The headline
Council members passed the second reading of a new Building Permit Allocation System, a measure designed to manage rapid residential growth. The ordinance includes a tiered cap system, starting with no reduction for the first six months before scaling to 15 and 20 percent reductions in the second year.
Permit Allocation System Ordinance as amended (2nd Reading):
Council passed a tiered building permit cap system to manage residential growth rates.
Development
Yes 4 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
This controversial measure establishes a Building Permit Allocation System designed to control the pace of residential development in Kershaw County. The ordinance implements a tiered cap based on a 500-permit historical annual average. Following an amendment by Councilman Derek Shoemake, the program will feature no reduction for the first six months, followed by a 15 percent reduction in the second six-month period, and a 20 percent reduction throughout the second year of the two-year program. The system categorizes permits into single-family dwellings in subdivisions, those outside subdivisions, accessory units, and multi-family units. Supporters argue the cap is necessary to allow infrastructure to catch up with rapid development, while opponents - including Council members Russell Brazell and Jimmy Jones - argued the measure could harm local builders, increase housing costs, and stifle the local economy. The ordinance will return for a third reading at a future date.
PASSED For 4 · Against 2
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake Council Member: Proposed a phased approach to the permit cap to allow time for the market to adjust. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: Argued the permit cap acts as a moratorium on economic development and hurts local families. ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: Supported the cap as a necessary step to prevent the county from becoming overdeveloped like neighboring regions. ▶︎Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Budget Appropriations for fiscal year 2026-2027 (1st Reading):
Council approved the first reading of the county budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
Taxes & budget
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance initiates the budget process for the upcoming fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. This first reading was conducted in title only, as is standard practice for the initial step in the budget cycle. County Administrator Danny Templar indicated that the budget is currently revenue-neutral, meaning the county expects to cover increased operating and inflationary costs through organic growth in the millage base rather than by raising tax rates. Because this is only the first of several readings, no specific department funding levels or final millage rates were detailed in the meeting. The budget process will continue in the coming weeks, with a more comprehensive review of fiscal priorities and expected expenditures scheduled for the next regular Council session. This measure is essential for maintaining county operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance for the next year.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0
Lease Ordinance for 632 West Dekalb Street (1st Reading):
Council approved leasing county-owned property to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service.
RoadsCounty property
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance approves a lease agreement for county-owned property located at 632 West Dekalb Street in Camden. The property will serve as a branch office for the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, which provides vital agricultural, environmental, and educational resources to Kershaw County residents. The lease formalizes the operational responsibilities and obligations between the county and the university extension branch. This move is largely considered a housekeeping item to ensure that existing institutional partnerships remain legally sound and up to date. No controversy was noted regarding this facility usage, and it reflects the county's ongoing support for the extension service's role in local land management and agricultural support. The lease will move toward subsequent readings to finalize the contractual terms.
PASSED For 6 · Against 0
Permit Allocation System Ordinance as amended (2nd Reading):
Council passed a tiered building permit cap system to manage residential growth rates.
Development
Yes 4 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
This controversial measure establishes a Building Permit Allocation System designed to control the pace of residential development in Kershaw County. The ordinance implements a tiered cap based on a 500-permit historical annual average. Following an amendment by Councilman Derek Shoemake, the program will feature no reduction for the first six months, followed by a 15 percent reduction in the second six-month period, and a 20 percent reduction throughout the second year of the two-year program. The system categorizes permits into single-family dwellings in subdivisions, those outside subdivisions, accessory units, and multi-family units. Supporters argue the cap is necessary to allow infrastructure to catch up with rapid development, while opponents - including Council members Russell Brazell and Jimmy Jones - argued the measure could harm local builders, increase housing costs, and stifle the local economy. The ordinance will return for a third reading at a future date.
PASSED For 4 · Against 2
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake Council Member: Proposed a phased approach to the permit cap to allow time for the market to adjust. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: Argued the permit cap acts as a moratorium on economic development and hurts local families. ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: Supported the cap as a necessary step to prevent the county from becoming overdeveloped like neighboring regions. ▶︎
Amendment to Permit Allocation System (2nd Reading):
Development
Yes 4 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy JonesPASSED For 4 · Against 2
Revision of motion to table Permit Allocation System for 90 days:
Council rejected a proposal to pause the permit allocation ordinance for 90 days.
