[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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",[32,76,88],{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6476341,"mediaKeyId","5730601-71716ee7820240e65eb3c46a6e366615","parentId",5730601,"title","Easley council debates new unified development ordinance; members split on ADUs, density and setbacks","audioSeconds",3096,"startMs",573000,"endMs",3669000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5730601-71716ee7820240e65eb3c46a6e366615&start=573&end=3669","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5730601-71716ee7820240e65eb3c46a6e366615/thumbnail_573000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6476341/South-Carolina/Easley-council-debates-new-unified-development-ordinance-members-split-on-ADUs-density-and-setbacks","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6476341-02ae6e7f1f26163d91a1daa5c795b720/orig.mp4?Expires=1775310925&Signature=oMnhFv3TQTXea5eo1Bd3CImkHfxRRA6orQt3CVimfIZwm~XgIPnIxgNAvJjV8omIwpyCBKDomSf80j7PFIUScHPdxEYfuHDnF23S~xGNw-VFzRunJc2i3GbI97R35NLaRVppdhawuY1TKAJmU3qCT85yvxrOZz-dLhrS6Dnzk~NT2eQJQ55OQr5uyiR40IyeiUsrmFpdNu5Sly7HbHz1rY9998RQB-B6NNcUSd144p~AJJiGkumD-BQl-I0z22zn5cy~9qx2oygeSUDNsWdfHVJjirULnXzhEE0MwmH3uTU~asHcqxWlG7XEE23DImJ2D4MAZnX5JF7LqsdvPmq3Ow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Easley","date","2025-09-08T20:46:34Z","article","City of Easley councilors spent the bulk of their Sept. 8 meeting on a first reading of ordinance 2025-11, a measure to repeal the city’s existing zoning ordinance and land development regulations and replace them with a unified City of Easley development ordinance (UDO).

The debate focused on six open questions staff flagged for council direction: whether to include accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the UDO or treat them as a separate ordinance; whether subdivisions should require a mandatory second entrance based on lot counts or a traffic study; the size of buffer zones adjacent to protected water bodies (currently 25 feet or four times the channel width); whether traffic impact studies should be mandatory for developments with more than 100 parking spaces; removal of campgrounds/RV parks from the code; and setbacks and density adjustments.

Why it matters: the UDO would replace two longstanding planning documents and set rules for future development. Councilors said the measure affects growth, housing affordability and public safety (access for emergency vehicles), and the city is operating under a moratorium that expires in November. That deadline framed arguments for both moving forward and pausing for more review.

Most contentious issues

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Staff and the city planner said ADUs had been included in the draft but that planning staff and the planning commission left the policy choice to council. City Planner Corey (identified on the record as “our city planner”) told council the draft could be modified and that the city would draft a separate ADU ordinance if council preferred. Multiple councilors expressed concern about standalone ADU structures being rented as short-term rentals or left vacant; planner Corey said options include deed restrictions and recorded covenants that “run with the land” to limit non-owner occupancy. A number of councilors favored removing ADUs from the UDO and drafting a standalone ADU ordinance for later incorporation; others said they preferred to incorporate ADU language into the UDO and amend later.

Second-entrance requirement. The draft currently uses 51 lots as a trigger for requiring a second entrance or a traffic study. Council discussion noted this threshold varies by nearby jurisdictions (Camden uses 31 lots) and that practical constraints—existing development and South Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) approvals—sometimes prevent additional entrances. Staff suggested retaining the traffic-study approach and letting studies determine if a second entrance is required; some councilors said the question deserved a separate discussion and possibly a later amendment.

Buffers for water bodies. The draft currently requires either a 25-foot buffer or four times the width of the water body (whichever is greater). Staff explained that for small streams the “four times” rule yields modest buffers but that larger creeks generate much bigger setbacks. Several councilors supported keeping the currently written approach; none proposed a final numeric change during the meeting.

Traffic studies: may vs. shall. The draft currently states that a development with more than 100 parking spaces “may” be required to submit a traffic-impact study; several councilors supported changing “may” to “shall” to make the requirement mandatory for larger developments.

Setbacks and density. Councilors discussed raising front setbacks from 20 feet to 30 feet in certain residential zones (R-7.5 and R-6) and standardizing side setbacks at 10 feet. One councilor proposed a 10% reduction in the draft’s density numbers (an amendment provided to councilors before the meeting that would, for example, move some per-acre densities down by roughly 10%). Supporters said a modest density reduction would slow growth and preserve infrastructure capacity; opponents said reducing density would raise lot costs and could worsen housing affordability.

