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Council action roundup: annexations, rezonings, flood‑map update and more
Summary
Florence City Council approved a mix of annexations and rezonings, adopted a FEMA‑compliance update to the flood hazard ordinance, approved stormwater grant amendments and advanced a temporary moratorium on approvals that involve gravesites.
Florence City Council took action on multiple ordinances and resolutions, ranging from land annexations and rezonings to a citywide flood‑hazard ordinance update. Several first readings and second readings were taken; the key actions are summarized below.
Why it matters: The votes affect development patterns, flood‑hazard standards that determine permitting and insurance eligibility, and the city’s ability to spend grant funding on infrastructure. The council also gave first reading to a temporary moratorium to aid staff drafting of burial‑protection regulations.
Votes and outcomes (highlights) - Bill 2025‑01 (second reading): Annex and zone property at 1228 North Cashew Drive (Florence County tax map 00122‑01‑040). Council recorded the bill as passed. - Bill 2025‑02 (second reading): Rezoning of a portion of tax map 00147‑01‑023 (CG to IL/A or as listed in staff presentation). Council recorded the bill as passed. - Bill 2025‑03 (second reading): Vacant & abandoned building registration (new article proposed). Staff requested this item be deferred; council deferred it. - Bill 2025‑04 (second reading): Finding certain dwellings unfit for human habitation (code enforcement on dilapidated properties). Council voted in favor; the bill passed. - Bill 2025‑05 (first reading): Annex and zone three lots in Vintage Place (requested NC‑15). Planning staff and planning commission recommended against annexing the three lots in isolation; council voted against annexing the three lots (motion did not pass). Staff noted the neighborhood could pursue a future full‑neighborhood annexation if 75% support is achieved. - Bill 2025‑06 (first reading): Annex and zone property along Freedom Boulevard/Gilbert Drive (CG). Planning commission recommended approval; council approved the bill on first reading. - Bill 2025‑07 (first reading): Annex and zone two parcels near Lake Oakdale (RG‑2 requested). Planning staff and commission recommended approval; council approved the bill on first reading. - Bill 2025‑08 (first reading): Adopt updated downtown design plan. Council deferred this item so staff can work with downtown stakeholders (this followed a packed public comment session on entertainment and noise). - Bill 2025‑09 (first reading / ordinance update): Amend Unified Development Ordinance flood hazard district to adopt the revised FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and required ordinance language. Council approved the update to maintain FEMA compliance. - Bill 2025‑10 (first reading): Moved into executive session for further consideration (no public vote recorded in open session).
Resolutions and other formal actions - Resolution 2025‑04: Proclaim Montessori Education Week (Feb. 23–Mar. 1, 2025). Council approved the proclamation. - Resolution 2025‑05 (Municipal Association of South Carolina advocacy initiative): Deferred / failed for lack of a motion during open session. - Resolution 2025‑06: Authorize city manager to execute amended agreement with South Carolina Office of Resiliency for additional stormwater grant funding (see separate article). Council approved the resolution. - Resolution 2025‑07: Downtown development grant — discussed in executive session and later placed on the agenda; council approved the downtown development grant resolution after executive session.
Other actions - Council gave first reading to a temporary moratorium on approval of developments that include graves, graveyards or cemeteries to allow staff time to draft regulations protecting burials. The council indicated the moratorium would be limited in duration and that the city manager may exempt pending developments that have agreed to comply with staff’s forthcoming regulations. - An ordinance authorizing conveyance of approximately 0.319 acres back to Floyd Family Properties (property near the Florence Athletic Complex) was read for first reading and the motion carried; staff said the conveyance cleans up an earlier donation arrangement.
What the council asked staff to do Council requested additional outreach and follow up in several items: staff was asked to revisit the downtown design standards with stakeholders, to continue public engagement on flood‑map changes required by FEMA, and to finalize moratorium language so council can consider it on second reading.
For full context and individual roll‑call tallies, see the official meeting minutes and the city clerk’s record of votes.
