Upstate Forever urges wider riparian buffers, more open space and 'missing middle' housing in Greenville County UDO

Sherry Barrett, land policy director for the nonprofit Upstate Forever, told the Greenville County Communications and Governmental Affairs Committee that the county's draft Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) would limit sprawl, strengthen riparian buffers and tree protections, and expand infill and "missing middle" housing options and accessory dwelling units.

Barrett said Upstate Forever's mission is "to protect the critical lands, waters, and unique character of the Upstate," and argued the UDO is a more intentional way to implement the Greenville County comprehensive plan than the county's current, piecemeal regulations. "If enacted, the UDO will accommodate growth in a more fiscally and environmentally responsible way," Barrett told committee members during a presentation and question-and-answer period.

Why it matters: Barrett and other advocates framed the UDO as a tool to direct growth toward areas with infrastructure and away from the county's remaining forests and farmland in the northern and southern thirds of Greenville County. The changes discussed include riparian buffer standards, new tree-preservation and open-space rules, septic and sewer coordination for subdivisions, and rules to allow duplexes, triplexes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in more places.

Key deta…