Public-notice and annexation issues. Councilors and staff also discussed protest annexation procedures, notification signage and written notices to neighbors within a specified radius for annexations. Staff said the draft incorporates expanded notice practices recommended from prior public engagement.

Process and timing

Several councilors asked to delay final action so members could review changes staff continues to make to the draft; staff and other councilors said the moratorium’s November expiration meant the council must either adopt the UDO or extend the moratorium. Staff proposed two paths: approve the first reading as drafted and use the second reading to adopt targeted amendments, or table action and schedule additional meetings. Multiple councilors said second reading amendments would be a cleaner, more efficient path: approve the first reading tonight, then return with amendments incorporated for second reading and final vote.

Quotes

\"We extended this moratorium. It has a deadline. I just don't understand why all of this stuff is coming up at the nth hour,\" said a councilor who identified concerns about last-minute changes.

\"We will change them when — before the next meeting — and we'll put those changes in a document saying, here's what we changed from this draft to the final draft,\" Mario, a staff member, told council.

What was decided

Council did not adopt final ordinance language during the Sept. 8 session. Staff said edits discussed on the record would be incorporated and presented at second reading; several councilors signaled support for approving the first reading tonight and returning with amendments at second reading. No final votes on ordinance 2025-11 were recorded in the transcript.

Next steps

Staff committed to produce a version that tracks the edits and to circulate the draft amendments before second reading. Council also discussed the option of scheduling a special meeting or extending the moratorium (the latter would require a separate vote at a subsequent meeting).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Work Session Meeting 09/08/2025","oneSentenceSummary","City of Easley councilors spent the Sept. 8 meeting on a first reading of ordinance 2025-11, a proposal to repeal the city's zoning ordinance and land development regulations and replace them with a unified development ordinance; councilors debated accessory dwelling units, second-entrance triggers, creek buffers, setbacks and density but did not take a final vote.","taxTitle","Easly City, Pickens, South Carolina","taxId",57021,"location","South Carolina","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6476332,"Council hears first reading to fund police IT upgrade after cybersecurity concerns; recurring costs tied to 9-1-1 reimbursements unclear",133,3898000,4031000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5730601-71716ee7820240e65eb3c46a6e366615&start=3898&end=4031","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5730601-71716ee7820240e65eb3c46a6e366615/thumbnail_3898000.jpg","/articles/6476332/South-Carolina/Council-hears-first-reading-to-fund-police-IT-upgrade-after-cybersecurity-concerns-recurring-costs-tied-to-9-1-1-reimbursements-unclear","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6476332-ce504438ea1f25927a429b7f9d1e1c90/orig.mp4?Expires=1775310925&Signature=ljCJH15GIO0~U5Mklu-il2t7YSUGH6Zi9BRJUY1nPJns9qP1P29witBcmwJvqDww4mCACVM8ikH9SJJ6VVBfO8NRWtqy5YKmhtW0utTx8iEPoxuJ5ElZt5zCwgnxCF-iL9q2ZDxfSYWRbV8EbNMwvjs3DybiWGY2aik7RTAwuomIktvnDg40DcmhrzthiP5TUsiZu52-XwtayN4Q7-v2zxWHHVPpTmieSH9F0QrxxiLPUXFm4G69wFjfboNKT6i6U~m1~0LACG1V-4J7unkg79nvLJo-Alo0dYjSICIJzfanyOqsV-LaJRApFAnE0kU~aWDnfs9qyKlFxtPfn9NiSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Sept. 8 meeting the council heard the first reading of ordinance 2025-12, which would amend the fiscal 2025–26 operating budget to authorize the purchase of IT equipment for the police department to address cybersecurity and aging systems.

IT staff explained the department’s systems are “ancient” and need upgrades to improve security. Jordan Anderson (identified in the record as an IT staff member) described a projected annual recurring cost after initial implementation of $122,349.84 and said part of that recurring expense is typically reimbursed by the county 9-1-1 commission; staff could not provide an exact reimbursement amount on the record and said the commission determines allowable reimbursements.

Councilors asked whether residents would pay twice for the same 9-1-1 service; staff responded no. A county representative had reportedly suggested a county-wide system might be available; staff said they would explore whether remaining linked to the county system or pursuing an in‑house approach made financial and security sense. Councilors asked if the city could identify budget savings across departments before adding recurring costs; staff said cross-budget analysis had not been completed and that IT staff had reviewed IT-specific budget lines.

