Edgefield County planning staff to draft roadside-stand, tree‑preservation and landscaping standards

Planning staff told the commission they will prepare ordinance language and illustrative examples covering permanent roadside fruit stands, street curbing, tree preservation and commercial entryway landscaping, then present a packet at the June meeting and seek final action in July.

Staff said the roadside‑stand conditions would aim to allow small sellers while preventing permanent commercial structures from locating in dense residential subdivisions. Suggested elements for the draft include minimum acreage (commissioners suggested 2.5 to 5 acres for permanent stands), building‑size limits (500 square feet for a 2.5‑acre lot was discussed), additional setbacks and planted buffers, and sign controls (one permanent sign limited in square feet; temporary signs allowed only during active sales; no blinking or illuminated advertising).

Staff also said they are finalizing tree‑preservation guidance and preferred tree lists, meeting with an arborist and the planning administrator to tailor standards to county context, and drafting commercial entryway landscaping requirements. Commissioners emphasized local context and cost considerations; one commissioner cautioned against adopting standards appropriate for resort or mountain communities without modification for Edgefield County.

Separately, staff reported continued coordination with Lander University on an impact study; a stakeholder meeting was rescheduled and is set for next week. Staff said they will notify commissioners when stakeholder meetings are scheduled.

No ordinance changes were adopted at this meeting. Staff will return draft language and visual examples at the June meeting for commission review and possible July action.