Council establishes a new Smart Growth Rewrite Committee to lead the upcoming overhaul of the county zoning code
Following a motion by Councilman Derek Shoemake, the council unanimously voted to form this ad hoc committee, which will include council members and community appointees to ensure the body holds the lead role in drafting updates to the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations (ZLDR). The committee is intended to steer development policy as the county manages significant population growth.
Formation of a Smart Growth Rewrite Committee:
Unanimous · 7-0
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PASSED (Unanimous)
Votes at a glance ▸ showhide
Adoption of the Agenda:
Unanimous · 7-0
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PASSED (Unanimous)
Approval of the Minutes for July 22, 2025:
Yes 6 · No 0
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PASSED For 6 · Against 0 (R. Brazell abstained)
Amendment of Minor Subdivision definition (2nd Reading):
Development
Unanimous · 7-0
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PASSED (Unanimous)
Tomlinson Amendment to Event Venue ordinance:
Unanimous · 7-0
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PASSED (Unanimous)
Event Venue ordinance with Tomlinson Amendment (2nd Reading):
Development
Yes 6 · No 1
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PASSED For 6 · Against 1. This amendment increases the minimum lot size to 10 acres for rural event venues and country clubs
Intergovernmental Judicial Services Agreement with the Town of Camden:
Unanimous · 7-0
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PASSED (Unanimous)
Funding for Pecan Orchard Phase I ($350,000):
Unanimous · 7-0
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PASSED (Unanimous). The council voted to draw these funds from Emergency Reserves
Formation of a Smart Growth Rewrite Committee:
Unanimous · 7-0
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PASSED (Unanimous)
Routine procedural motions:
Unanimous · 7-0
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PASSED (Unanimous). The council adopted routine motions to enter and exit executive session, as well as the final motion to adjourn
Discussed, no vote ▸ showhide
- Stormwater Analysis and Fee Study: Council approved a $80,000 feasibility study to be funded by Emergency Reserves to assess stormwater management and the potential need for a formal stormwater department to address drainage issues in growing subdivisions.
- Capital Improvement Updates: The County Administrator provided status reports on various recreation projects, noting that while weather-related delays have impacted timelines, the projects remain within their respective budgets.
- Spears Creek Wastewater Proposal: Chairman Connell noted that a vote regarding a capacity increase for the Spears Creek wastewater site was deferred at the Santee-Lynches Council of Governments (SLCOG) meeting pending further review of potential impacts on the Wateree River.
Public comment ▸ showhide
One speaker, Perry Gustafson, addressed the council regarding a civics education workshop series scheduled for late August and September.
The workshop aims to educate citizens on local government functions, public engagement, and effective communication with elected officials.
Coming up ▸ showhide
- Recreation Department Update: Requested for the August 26, 2025 meeting.
- Smart Growth Rewrite Committee: The committee will begin its work with initial appointments and planning sessions; future public-facing sessions will be announced in upcoming agendas.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.