[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6498894,"mediaKeyId","5586956-0ade9f205acd454a88f8291e90325b63","parentId",5586956,"title","Votes at a glance: Florence council approves business-license update, telecom franchise, property conveyance, annexations and downtown grants","audioSeconds",3912,"startMs",712000,"endMs",4624000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5586956-0ade9f205acd454a88f8291e90325b63&start=712&end=4624","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5586956-0ade9f205acd454a88f8291e90325b63/thumbnail_712000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6498894/Florence-City/Florence-County/South-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Florence-council-approves-business-license-update-telecom-franchise-property-conveyance-annexations-and-downtown-grants","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6498894-fe711b4f8919d694a7cc2b60e11b7ebb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775735192&Signature=Oa6Oz9wvZQy99HDjTP-HT5~D4UwrX2VPeN~jjoM3srMFqxAxIYpzoAMq0Z9qszap2hOVrzlHrokiPFXgmx2Lzc6kTVlf2c1deErcq1ievm6QCUsRMOpQlngFGTyMlp~KxTseJCAhQdyqYyVopZrb0kjE8-txp0d7JclCB34rNVZRQxigGbwuh5ZS6Y72ugOGESFSQG5K~8HPURVoAdcL1J5f2BmEvSWDatwd1xKOPuFMfaUz7vz2SvaLo3UKWdWuJdfAtqWLAI68kpJw-3PcKjJOxHgnlYozwTP7d7fyhsNL5sDvC7jGaKtnNh5WjgmRbeX9wDATvpeCMhel2Zdc6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Florence South Carolina","date","2025-08-14T18:39:56.183Z","article","The Florence City Council handled a number of consent and legislative items by voice vote, approving an ordinance to update the city's business license appendix, a telecom franchise, property conveyance to the Florence Housing Authority, several annexations and zoning items, and a resolution approving downtown redevelopment grants for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026. Many items were routine second readings or introductions and passed with the voice vote recorded in the transcript as \"the ayes have it.\"

Summary of recorded actions (voice votes as recorded in the meeting transcript):

- Bill 2025-25 (second reading): Ordinance to update Appendix B of the city's business license ordinance as required by South Carolina Code sections cited in the packet. Outcome: approved by voice vote.

- Bill 2025-26 (second reading): Ordinance amending an existing ordinance regarding issuance of combined waterworks and sewage system capital improvement revenue bonds (detailed coverage in a separate article). Outcome: approved by voice vote.

- Bill 2025-27 (second reading): Franchise ordinance granting Loomis Scribe of South Carolina LLC the right to use public rights-of-way to construct and maintain telecommunications network facilities. Outcome: approved by voice vote.

- Bill 2025-28 (second reading): Ordinance declaring surplus and authorizing conveyance of specific parcels to the Florence Housing Authority (Florence County tax map parcels 90100-06-016 and 90100-06-017). Council discussed whether updated plans had been submitted; staff said the housing authority is funding the work and plans are not final. Outcome: approved by voice vote.

- Bills 2025-29 through 2025-34 (second readings/intros): Multiple annexations and zoning ordinances for properties on Pelican Drive, South Irby Street, Third Loop Road, Jenny O'Brien Boulevard, Westfield Drive, and a private road naming. Outcome: approved or introduced as noted; voice votes recorded.

- Bill 2025-35 (first reading): Introduction of an annexation and zoning for property on West Andover Road (Windsor Forest subdivision); council approved introduction.

- Resolution 2025-26 (executive-session item; later reported): Approval of downtown redevelopment grants for the first quarter of FY26; council approved the resolution after executive session.

- Appointments and reappointments: Council made multiple appointments and reappointments to city boards and commissions (Planning Commission, Design Review Board, Agriculture Commission, Veterans Park Committee, Resilience and Sustainability Advisory Committee, Public Safety Citizens Review Board, and others) as recorded in the meeting roster; several items were deferred when no applicants were on file.

