Greenville, S.C. Prepares for Major Overhaul of Land Management Rules with New Unified Development Ordinance

Greenville, S.C. is on the Cusp of Major Changes to Land Management Rules

After more than four years of collaborative efforts, leaders in Greenville, South Carolina, are nearing a significant overhaul of the county’s land management rules. With the proposed adoption of a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), residents are eager to see how these changes will affect their community. Just this past Wednesday, the planning commission convened to discuss the UDO, but the meeting ended in a bit of a stalemate.

Understanding the UDO

The UDO is a comprehensive rulebook designed to consolidate all land management regulations into one cohesive document. According to the planning director, this effort aims to foster more cohesiveness and consistency across the county. “Our goal is to align these regulations with the overarching goals in the comprehensive plan,” said Rashida Jeffers-Campbell, the planning director.

Some of the key elements included in the UDO encompass:

• Specific rules for both the zoned and unzoned areas of the county.
• New zoning designations to accommodate varied community needs.
• Tree preservation goals which aim to enhance the environmental aspect of development.
• Incentives for affordable housing designed to help foster a community that is inclusive for all.
• Design requirements for major subdivisions, including provisions for open space, lot sizes, and sidewalks.
• Mandatory public meetings before developers can submit applications, making the process more transparent.

With these updates, the hope is that the UDO will provide more concrete standards and clarity, thereby reducing subjectivity in land development decisions. Jeffers-Campbell elaborated, “The intention behind these changes is to create standard practices that everyone can understand and follow.”

Commission Concerns

While the planning commission cautiously navigated this complex proposal, they faced internal dissent. The commission, which was split down the middle at a 4-4 vote, could not forward a recommendation to the county council—essentially leaving the UDO in limbo for the time being. Commissioner Deborah Manning expressed concerns during the meeting, questioning if the new standards would indeed limit the commission’s authority. “What are you suggesting that we go ahead and abolish the entire planning commission? Is that what we’re suggesting?”

The tension raises valid questions about the balance of power between public expectations and regulatory frameworks. Manning emphasized that while public input is essential, it should not come at the cost of the commission’s ability to make informed decisions based on their expertise.

Next Steps for the UDO

As it currently stands, the proposed UDO is headed to the planning and development committee of the council for more discussion. Following this conversation, it will then return to the full council, where members will ultimately decide whether to adopt this comprehensive rulebook.

For the residents of Greenville, the implications of the UDO could be substantial, affecting everything from housing availability to green spaces in the community. Many are watching closely, hoping the discussions will lead to a more streamlined and fair approach to land management that reflects the needs of the citizens.

It’s an exciting time for Greenville as they approach what could be a pivotal moment in shaping the future of land development in the area. Only time will tell how these discussions unfold and what the final decisions will mean for the county.