Council defers approval of updated downtown design standards and related UDO items, plans executive-session review

On second reading of the updated downtown design standards, Florence City Council agreed to defer action and move related questions into executive session to obtain legal advice and further staff analysis. The item was the subject of questions from several council members about whether the design guidelines require use of a “commercial contractor” and how the design documents interact with the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

Council members asked staff to clarify which rules are contained in the design guidelines and which are set by separate codes such as the International Building Code or the UDO. A council member said some downtown property owners were told they must use a “commercial contractor” and noted that South Carolina uses licensing categories such as “general contractor,” not “commercial contractor.” Building-code staff responded that licensing requirements are set by building-code rules (for example, certain commercial work over a dollar threshold requires contractors to hold appropriate licenses) and are separate from the design guidelines.

Councilman Jerry (surname not specified in transcript) said the downtown design standards approval is distinct from unrelated provisions, such as the noise ordinance, and several council members agreed the items should be addressed separately when appropriate. After discussion, a motion to defer passed; council also agreed to hold an executive-session meeting for legal advice concerning procedural questions and any items where legal counsel is needed.

Council also moved other UDO-related matters — including at least one ordinance that would amend setback rules for community communications towers — to executive session during the meeting. Staff and council said any change to the UDO would be pursued with additional briefing and, where required, public hearings before planning bodies and council.