Security context and grant prospects

Staff told council the impetus for moving ahead is cybersecurity concern and that Pickens County had experienced a cyber incident; staff said the city’s network ties to county systems made city vulnerability a concern. Chief Weiner and Jordan Anderson said that bringing critical services in-house and updating equipment would increase security, and council members verbally endorsed bringing stronger protections.

Staff also reported they are pursuing grant funding that could support police technology upgrades. Councilors asked whether a county official had recommended staying with the county system to avoid duplication of expense; staff said they would seek additional county conversations before committing.

What was decided

No final appropriation vote was recorded in the transcript excerpt; the ordinance was presented for first reading and staff will return with details of reimbursements, recurring costs and potential county coordination.

Key figures and clarifications

- Projected annual recurring cost after initial implementation: $122,349.84 (staff estimate recorded on the record).

- Grant discussions: staff said they expect further grant opportunities and were pursuing options to offset operating costs.","Council held first reading of ordinance 2025-12 to amend the FY25-26 budget for police IT equipment. Staff described urgent security needs, an expected annual recurring cost of about $122,350 and possible partial reimbursement from the 9-1-1 commission; county systems and recent cybersecurity incidents were discussed.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6476337,"Easley council holds second readings and resolutions; votes to enter executive session on pending claim",0,13000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5730601-71716ee7820240e65eb3c46a6e366615&start=13&end=13","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5730601-71716ee7820240e65eb3c46a6e366615/thumbnail_13000.jpg","/articles/6476337/South-Carolina/Easley-council-holds-second-readings-and-resolutions-votes-to-enter-executive-session-on-pending-claim","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6476337-71623b3a8de9548e8c4add1b6d8f380c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775310925&Signature=DE1oaUZGVwrcB5AmHRqebEjgAL1CQJ0nHKe8TmtjEsR7TkxxNBF~XHqUIdtwr~~ia~W1iP6slmVD7JtSEX20YdVVsXPSYRey0aO-phvbqArpYouYSVZc9PByRgDC0uYs4HuhObaHsI7ssEMWmkzA9iPMblBaFWDpbypgVOmlJLkla57Da8BW--b38X8Dgg~iXj2Eh-yNcQV~I9VTi1SuTncv7kcXzJ4kT-vp82dXnfYhup-DitzANO9wk4RS8rhnX-iMcIwrXhTdMNlrHueBQXLMvTNRLalGmXNk9I3wChwZJptXfUM3VvHDNGBjRmKYMmRo~MYn2k~-4kDf167E4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of Easley councilors conducted second readings or first readings as listed on the Sept. 8 agenda and recorded limited discussion on several items before moving to other business and an executive session.

The council confirmed on the record a second reading of ordinance 2025-07, a rezoning request to change about 0.844 acres at 715 North A Street from Neighborhood Commercial to Residential 7.5; councilors raised traffic-access concerns related to a permanent median adjacent to the site and asked staff to ensure shared-driveway or DOT review if homes are built.

Council also took second reading on ordinance 2025-08 (a revised business-license ordinance to align with state Business License Standardization Act) and on ordinance 2025-09 (authorizing recording an easement for properties across the Doodle Trail to formalize longstanding driveway access). Those items drew little additional debate.

Two resolutions related to equipment leases for parks and recreation (resolutions 2025-14 and 2025-15) and a resolution (2025-16) calling on state and county authorities to review congestion along the Brushy Creek Road corridor were presented; staff said the lease items were included in the budget and the finance company required council signoff. Council did not record a final roll-call vote on these readings and resolutions during the transcript segment.

Executive session

Council moved and voted to go into executive session to receive legal advice on a pending claim under section 34-70(a)(2) (statutory citation given on the record); a council member requested the record show the matter was related to \"Mets versus the City of Easley,\" and another member clarified the case is the City of Columbia rather than the City of Easley. The vote to enter executive session was recorded as approved on the record.

What was decided

Most ordinance items were read on the record but no final adoption votes appear in the transcript excerpt. The council approved a motion to go into executive session for legal advice on a pending claim and identified the case for the record.

Provenance

Staff introduced the rezoning matter (ordinance 2025-07) and the business-license ordinance in the first portion of the meeting; the easement item across the Doodle Trail and the resolutions were read aloud later in the agenda.","At its Sept. 8 meeting the council conducted second readings on multiple items — a rezoning, a business-license update and an easement — and read several resolutions; the council voted to enter executive session to receive legal advice on a pending claim.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Easley council debates new unified development ordinance; members split on ADUs, density and setbacks

Council hears first reading to fund police IT upgrade after cybersecurity concerns; recurring costs tied to 9-1-1 reimbursements unclear

Easley council holds second readings and resolutions; votes to enter executive session on pending claim