Development
Yes 2 · No 4
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How they voted
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✗ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ Derek Shoemake✗ Brant Tomlinson✗ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Councilman Jimmy Jones moved to table the permit allocation ordinance for 90 days to allow for further public dialogue and collaboration with the building industry. He argued that the Council needed more time to study the system and find alternative solutions that would not place an undue burden on local contractors and their employees. While Councilman Russell Brazell seconded the motion, the remaining members of Council voted against the delay, prioritizing the immediate implementation of the growth management strategy. This vote effectively denied the requested cooling-off period, keeping the ordinance on the fast track for final approval. The rejection of this motion signals the majority's commitment to address development pressures through the newly adopted cap system without further administrative delay.
FAILED For 2 · Against 4
Amendment to exempt existing subdivisions from Permit Allocation:
Council rejected an amendment to grandfather existing subdivision projects into the new permit system.
Development
Yes 2 · No 4
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How they voted
✓ Russell Brazell✓ Jimmy Jones✗ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ Derek Shoemake✗ Brant Tomlinson✗ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Vice Chairman Russell Brazell introduced an amendment that would have exempted all subdivision projects already in the pipeline from the new permit allocation caps. He contended that developers who had already invested millions in infrastructure should be protected from sudden regulatory changes that could render their projects financially unviable. Councilman Derek Shoemake countered that grandfathering all these existing lots would essentially render the entire permit allocation program ineffective, as it would allow for hundreds of new homes to be built regardless of the intended cap. The amendment failed to pass, with only Brazell and Jones voting in its favor. This vote indicates that the current Council majority intends for the new regulations to apply broadly, impacting even those projects currently under development.
FAILED For 2 · Against 4
Ordinance to include items 6B-6I in one slate (1st Reading):
Council approved a procedural motion to vote on a slate of multiple zoning and land development ordinances.
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This vote was a procedural housekeeping measure to streamline the meeting by grouping several land development ordinance amendments together for a single vote. These ordinances, collectively labeled items 6B through 6I, pertain to various updates within the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations (ZLDR). By grouping these items, the Council aimed to conduct a more efficient first reading without sacrificing the individual substance of each measure. The motion was brought by Councilman Derek Shoemake and seconded by Councilman Danny Catoe, passing with a unanimous 5-0 vote. This slate approach is often used by the county to manage lengthy agendas while ensuring that routine legislative adjustments move forward. The passage of this motion allowed the Council to process these ZLDR updates as a cohesive package before moving on to individual public hearings and more contentious debates regarding residential growth controls later in the evening.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0
ZLDR Section 3:3 Conditional Uses amendment (3rd Reading):
Council finalized amendments to zoning regulations regarding rural country club developments.
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This vote completes the third reading for an ordinance amending Section 3:3 of the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations. The update specifically changes requirements for rural country clubs, enabling the Candyroot golf course development to proceed in District 6. The amendment allows for the inclusion of limited lodging facilities within the golf course project to accommodate visitors and tourists, which organizers believe will serve as a significant local investment and job creator. No changes were made to the ordinance since its previous readings, and the Council expressed enthusiasm for the project's potential to bolster recreational opportunities in the area. With this final approval, the developer is expected to move forward with plans to open the course later this year.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0
Subdivision Design Standards amendment regarding on-grade slabs (2nd Reading):
Council approved a design standard limiting the use of on-grade slabs in major subdivisions.
Development
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council approved an amendment to the Subdivision Design Standards that limits the use of on-grade concrete slabs in major subdivisions to no more than 25 percent of the total homes built. This measure is intended to preserve a higher standard of construction and promote aesthetic variety within new residential developments. Proponents, including Councilman Derek Shoemake, argued that encouraging crawl-space or raised foundations helps differentiate the county's housing stock and promotes higher-quality community character. While some members expressed minor reservations about potential impacts on townhome development, the majority agreed that the restriction serves the broader goal of responsible, high-quality growth. The ordinance successfully passed its second reading and will proceed to a final reading before becoming law.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0
ZLDR Section 3:5.4 amendment with wetland credit modification (2nd Reading):
Council modified landscaping regulations to provide credit for flood plain areas in open space calculations.