Notes on procedure and records: The meeting transcript records voice votes and general approvals but does not include roll-call tallies for most items. Where council discussion was brief, staff provided clarification or deferred to applicant agencies (for example, the Housing Authority's plans and funding). Items that had substantive discussion (for example, the water/sewer bond and the ADU UDO amendment) were recorded with extended staff presentations and questions; these items are covered in separate articles with fuller detail.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Florence City Council Meeting - August 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved a package of ordinances and resolutions by voice vote, including updates to the business license ordinance, a telecom franchise, conveyance of property to the Florence Housing Authority, several annexations and zoning items, and downtown redevelopment grants.","taxTitle","Florence City, Florence County, South Carolina","taxId",4287,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6498898,"Florence Police Chief Alan Heidler to retire; Captain Stephen Starling named interim chief",136,3163000,3299000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5586956-0ade9f205acd454a88f8291e90325b63&start=3163&end=3299","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5586956-0ade9f205acd454a88f8291e90325b63/thumbnail_3163000.jpg","/articles/6498898/Florence-City/Florence-County/South-Carolina/Florence-Police-Chief-Alan-Heidler-to-retire-Captain-Stephen-Starling-named-interim-chief","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6498898-b4f91b83761ef5abc06de7f4ad4dc66c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775735192&Signature=Q~NAsaoJ-HVwLMZTjSYQw0cylevGpMHXdOf8xLSSIbNl0i5BBCCOm7pemeR39Uzm2PkGfTqELKiBOjTogzTd5HL~n4Wx~Ch8A4csRsiKJ5n5Vo-VVKugi8UFgcz2F0KBDpSGwIZP42XA-1DW0Yr-XPHXkaBOn6k2zFNBfjTQHLW4R67v28DKsle7dU5MBRkbVqF5jQ-L6NRbL4VCctyOJoziPP7WS3eyNSV6oIVmFpUHmzHmzBBB3JgRPpMCJf-gAEL54wMJHzEx5d4EiJSbH2fnnVW~fWgk6Nws2hTGTaH2cPy993XCvs8vm9O0NEehJaDV2Q-A0XqZCH7IqTGPpg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chief Alan Heidler informed the City Council of his planned retirement in October after 42 years of service to Florence. Council and staff praised Heidler’s long tenure and contributions; the mayor said the council will hold a formal farewell at the October meeting.

City management announced that Captain Stephen Starling will serve as interim chief while the city conducts a nationwide search for a permanent replacement. Staff said Heidler has been working with Captain Starling during the transition period.

Heidler offered public remarks reflecting on his career, noting his progression from military police service to the Florence Police Department and his appreciation for department staff. Council members and the mayor expressed gratitude and said they will celebrate the chief’s service at a future meeting.

No formal personnel vote was recorded in the meeting minutes excerpt; the announcement included the interim assignment and a statement that the city will perform a formal nationwide search for the next chief.","Police Chief Alan Heidler announced his retirement after 42 years of service; the city named Captain Stephen Starling as interim chief and said a nationwide search will follow. The council plans a formal retirement recognition in October.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6498903,"Florence advances changes to Unified Development Ordinance to permit accessory dwelling units",721,2297000,3018000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5586956-0ade9f205acd454a88f8291e90325b63&start=2297&end=3018","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5586956-0ade9f205acd454a88f8291e90325b63/thumbnail_2297000.jpg","/articles/6498903/Florence-City/Florence-County/South-Carolina/Florence-advances-changes-to-Unified-Development-Ordinance-to-permit-accessory-dwelling-units","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6498903-62b3fbd5665107b9d4c8958402af1e24/orig.mp4?Expires=1775735192&Signature=bTmYm2iTmRT2WtjOp4yVc3ar09kOVHesd8~m3Itx06MZYmVLgE1h9eyH7aVrSE4AOk-N5tdIFr3W99GD7pLEYjz-q5nFYrr8GNyIqsLqUda-yCW~vJOVei0Wlg-n44P06wcgjs~09noFf2~4j6XWf9VxeuxCYqwm4htTjwfd1e7Ja-dbG5Ye~oseVyOCJi0PeGKf9DzoXFPBLa-nK6rmqOYg48bMC8FUXfrT1OnpXmyVwBXehkImLmN0Lhnwjnc7N--jQzPt8268esRqqRPTkkGrvy-I28Kzi8fZQNpxTkPxmMeRUQ3a1Gtx8SO3UaKTeRxkvOhpC0tFwexS1zCQ-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Florence City Council advanced a proposed amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in most residential zoning districts and in the commercial reuse (C‑R) district as a conditional use. Staff presented the changes in a first-reading/introduction item and council approved moving the ordinance forward.

Under the proposal staff described, the city would permit both attached (integrated) and detached ADUs with conditions intended to limit impacts on neighborhoods. Key provisions discussed by staff include:

- Owner-occupancy: the property owner must be the owner of record and maintain the property as their primary residence (voter registration/driver’s license/tax rolls were cited as tests of primary residence).
- Unit limits and size: one ADU per site; a detached ADU limited to 50% of the principal building footprint or 800 square feet, whichever is less; attached ADUs limited to 30–35% of floor area up to 800 square feet; ADU height may not exceed the principal building.
- Yards, setbacks and utilities: detached units must be at least 10 feet from the primary residence; units must follow district setback rules and have combined utilities/addressing with the principal dwelling.
- Occupancy and use limits: ADUs cannot be short-term rentals (Airbnb) or used solely for a home occupation; they must meet building-permit, rental‑registry and business-license requirements.
- Parking: one additional improved parking space is required in addition to the site’s required parking (e.g., a typical single-family lot required two spaces; an ADU would require a third space on-site).

