Greenville County’s New Unified Development Ordinance: A Path Towards Sustainable Growth

Greenville, S.C. Is Shaping Its Future with a New Unified Development Ordinance

In a move that’s set to reshape how Greenville County develops and grows, local leaders are busy crafting a new guideline called the Unified Development Ordinance, or UDO for short. This isn’t just some casual rulebook; it’s a hefty document, stretching over 700 pages, that will govern all aspects of land use from zoning to stormwater management.

The Need for Change

For many years, Greenville County has relied on a jumble of land development ordinances that often conflict with one another. It’s like trying to piece together a puzzle with missing and mismatched pieces. To tackle this tangled mess, county leaders have been working hard since 2020 to combine these separate documents into one cohesive set of rules.

Councilman Benton Blount from District 19 believes this effort is essential: “I would say that more than people realize, this development ordinance is something they really need to pay attention to.” He emphasizes the importance of community awareness as changes unfold.

Gathering Community Input

This week, county leaders took the initiative to gather feedback from residents, many of whom are feeling a bit uneasy about the pace of the process. While some folks support the idea of a unified code, others fear it might be moving too quickly. “I think it does come down to the fact of why would we pass something that’s not perfect,” Blount stated, echoing the concerns of several community members.

What’s Inside the UDO?

The proposed ordinance isn’t just your average rulebook; it includes provisions for zoning, open spaces, project design, and even plans for public meetings that allow residents to voice their thoughts on proposed projects. This is a big step towards better transparency and community involvement. Councilman Butch Kirven from District 27 mentioned some new elements that make the UDO more responsive: “There’s some new things in there that make it work better and make it more responsive, I think, to the citizens.”

The Road Ahead

As exciting as these changes might sound, there’s still no specific timeline for when the UDO will be finalized. It stands a good chance of being adopted by the end of the year if everything goes smoothly. However, many residents and leaders urge caution. They argue that rushing the process could lead to issues down the line. Some are worried that certain rules might increase density and urbanization, especially in more rural areas.

“It’s never going to be perfect on day one,” Kirven noted, suggesting that any initial imperfections can be amended as needed. He added that the UDO is vital in controlling rapid growth and ensuring that certain communities don’t feel the pressure of unwanted development. “I think the UDO will put a brake on that,” he explained.

The Next Steps

So, what’s next? For now, county staff will continue to refine the UDO over the upcoming weeks. The ordinance will have to go through the planning commission for review before it reaches the county council for a final vote. Residents can look forward to seeing the evolution of this significant document that could shape the fabric of Greenville County for years to come.

In a nutshell, the creation of the Unified Development Ordinance is not just a bureaucratic task. It represents a community effort to ensure that Greenville County grows in a way that is thoughtful, inclusive, and sustainable. As the leaders gather feedback and fine-tune the details, it’s crucial for residents to stay engaged. After all, the future of their community depends on it.