Council moved to finalize administrative and regulatory housekeeping items while engaging in a deep debate over the future of residential growth
The most significant action of the night was the advancement of a series of zoning ordinances aimed at regulating new housing developments and tightening permit requirements.
7 votes7 passed
The vote behind the headline
Amendment to ZLDR regarding Rural Country Club requirements (2nd Reading):Council amended zoning regulations to allow for expanded guest lodges at golf-centric rural country clubs.
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 Catoe
Council approved a second reading for amendments to the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations (ZLDR) concerning Rural Country Club requirements. The amendments, requested by Candyroot Lodge Holdings, LLC, increase the allowed size of guest lodges from four bedrooms to twenty-four bedrooms and from 8,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet per structure. The ordinance also includes new regulations for staff lodging and clarifies that guest facilities can be open to the general public. During the meeting, Councilman Danny Catoe successfully moved to amend the ordinance to include the applicant's specific requested changes and fix previous scrivener errors. Council members stated their appreciation for the developer’s investment and interest in the county's economic and social development.
PASSED (Unanimous, as amended). Council adopted amendments to allow 20,000 square foot guest lodges and updated staffing regulations
Proclamation for Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month (Proclamation):Council recognized April as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month to support families and improve lives.
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 Catoe
Council approved a proclamation naming April as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month to honor the needs of families and individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Councilman Danny Catoe, who sponsored the initiative, highlighted that autism affects approximately 1 in 44 children and emphasized that families need love, patience, and early intervention services to thrive. The proclamation encourages the community to support families and promote better quality of life for those with autism. Council members expressed their personal support, noting that autism is a spectrum and that affected individuals often have unique talents and intelligence. This measure reinforces the county's commitment to inclusivity and supporting citizens across all socioeconomic backgrounds. No further action is required as this is a ceremonial recognition.
Proclamation for Fair Housing Month (Proclamation):Council proclaimed April as Fair Housing Month to encourage equal housing opportunities for all residents.Housing
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 Catoe
Council officially proclaimed April 2026 as Fair Housing Month, commemorating the Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. The proclamation condemns housing discrimination based on race, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, and disability while urging citizens to reverse housing segregation and promote affordable housing. Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. introduced the proclamation, noting that a diverse and inclusive community strengthens the local economy and social fabric. During the discussion, Councilman Russell Brazell noted the irony of discussing fair housing while simultaneously debating growth restrictions, yet emphasized that he fully supports all home builders in the county. The measure serves as a public commitment to upholding federal law and ensuring that housing opportunities are accessible to all residents of Kershaw County. The proclamation encourages local builders to consider diverse development plans for the future.
Amendment to Joint Industrial and Business Park Agreement (1st Reading):Council approved removing non-performing properties from the multi-county industrial park as a housekeeping measure.Jobs & economyParks & 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 Catoe
Council voted to advance an ordinance removing former TB Kawashima USA, Inc. properties from the Joint Industrial and Business Park agreement between Kershaw and Fairfield counties. These specific parcels - identified by tax map numbers 324-00-00-036, 324-00-00-03-009, and 324-00-00-048 - are no longer being utilized by the former sponsor or its affiliates. County staff described this as a necessary administrative cleanup, as the properties are currently ineligible for Multi-County Industrial Park (MCIP) status while sitting vacant. Recent economic development projects on the site have been successfully placed into separate industrial parks, making this removal the final step to update the agreement. The ordinance passed its first reading unanimously and will proceed to subsequent readings for final adoption.
PASSED (Unanimous). This cleanup ordinance removes non-performing properties from the multi-county industrial park
Rezoning 32.17 acres at 41 Youngs Bend Road from RD-2 to GD (2nd Reading):Council approved the rezoning of 32.17 acres to General Development to support business expansion.DevelopmentRoads
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 Catoe
Council advanced the rezoning of a 32.17-acre portion of a parcel at 41 Youngs Bend Road from Rural Development (RD-2) to General Development (GD). The applicant, Michael Cummings, requested the change on behalf of property owner Edlin Bryan Young to facilitate business growth. The Planning and Zoning Commission previously recommended approval by a 6-0 vote, noting that the property is adjacent to existing GD-zoned parcels. While this is a general use rezoning, Council members expressed support for the request as a way to support local business neighbors in the Westville area. This second reading passed unanimously, moving the ordinance toward its final adoption scheduled for late April.