Staff noted the policy is intended to restore a form of housing that existed historically in some Florence neighborhoods (for example, apartments above garages or auxiliary detached units) and to expand modest rental options for students, newly employed residents and older residents seeking supplemental income. Council members who spoke supported the change as a measured approach; one member called it a conservative policy because of the owner-occupancy requirement and other limits.

The ordinance introduces standards on ADU size, placement, utilities, parking and permitted districts. Council voted to move the ordinance forward at its introductory stage; additional public hearings and planning commission review were referenced in staff comments.","Council approved introduction of an ordinance to amend the Unified Development Ordinance to allow attached and detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in most residential districts and a commercial reuse district, with conditions including owner-occupancy, size limits and parking requirements.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6498908,"Florence council approves ordinance authorizing up to $270 million in water and sewer bonds",722,768000,1490000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5586956-0ade9f205acd454a88f8291e90325b63&start=768&end=1490","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5586956-0ade9f205acd454a88f8291e90325b63/thumbnail_768000.jpg","/articles/6498908/Florence-City/Florence-County/South-Carolina/Florence-council-approves-ordinance-authorizing-up-to-270-million-in-water-and-sewer-bonds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6498908-94dfc0884d6e1639c38f87dfcd3200ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1775735192&Signature=Z-SgIU7MVn~Ee9lJqsVOQ-tIcvrWYuqdXVLms6cB2pSfiUojRAn4a3OwEL0yEkhQiY3Bv6c4pDhhxwSyBC355huiiTqyKtDcKPgV-dCQ1E-4rjmgJ748E17zsP8vZue9ws2qJHfPKSuq2wj13RACQMEFrSiQ9KoShDgv5TY-eHCi3OTnh1-LTruJAF~9ByNPm32QzZZyd9POm75trFncvEN7lXpb3W8gPJMvNtV1a6~JNy~~h03kZQwIW-dIYuuI1oJOsz7~P6QkJvxnMqz5K~yuoQVD5Npik8Dcfr4GmdazrxQtT61PhA9vAz4ZDO2QoqAxjSa0xFcjMa05tUW3yA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Florence City Council approved an ordinance at second reading authorizing issuance of combined waterworks and sewage system capital improvement revenue bonds totaling up to $270,000,000. Council voted by voice to pass the measure after staff summarized projects and answered council questions.

City staff said the bond package will fund a range of water and sewer projects, with about $80,000,000 earmarked for water-quality improvements and approximately $35,000,000 for upfitting the surface-water plant to raise capacity from 10 million to 15 million gallons per day. Staff said the city operates 33 wells and 14 water plants and expects to initially borrow roughly $127,000,000 — “we’ll only borrow what we can reasonably spend in a year or two,” staff said — then return to issue additional bonds later as projects proceed.

Council members pressed staff on timing, scope and benefits. Staff said the water-quality work is expected to take about five years, noting possible variability due to engineering, bidding, weather and system demand. On sewer needs, staff highlighted capacity constraints in parts of the city — particularly the East Side and Second Loop Road corridor — and pointed to infiltration from Jeffers Creek as a cause of added flows that tax the system. Council members thanked staff and engineers for cost reductions that let the city revise some plant expansions (from a previously proposed 10-to-20 million gallon upgrade) to the current plan that mixes surface-water upgrades with other projects.

Council also asked why the city could bond a large amount. Staff explained Florence’s strong municipal credit ratings from Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, reserves, demonstrated historical debt service and growth projections used by underwriters and bond counsel in the sale process. Bond attorneys and financial advisers were identified as assisting with the multi-month process.

The ordinance amends a prior ordinance referenced in the packet; staff said the authorization is intended to permit multi-year borrowing as needed rather than immediate full issuance of the total authorized amount. Council approved the ordinance by voice vote; the record showed no roll-call tally in the transcript.

Council members and staff said the ordinance follows prior stormwater, wastewater and sewer studies and represents a planned, multiyear program to address long-standing infrastructure and water-quality issues.

The city will proceed with project design, bidding and phased borrowing, and return to council for subsequent bond issuances as projects reach spending phases.","The Florence City Council approved a second-reading ordinance authorizing up to $270 million in capital improvement revenue bonds for water and sewer system projects, with an initial borrowing of about $127 million focused on water-quality upgrades, plant and well work, and sewer bottlenecks in the city’s east side.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Florence council approves business-license update, telecom franchise, property conveyance, annexations and downtown grants

Florence Police Chief Alan Heidler to retire; Captain Stephen Starling named interim chief

Florence advances changes to Unified Development Ordinance to permit accessory dwelling units

Florence council approves ordinance authorizing up to $270 million in water and sewer bonds