City staff propose broad development-code changes on late-night uses, ADUs, sidewalks and Main Street storefronts

City planning staff presented a package of proposed updates to Greenville City's development code that would add standards for late-night food and beverage operations, clarify accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules, allow a narrowly tailored fee-in-lieu for sidewalks, and restrict some ground-floor office and medical uses on Main Street and Augusta Street.

The proposed changes, staff said, will go to the Planning Commission in August and — if approved there — to City Council in the following month. Staff asked council members for feedback now so it can be incorporated before the public notice on July 7 and the Planning Commission review in August.

Why it matters: the code changes affect where and how downtown and neighborhood businesses operate, the usability and permitting of ADUs in single-family areas, and how the city addresses missing sidewalks. Those choices could influence downtown activation, housing availability, and when property owners must install sidewalks or pay an in-lieu fee.

Staff described several categories of changes. For late-night food, beverage and entertainment uses, the draft text would generally prohibit operation after midnight in RNX (residential neighborhood flex) and RC (residential community) districts and add use standards for microbreweries, microdistilleries and wineries to mirror existing bar/nightclub standards. "You need to demonstrate a consistent history of safe and proper management," staff said of the proposed standard for entities that want an exception to operate past midnight; that standard would let established businesses apply for later hours while new operators would first have to demonstrate a record of appropriate management (quote…