Yes 3 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Russell Brazell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Derek Shoemake✗ Sammie Tucker Jr.What this was about
This ordinance amends Section 3:5.4 of the ZLDR, which governs buffering, screening, and open space requirements for large developments. The measure increases the mandated open space percentage based on project size. During the meeting, Councilman Derek Shoemake proposed an amendment, ultimately refined by Vice Chairman Russell Brazell, to allow developers to receive a 50 percent credit toward their open space requirements for land located within a designated flood plain. This credit is intended to provide a more flexible approach for developers dealing with properties that contain significant natural features. The amendment specifically excludes wetlands - which remain ineligible for credit - to ensure that unusable swamp or marsh areas are not miscounted as recreational green space. The ordinance passed its second reading with this compromise in place.
PASSED For 3 · Against 2
Second Reading of Items 10F-10K as a slate:
Council collectively passed six zoning and development ordinances regarding infrastructure standards like sidewalks and parking.
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council approved a slate of six separate ordinances during their second reading, all focused on refining major subdivision design standards. The package included requirements for sidewalks on both sides of rights-of-way, restrictions on on-street parking to one side of the road, and new naming requirements for long private easements. Additionally, the slate addressed revised financial performance guarantees for developers and updated staff review timelines for land development submittals, granting staff five extra business days for more thorough evaluations. Finally, it included a provision clarifying that the Planning Commission must evaluate impact assessments, specifically from the Kershaw County School District, when approving projects. Councilman Derek Shoemake moved to adopt the items as a slate to maintain consistency with the first reading approval, seconded by Councilman Brant Tomlinson. The slate passed 5-0, reflecting the Council's broader commitment to tightening development infrastructure requirements amid ongoing residential growth concerns.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0
Zoning Map amendment for 41 Youngs Bend Road (3rd Reading):
Council finalized the rezoning of property at 41 Youngs Bend Road to facilitate commercial expansion.
DevelopmentRoads
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This vote concludes the rezoning process for a 32.17-acre portion of property at 41 Youngs Bend Road, changing the designation from Rural Development (RD-2) to General Development (GD). The zoning change is intended to allow for the expansion of the Carolina Motorsports Park, a key commercial and recreational asset in the county. Council members expressed support for the project, noting that the expansion will likely bring further investment to the local area. Because no changes were made to the ordinance since its initial readings, the final passage was straightforward and received unanimous support from the members present. This rezoning enables the property owner to move forward with long-term plans for business development at the site.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0
Routine housekeeping votes (Agenda adoption, minutes approval, reappointments, executive session items, and adjournment):
Council handled routine administrative tasks including meeting minutes, board reappointments, and entering executive session.
Appointments
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 meeting featured several routine administrative votes necessary for county governance. Council formally adopted the agenda for the April 28, 2026, session and approved the minutes from the previous meeting on April 14, 2026. Members also handled board reappointments, confirming Jason Bittner and Aundrea Larrymore to the Recreation Advisory Commission, and reappointing Rozalyn Franklin to the Assessment Appeals Board. The Council entered into executive session to receive legal briefings regarding attorney-client privileged matters and to discuss negotiations related to contractual arrangements. Upon returning to open session, members authorized Chairman Ben Connell to negotiate with the county's growth contractor regarding the ZLDR rewrite. Finally, the meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to adjourn at 9:05 p.m., bringing the evening's legislative business to a formal close.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Council held a discussion regarding a potential countywide parade to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Additionally, a resolution proposing to increase the South Carolina Homestead Exemption was introduced by Vice Chairman Brazell; the item was withdrawn to allow staff and the finance committee time to review potential fiscal impacts, with a return to Council scheduled for late May.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Eleven residents addressed the Council, primarily regarding residential growth and the proposed permit allocation system. Several speakers expressed concerns that the system could negatively impact local contractors and the broader construction economy. Others supported the ordinance as a necessary measure to align infrastructure capacity with the pace of development. Speakers also raised concerns about local EMS response times and drainage maintenance issues in the Pecan Orchard neighborhood.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Third reading of the Building Permit Allocation System ordinance: Scheduled for a future meeting.
- Homestead Exemption resolution: Expected to return for discussion on May 26, 2026.
- Budget appropriations second reading: Scheduled for the next regular session.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.