The headline
Kershaw County Council passed a controversial building permit allocation system on ordinance law." style="border-bottom:1px dotted #9db9dd;cursor:help;text-decoration:none;">third reading, which limits the number of new residential building permits issued over a two-year period to manage rapid growth. The ordinance includes specific amendments to provide priority for already-approved site plans and to cap the number of permits any single applicant can receive for homes outside of major subdivisions.
Building Permit Allocation System (3rd Reading):
Council enacted a two-year building permit cap to manage residential growth across the county.
Development
Yes 4 · No 2
▸
detailsless
How they voted
✗ R. Brazell✗ J. JonesWhat this was about
Council passed the Building Permit Allocation System (BPAS) on third reading by a 4-2 vote. The ordinance limits new residential permits to 350 per year (700 over two years) to manage rapid growth and infrastructure stress. Amendments approved during the session included combining multi-family and accessory dwelling units into one category, prioritizing 80% of permits for developments with already-approved site plans, and limiting any single applicant to 20% of the available permits in non-major subdivisions. The system excludes developments covered by existing development agreements. Council members expressed deep division, with supporters citing the need for infrastructure-based growth management and opponents arguing the ordinance threatens local builders' livelihoods and housing affordability.
PASSED For 4 · Against 2 (R. Brazell and J. Jones voted NO). Includes amendments to combine permit categories and provide 80% priority to existing site plans
Who said what
» Councilman Derek Shoemake: We are allowing more homes in major subdivisions than allowed in the last two years, so we aren't killing growth.
» Councilman Jimmy Jones: I can't support this; we are moving too quickly and hurting the livelihoods of local builders.
» Councilman Russell Brazell: Stopping an industry and preventing people from building homes is not the proper way to address growth.
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Deletion of Voter Registration Item (Agenda Amendment):
Council voted unanimously to remove an item concerning voter registration and local legislative delegation offices.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
During the adoption of the agenda at the start of the meeting, Councilman Jimmy Jones moved to delete item 9B, which concerned voter registration and local legislative delegation offices. The motion was seconded and passed with a unanimous vote from all council members present, including remote participation from Councilman Sammie Tucker, Jr. This procedural move ensured the item was stripped from the agenda before the meeting's substantive business began. By removing this item, Council deferred any discussion or action on these specific administrative matters to a future date. No further information regarding the intent behind the deletion was provided during the brief agenda-setting period. The meeting proceeded directly to the consideration of a new proclamation.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Addition of North Central High School Proclamation (Agenda Amendment):
Council added a proclamation honoring the North Central High School strength team to the evening's agenda.
Schools
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Councilman Danny Catoe moved to add a proclamation honoring the North Central High School strength team to the evening's agenda. The addition was presented as an exigent circumstance because the students, including seniors, would be finishing their school year by the end of the week, making it impossible to recognize them at a later date. Chairman Ben Connell officially found that exigent circumstances existed, which allowed the addition to proceed with a supermajority vote. The measure passed unanimously. This procedural step enabled Council to formally recognize the team's third consecutive state championship before the academic year concluded, allowing for a planned presentation at the school the following Thursday morning.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Danny Catoe, Councilman: I have a proclamation that I would like to have approved tonight from North Central High School strength team; they could not be here tonight and with school ending, it's an exigent circumstance.
» Ben Connell, Chairman: I'll make a finding of exigent circumstances based on the time sensitive nature of the matter.
Adoption of Amended Agenda:
Council officially adopted the amended meeting agenda following the deletion and addition of items.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Following the removal of the voter registration item and the addition of the North Central High School proclamation, Chairman Ben Connell called for a formal motion to adopt the meeting agenda as amended. The motion was made and seconded, ensuring that the new order of business was officially recognized and accepted by the full Council. The vote for adoption was unanimous among all members present and participating remotely. This action solidified the evening's schedule, clearing the way for Council to move into the proclamation and public hearing segments of the meeting. The formal adoption provides the legal basis for the Council to take action on the items listed throughout the remainder of the session.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Proclamation: May as ALS Month:
Council proclaimed May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month to honor those affected by the disease.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This proclamation honors several community members, including Jacqueline Armstead, Philip Crawford, Rick Bailey, Barbara Ann Jones, and Amy Brown, who have battled Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The measure highlights the severity of the neurodegenerative disease, the lack of a known cure, and the importance of supporting ongoing research and patient advocacy. Local officials and the County Sheriff expressed deep personal connections to those honored, emphasizing the community's solidarity with patients and their families. Council members praised the bravery of those living with the diagnosis and pledged continued support for awareness initiatives.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Councilman Jimmy Jones: This has a special place in my heart; I've seen the effects of this disease on my colleagues and neighbors.
» Jacqueline Armstead: ALS doesn't care who you are, what color your skin is, or how much you make; we are all better together.
» Sheriff Boone: I went to offer comfort, but Ms. Jackie gave us comfort; she is a very special lady.
