, Jr.: He would like for staff to continue to pursue grants and other funding for phases to follow.
Formation of Smart Growth Rewrite Committee:
Council established an ad hoc committee to oversee the rewriting of the county's land development regulations.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.What this was about
Council voted to create an Ad Hoc Smart Growth Rewrite Committee, a body tasked with the specific, limited-duration mission of revising the county's land development regulations. This committee will function under the guidance of the Chairman and is charged with steering the growth and zoning policies of the county toward more sustainable and organized patterns. During the meeting, Chairman Ben Connell officially appointed Councilman Derek Shoemake to serve as the Chairman of this committee, with Councilman Brant Tomlinson serving as the second council member. The committee’s term was extended until November 28, 2025, to provide members with sufficient time to conduct thorough research and make informed decisions that reflect the county's long-term needs. This initiative is part of a broader push by the council to modernize zoning ordinances in a way that respects the interests of all residents while fostering economic development.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Routine Housekeeping (Agenda adoption, meeting minutes, executive session, adjournment):
Council performed routine business including minutes approval and an executive session for personnel and legal matters.
Yes 6 · No 0
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✓ Every member present voted yes
What this was about
The meeting included standard administrative actions to ensure the smooth operation of the council. This included the adoption of the meeting agenda, the approval of minutes from the July 22, 2025 session, and the eventual adjournment at 7:52 p.m. Of note, Vice-Chairman Russell Brazell abstained from the vote on the July 22 minutes due to an emergency absence during that meeting. Following the public portions of the meeting, the council entered into an executive session to receive legal advice regarding attorney-client privileged matters and to discuss a personnel and employment issue. No final actions or votes were reported upon exiting the executive session. These procedural steps are vital for maintaining public record transparency and handling sensitive administrative matters that are not appropriate for open discussion during the public portion of the meeting.
PASSED (Unanimous, with the exception of the July 22 minutes which passed 6-0 with R. Brazell abstaining)
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Council received status updates regarding ongoing county infrastructure projects, including progress and weather-related delays at Woodward Park, KC West, Boyd Young Park, and the local boat ramp. Chairman Connell provided an update on the Spears Creek wastewater site, noting that a requested vote on capacity expansion was deferred to the next meeting to allow for further inquiry into potential impacts.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- The next Kershaw County Council meeting is scheduled for August 26, 2025.
- The Council will revisit the Spears Creek wastewater capacity expansion request at a future meeting.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes, not an official county communication.