Council adopts Paris Mountain environmentally sensitive district text amendment

Greenville County Council on June 3 adopted at third reading an amendment to Section 8.5 (ESD-PM) of the county zoning ordinance to revise the Paris Mountain environmentally sensitive district.

Councilor Bradley moved adoption of the ordinance (CZ2025-028) to amend the ESD-PM provisions; a roll call recorded nine votes in favor and none opposed. The council chairman declared the item passed.

Why it matters: The amendment was described by a public speaker as closing an "unintended loophole" used in a recent attempt to site a hotel on Paris Mountain and have the land annexed by Travelers Rest. Supporters said changes will help protect the mountain's slopes, wooded areas and natural resources.

Public remarks and context Audrey Pazen, a frequent appearances speaker, urged councilors to pass the amendment, calling the Paris Mountain area "beloved" by county residents and recommending that staff consult a study from the 1990s that documented slope, fire risk and other hazards. Pazen said, "Whether it was intended or not, [the loopholes] need to be closed" and asked the council to pass the ordinance that evening.

Formal action • CZ2025-028, amendment to section 8.5 ESD-PM (Paris Mountain): Moved by Councilor Bradley at third reading; roll-call vote 9-0; outcome: adopted.

Distinction between discussion and decision The council's vote was a formal ordinance adoption at third reading. Public comments urging passage occurred as part of the meeting's appearances on current agenda items and were explicitly tied to the zoning amendment.

Speakers quoted in this article spoke during the June 3 meeting and are listed in the speaker section below.