Sumter County Council denies two Highway Drive rezonings after neighborhood opposition; approves Camden Highway rezoning and advances private-roads plan

Sumter County Council on Monday heard extended public comment and voted to deny second readings on two rezoning requests for properties on Highway Drive, approved second reading on a separate Camden Highway rezoning to R-15, and directed staff to move forward with an ordinance and implementation timeline to address private roads and stormwater concerns.

The denied Highway Drive requests drew the largest turnout. Residents from Highway Village and Forest Lake subdivisions told council they opposed additional attached housing or duplexes, citing property values, lot sizes and long‑standing maintenance problems at existing duplex properties owned by a local developer. Planning staff had recommended the rezones as consistent with the county’s 2024 comprehensive plan and the suburban development planning area.

The Camden Highway application, for about 3.26 acres, won council approval at second reading after staff and applicants said R-15 zoning would permit a modest increase in residential density while site constraints — notably the absence of public sewer — would limit the number of units because septic systems must meet HEC standards. Council members and several nearby residents discussed drainage, animal impacts and whether the parcel’s frontage would support more than a few lots.

Council also reviewed an ordinance and…