Amendment to ZLDR regarding Rural Country Club requirements (2nd Reading):Council amended zoning regulations to allow for expanded guest lodges at golf-centric rural country clubs.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
Council approved a second reading for amendments to the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations (ZLDR) concerning Rural Country Club requirements. The amendments, requested by Candyroot Lodge Holdings, LLC, increase the allowed size of guest lodges from four bedrooms to twenty-four bedrooms and from 8,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet per structure. The ordinance also includes new regulations for staff lodging and clarifies that guest facilities can be open to the general public. During the meeting, Councilman Danny Catoe successfully moved to amend the ordinance to include the applicant's specific requested changes and fix previous scrivener errors. Council members stated their appreciation for the developer’s investment and interest in the county's economic and social development.
PASSED (Unanimous, as amended). Council adopted amendments to allow 20,000 square foot guest lodges and updated staffing regulations
Amendment to Chapter 24 regarding solicitation and panhandling (2nd Reading):Council amended panhandling regulations to explicitly protect volunteer fire and rescue squad fundraising activities.EMS & fire
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 Catoe
Council approved the second reading of an ordinance adding Article III to Chapter 24 of the County Code, establishing regulations for solicitation and panhandling. Following concerns raised by Councilman Jimmy Jones and others, Councilman Derek Shoemake moved an amendment to explicitly protect volunteer fire and rescue squads. The amendment ensures that these organizations can continue to conduct fundraising activities from motorists by obtaining the required permits. This modification clarifies that existing, permitted fundraising by nonprofit groups remains valid and unaffected by the new prohibitions against aggressive panhandling. The ordinance passed unanimously, establishing clear rules for public safety while preserving the ability of volunteer squads to solicit support.
PASSED (Unanimous, as amended). The ordinance includes specific exemptions for volunteer fire and rescue squads
Detainee Health Services Contract with Advanced Correctional Healthcare (New Business):Council approved a contract for enhanced medical staffing at the county detention center.Public safety
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 Catoe
Council approved a contract with Advanced Correctional Healthcare (ACH) to provide medical services at the Kershaw County Detention Center. The contract, valued at approximately $828,871 annually, represents an increase in costs due to inflation, the need for higher-level staffing, and the inclusion of expanded mental health services. Staff explained that the agreement transitions staffing from Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to Registered Nurses (RNs) and increases available prescriber hours, which significantly improves the quality of care and reduces the liability of transporting inmates to outside hospitals. Although Councilman Russell Brazell initially requested a deferral to investigate the cost increase, he ultimately supported the measure after staff provided technical details regarding the staffing levels and care standards. This contract will also support the Alpha Center’s medication-assisted treatment program for inmates.
PASSED (Unanimous). The contract covers enhanced medical staffing, including registered nurses, at the county detention center
Council engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding a proposed Homestead Exemption plan, which would increase exemptions as seniors age to reduce tax burdens for long-term homeowners.
Members also revisited the ongoing drainage and infrastructure challenges in the Pecan Orchard neighborhood. Staff provided updates on current progress regarding property acquisitions and engineering studies, and council requested a formal timeline of next steps for future updates.
Public comment▸showhide
Four residents addressed council. One citizen expressed frustration over the pace of the Pecan Orchard drainage project. Another raised concerns about property tax administrative processes.
A third resident requested a common-sense approach to development permits and accessory dwelling units. Finally, a representative from Knights Hill Park invited the community to their upcoming Mayfest celebration and announced a new free golf instruction program.
Coming up▸showhide
Council will continue discussions on growth management and potential infrastructure solutions. Future updates on the Pecan Orchard project are expected in upcoming administrator briefings.
Independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.
How this recap was made: Prepared from the meeting's live-stream transcript and the official agenda packet. The county's official minutes (the verified vote record) will be cross-checked automatically once the county publishes them, often a couple of months later. 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.