Proclamation: North Central High School Strength Team:
Council honored the North Central High School strength team for their third consecutive state title.
Schools
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This proclamation recognizes the North Central High School strength team for winning their third consecutive state championship. Councilman Danny Cato highlighted the dedication of the student-athletes and the coaching staff, including Coach Ryan McDonald and Steve Stevens. The measure serves as a formal county recognition of this academic and athletic achievement, scheduled for presentation at the school prior to the seniors' graduation.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Approval of April 28, 2026 Minutes:
Council approved the meeting minutes from April 28, 2026.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council reviewed and approved the minutes from the regular meeting held on April 28, 2026. Chairman Ben Connell abstained from the vote due to his absence from that specific meeting. The motion was approved unanimously by the remaining council members.
PASSED (Unanimous, Chairman Connell abstained due to absence)
Project Ballast Fee-In-Lieu of Taxes (1st Reading):
Council approved the first reading of an incentive agreement for an entity known as Project Ballast.
Taxes & budget
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council approved the first reading in title only of an ordinance authorizing a Fee-In-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes (FILOT) agreement for a project referred to as Project Ballast. This incentive agreement, pursuant to Title 12, Chapter 44 of the South Carolina Code, provides tax incentives and special source revenue credits to encourage economic development within the county. No specific details about the company or the project scope were provided during the title-only reading.
PASSED (Unanimous)
About this project: Project Ballast »
Amendment to Joint Industrial Park Agreement (3rd Reading):
Council approved an ordinance to reduce the boundaries of a joint industrial park with Fairfield County.
Jobs & economyParks & rec
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council finalized the third reading of an ordinance to amend the Agreement for the Development of a Joint Industrial and Business Park between Kershaw and Fairfield Counties. The amendment formally removes specific properties formerly associated with TB Kawashima USA, Inc. (TMS numbers 324-00-00-036, 324-00-00-03-009, and 324-00-00-048) from the joint park agreement. This boundary reduction was necessary because the properties are no longer utilized by the former sponsor or its affiliates. The ordinance passed unanimously.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Building Permit Allocation System (3rd Reading):
Council enacted a two-year building permit cap to manage residential growth across the county.
Development
Yes 4 · No 2
▸
detailsless
How they voted
✗ R. Brazell✗ J. JonesWhat this was about
Council passed the Building Permit Allocation System (BPAS) on third reading by a 4-2 vote. The ordinance limits new residential permits to 350 per year (700 over two years) to manage rapid growth and infrastructure stress. Amendments approved during the session included combining multi-family and accessory dwelling units into one category, prioritizing 80% of permits for developments with already-approved site plans, and limiting any single applicant to 20% of the available permits in non-major subdivisions. The system excludes developments covered by existing development agreements. Council members expressed deep division, with supporters citing the need for infrastructure-based growth management and opponents arguing the ordinance threatens local builders' livelihoods and housing affordability.
PASSED For 4 · Against 2 (R. Brazell and J. Jones voted NO). Includes amendments to combine permit categories and provide 80% priority to existing site plans
Who said what
» Councilman Derek Shoemake: We are allowing more homes in major subdivisions than allowed in the last two years, so we aren't killing growth.
» Councilman Jimmy Jones: I can't support this; we are moving too quickly and hurting the livelihoods of local builders.
» Councilman Russell Brazell: Stopping an industry and preventing people from building homes is not the proper way to address growth.
Major Subdivision Design Standards (3rd Reading):
Council passed standards governing exterior facades and materials for new homes in major subdivisions.
Development
Yes 5 · No 1
▸
detailsless
How they voted
✗ J. JonesWhat this was about
As part of the 'Smart Growth' legislative package, Council approved third reading of amendments to the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations (ZLDR) Section 5:3.3. This ordinance sets specific design requirements for homes in major subdivisions, including standards for facade materials, architectural variety, and foundation requirements. The measure aims to improve community character and housing quality. It passed with a 5-1 vote, with Councilman Jimmy Jones opposed.
PASSED For 5 · Against 1 (J. Jones voted NO)
Buffering, Screening, Open Space, and Landscaping Regulations (3rd Reading):
Council updated landscaping and open space requirements for large-scale developments.
Yes 5 · No 1
▸
detailsless
How they voted
✗ J. JonesWhat this was about
Council approved the third reading of amendments to ZLDR Section 3:5.4, which mandates specific percentages of open space for major subdivisions based on development size. A key feature of the ordinance is the elimination of wetlands and special flood hazard areas from counting toward usable open space requirements. This measure is intended to ensure that developments provide genuine recreational green space for residents. The ordinance passed 5-1, with Councilman Jimmy Jones in opposition.
PASSED For 5 · Against 1 (J. Jones voted NO)
Sidewalk and Path Requirements (3rd Reading):
Council approved regulations requiring the naming of specific private easements and drives to assist emergency services.
