During the Pickens County Board of Commissioners Work Session on May 6, 2024, several significant zoning and land use proposals were discussed, reflecting the county's ongoing efforts to manage growth and development in the area.

One of the primary topics was a proposal to rezone a 5-acre portion of an 8.86-acre tract from agricultural (ag) to small agricultural (small ag). The intent behind this change is to facilitate the sale of the 5 acres while the remaining 3 acres will be combined with an adjoining property owned by the applicant. The staff recommended approval of this request, which was unanimously supported by the planning commission, indicating a streamlined process for this straightforward zoning change.

Another notable discussion involved a request from Kenny and Kathy Sears to rezone a 13.52-acre property on Carlin Road from suburban residential (SR) to agricultural (ag). The couple plans to build a single hammerhead and keep livestock on the property. This request also received staff approval and was endorsed by the planning commission, highlighting a trend towards agricultural use in areas previously designated for residential development.

The meeting also covered a conditional use permit request for an event venue associated with an existing farm winery. The proposal includes specific conditions to address community concerns, such as limiting the number of weddings to 12 annually and implementing shuttle services to manage traffic during events. The planning commission voted 4-1 in favor of the staff's recommendation, indicating some level of community support despite the concerns raised about traffic and noise.

Overall, the discussions during this work session reflect the county's balancing act between accommodating development and addressing community concerns. As Pickens County continues to grow, these zoning decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the region's agricultural landscape and residential character. The board's next steps will involve further evaluations of these proposals and continued engagement with community stakeholders to ensure that development aligns with the needs and values of residents.