GREENVILLE, S.C. – One year ago, the city of Greenville had introduced a new development code to help guide urban growth. Yet, as circumstances continually evolve, so does the need for adjustments in the set guidelines. Recognizing this, the city is now presenting some proposed amendments to the new development code for public review and feedback.

“The constant changes happening in Greenville may affect our neighborhood, and we need to keep pace. Having an opportunity to weigh in on proposed changes to the development code is a critical part of this,” commented Yvonne Reeder, a long-time resident of Nicholtown.

Public Participation Key to City Planning

Reeder, among others, came to a drop-in session to learn about the adjustments that the city is proposing. Reflecting on this interactive approach, Reeder acknowledged: “I’m just grateful that Greenville is the kind of city that values collaboration and open dialogue with its neighborhoods, builders, and contractors.”

Proposed Amendments Respond to Community Feedback

Following a year of careful monitoring of the code’s implementation, ten proposed amendments have been unveiled. These include easing design requirements when a new business seeks to move into an existing space, changing rules around building breaks and setbacks to reduce large structures’ visual impact, and proposing greater separation from new development outside neighborhoods. Furthermore, The proposed amendments include a prohibition on vape and smoke shops setting up within 1,500 feet of a school, church, park, community center, or a similar shop.

“We are striving to improve our code to make it as business-friendly as possible while also considering our neighborhoods’ needs and interests,” elaborated Mary Douglas Hirsch, the Interim City Planning Director.

Future Steps to Improve City Development Code

These amendments came about through a thorough evaluation of feedback received from various stakeholders. Hirsch explained, “We pay attention to the feedback received and look to tweak our development code to ensure it remains effective, responsive, and beneficial.”

The upcoming drop-in session will be held on Tuesday, August 27, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the Unity Park Prisma Health Welcome Center. All citizens interested in learning about the proposed changes or wishing to leave input in the urban development process are invited.