Yes 5 · No 1
▸
detailsless
How they voted
✗ J. JonesWhat this was about
This ordinance amends the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations to mandate naming requirements for private easements and drives. Specifically, the regulation applies to any private drive or easement that exceeds 2,000 feet in length or provides access to more than three lots. The primary objective is to improve 911 address accuracy and enable faster response times for emergency services, which have struggled to locate properties on unnamed or poorly labeled access ways. This was the third and final reading of the measure, following earlier approvals in March and April. Despite the general support for infrastructure safety, Councilman Jimmy Jones cast a dissenting vote, while the rest of the Council supported the measure. This requirement will now be incorporated into the County's land development standards, affecting future subdivisions and developments that rely on these types of access points.
PASSED For 5 · Against 1 (J. Jones voted NO)
Easement and Drive Naming Requirements (3rd Reading):
Council added naming requirements for long easements and drives to assist 911 services.
County property
Yes 5 · No 1
▸
detailsless
How they voted
✗ J. JonesWhat this was about
Council approved the third reading of an ordinance adding Section 5:1.2-13 to the ZLDR. The new regulation requires that private easements and drives accessing more than three lots, or exceeding 2,000 feet in length, must be formally named. The change is intended to improve emergency service response times and ensure accurate 911 address mapping for rural residential areas. The ordinance passed 5-1, with Councilman Jimmy Jones opposed.
PASSED For 5 · Against 1 (J. Jones voted NO)
Performance Financial Guarantees (3rd Reading):
Council increased the performance financial guarantee requirement for developers to 25%.
Yes 5 · No 1
▸
detailsless
How they voted
✗ J. JonesWhat this was about
Council approved the third reading of an ordinance increasing financial performance guarantees for subdivision developers. The current requirement - 15% of improvement costs for one year - has been raised to 25% for the first year and 15% for the second year. This measure is intended to better protect the county and homeowners from the costs of fixing infrastructure defects if a development project fails or fails to meet county standards. The ordinance passed 5-1, with Councilman Jimmy Jones opposed.
PASSED For 5 · Against 1 (J. Jones voted NO)
Land Development Submittal Requirements (3rd Reading):
Council granted staff five additional days for more thorough development plan reviews.
Development
Yes 5 · No 1
▸
detailsless
How they voted
✗ J. JonesWhat this was about
Council passed the third reading of an ordinance amending ZLDR Section 5.2 to allow staff an additional five business days to review land development submittals. The change affects various residential and commercial project types, including major subdivisions and Planned Development Districts (PDDs). The measure aims to improve the quality of staff analysis and oversight regarding zoning compliance for incoming development proposals. The ordinance passed 5-1, with Councilman Jimmy Jones opposed.
PASSED For 5 · Against 1 (J. Jones voted NO)
Impact Assessment Provisions (3rd Reading):
Council amended impact assessment rules to give the Planning Commission explicit evaluation authority.
Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 2
▸
detailsless
How they voted
✗ R. Brazell✗ J. JonesWhat this was about
Council finalized the third reading of an ordinance amending ZLDR Section 5:2.9-3. The ordinance clarifies that the Planning Commission is authorized to evaluate and consider impact assessments - including those from the School District - when determining whether to approve a proposed project. It also removes traffic management plan provisions, which were considered redundant. While some residents advocated for lowering the threshold for impact studies (currently required for projects over 40 units), the Council maintained the 40-unit threshold for this legislative cycle. The measure passed 4-2, with Councilmen Brazell and Jones voting in opposition.
PASSED For 4 · Against 2 (R. Brazell and J. Jones voted NO)
Who said what
» Councilman Derek Shoemake: This gives teeth to the planning commission, allowing them to deny subdivisions based on negative impact assessments.
Reappointment of Lynn Blizzard (Assessment Appeals Board):
Council unanimously reappointed Lynn Blizzard to the Assessment Appeals Board.
Taxes & budgetAppointments
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council voted unanimously to reappoint Lynn Blizzard to the County Assessment Appeals Board. Council members expressed appreciation for the volunteer efforts of citizens serving on county boards, noting the importance of the Assessment Appeals Board in ensuring fair property tax evaluations for residents.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Off-Street Parking Regulations (10G): Council deferred this item to the next meeting due to concerns over missing or unclear language regarding mandatory parking spaces in subdivisions.
- Master Planned District (MPD): Council discussed the potential for creating a Master Planned District ordinance as a future zoning tool to encourage quality development and infrastructure negotiation.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Residents and local stakeholders provided varied feedback on the proposed growth ordinances. While some residents advocated for stronger environmental protections, strict impact assessments, and permit caps to address infrastructure stress, representatives from the local building industry expressed concerns that the cumulative effect of these new regulations could stifle housing attainability and jeopardize the livelihoods of local contractors.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Next Council Meeting: Future discussions regarding the Master Planned District (MPD) ordinance and the deferred Off-Street Parking regulations (10G).
Independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.