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Conway council advances a slate of annexations, zoning changes, UDO updates and selects marina operator
Summary
At its Jan. 6 meeting the Conway City Council approved first readings on multiple annexations and rezoning requests, adopted updates to the Unified Development Ordinance, extended a redevelopment incentive window and authorized staff to negotiate a lease with EST Ventures LLC to operate the Conway Marina building.
Conway City Council members on Jan. 6 approved a large package of first-reading ordinances — including annexations, rezoning requests, and updates to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance — and selected a preferred operator to negotiate a public–private partnership for the Conway Marina building.
Council approved first reading for multiple annexations and rezoning requests that staff said are necessary to allow properties to connect to city utilities or to correct split zoning on existing parcels. Items approved on first reading included ordinances labeled in the meeting packet as ZA2025-0121 (multiple lettered items):
- ZA2025-0121A/B: Nonexclusive franchise agreements to two mobile food vendors (see separate coverage). - ZA2025-0121C: Annex approximately 1.907 acres at 625 Leisure Lane and rezone from Horry County Residential (no mobile homes allowed) to City low-to-medium-density residential. Staff noted the parcel falls within the Pine Valley Estates subdivision and recommended approval; council approved first reading unanimously. - ZA2025-0121D: Amendment to Title 1, Chapter 5, Article G—an economic incentive program for redevelopment of existing vacant commercial buildings of 25,000 square feet or greater. Staff proposed increasing the maximum years for property tax reimbursement from five years to 10 to encourage reuse of existing structures; council approved first reading and staff will forward the ordinance for second reading. - ZA2025-0121E–ZA2025-0121K (several lettered ordinances): Multiple annexations and rezoning requests for industrial, commercial and residential properties across the city (including parcels on Schauffner Road, Gardner Lacy Road and East Cox Ferry Road), a rezoning to core commercial for two Fourth Avenue parcels, and updates to multiple UDO articles (definitions, use tables, subdivision/conservation subdivision standards, design standards and an airport overlay district). Planning Commission had held public hearings and recommended approval of the UDO amendments and rezoning requests; council approved first reading on each item unanimously.
Council also approved a staff recommendation to select EST Ventures LLC as the preferred proposer to enter negotiations for operation of the Conway Marina building. Staff said five proposals were received; EST Ventures scored highest on qualifications, staffing, proposed hours and the proposed annual payment to the city. Approval authorizes city staff to begin contract negotiations; council voted to move forward unanimously.
Other business: council unanimously approved a resolution honoring Anna Claire Roof of Conway High School as the Class 4A/5A girls individual tennis state champion for 2024 and renamed a residential subdivision from Rose Estates to Hainner Place. Several ceremonial presentations and longevity awards were given earlier in the meeting.
Why it matters: The package of annexations and rezonings will allow property owners to obtain city services and bring some properties into compliance with city codes; the UDO changes clarify definitions and add or remove obsolete uses — an update staff said began in 2023. The incentive ordinance change expands a financial tool aimed at encouraging redevelopment of large vacant commercial buildings. The marina selection begins formal contract talks about the privately operated marina store and related services.
What’s next: Most items were approved on first reading; staff will present ordinances for second reading in upcoming council meetings. If council approves the EST Ventures lease after negotiations, staff will return with a draft agreement for council consideration.
