Spartanburg County officials debate performance zoning amid urban sprawl concerns

The Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee convened on March 5, 2025, to discuss pressing issues related to urban sprawl and local governance in South Carolina. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by rapidly growing areas, particularly in Spartanburg County, where the absence of municipal governance has led to significant concerns about infrastructure and zoning.

A key discussion point was raised by a representative from Spartanburg, who emphasized the need for performance zoning to manage growth effectively. He noted that Boling Springs, one of the fastest-growing regions in the county, lacks municipal oversight, which has resulted in uncontrolled development and increased traffic congestion. The representative expressed frustration over the county council's reluctance to implement performance zoning, warning that without action, residents may push for the establishment of a municipality to address these issues.

The representative recounted a recent emergency incident involving a four-alarm fire that underscored the inadequacies of the current system, as local fire departments struggled to respond effectively due to the sprawling nature of the area. He argued that without performance zoning, the community risks losing green spaces to development, leading to further urban sprawl.

The committee also discussed the potential benefits of concurrency ordinances, which would allow local governments to ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with development. Zach Buhrer, a project manager for Conservation Voters of South Carolina, highlighted the importance of managing growth to protect the state's landscapes and quality of life. He explained that concurrency ordinances could be tied to various infrastructure systems, including water, sewer, and public safety, providing a comprehensive approach to managing development.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore the implications of concurrency ordinances and to engage local planning experts for their insights. The discussions underscored the urgent need for effective governance strategies to manage growth and protect communities in South Carolina.