Greenville County Officials Look to Consolidate Development Rules with New Unified Development Ordinance

Greenville County Leaders Work on Unified Development Ordinance

In the heart of Greenville, South Carolina, county officials are stepping up to tackle an important issue that impacts how our community will grow and change in the coming years. They’re in the process of creating a brand-new Unified Development Ordinance, or UDO for short. This initiative aims to consolidate decades-old development rules into a single, comprehensive guide that outlines how Greenville County should develop going forward.

Listening to Residents

This week, county leaders took a moment to sit down with residents and gather their thoughts. Many community members expressed their concerns, stating that they feel the process is moving too quickly. Councilman Benton Blount, representing District 19, emphasized the importance of this document, saying, “I would say that more than people realize, this development ordinance is something they really need to pay attention to.”

The UDO is no small feat—it encompasses more than 700 pages that will guide everything from zoning rules to stormwater management and project design. It seeks to unify several separate land development ordinances that have often been at odds with one another. Councilman Blount noted, “The UDO in itself and the concept of combining these documents together I think is a smart thing.”

What’s Included in the UDO?

Since 2020, county staff has been hard at work revising these ordinances and introducing new rules. For instance, the UDO includes provisions for public meetings, allowing residents the chance to learn about proposed projects before they happen. “There’s some new things in there that make it work better and make it more responsive to the citizens,” highlighted Councilman Butch Kirven from District 27.

While there isn’t a set timeline for adopting the UDO, officials are eyeing the end of this year. However, some residents and even some leaders are raising their voices, urging the council to take a step back. Councilman Blount articulated this sentiment, stating, “I think it does come down to the fact of why would we pass something that’s not perfect?” He pointed out concerns that certain rules might increase density and urban sprawl in more rural areas, which many residents hope to protect.

A Balancing Act

There’s a growing divide between those who want to proceed with the UDO and those who advocate for a more measured approach. Proponents of the UDO, like Councilman Kirven, argue that the lack of a unified plan is hindering progress. “It’s never going to be perfect on day one,” Kirven explained. He believes that the UDO will actually serve as a way to manage development and prevent unwanted high-density growth in areas that are not ready for it.

As it stands, there’s no specific deadline for the adoption of the UDO. Over the next few weeks, county staff will continue to refine the document based on the feedback received. It will be reviewed by the planning commission before finally making its way to the county council for a vote.

Why It Matters

The outcome of the UDO discussion will have significant implications for how Greenville County develops and manages its land in the future. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a newcomer to the area, or a business owner looking to expand, these rules will shape everything from how neighborhoods are built to how public spaces are designed.

Residents are encouraged to stay involved and keep an eye on this process as it develops. As Councilman Blount rightly pointed out, this is a crucial moment for the community, and it’s essential to make sure everyone’s voice is heard. After all, this is about shaping the future of our beloved Greenville County together.