Greenville County adopts tougher protections for Paris Mountain, adds tree-preservation language

Greenville County Council on third reading adopted zoning text amendment CZ2025-053 to strengthen environmental protections for the Environmentally Sensitive District of Paris Mountain (ESDPM), adding a tree-preservation section modeled on state forestry exemptions.

Councilor Bradley introduced the ordinance, which county staff and supporters said updates the ESDPM to better protect steep slopes, streams, specimen trees and headwaters. "These amendments represent the next step we can take to combat habitat disruption, impaired water quality and disturbance of the mountain's ecological balance," Emily Poole, Upstate staff attorney at the South Carolina Environmental Law Project, told the council.

Several residents and advocates urged adoption. Tommy Reese, a Paris Mountain resident, said the amendments are the result of two years of work and urged no last-minute changes; Greg Valente described the changes as the first meaningful zoning update for the mountain in two generations and said the proposal would grandfather existing lots while limiting future high-density and commercial uses.

A council member proposed an amendment to add a tree-save and tree-preservation section that mirrors South Carolina Code §48-23-205 (which provides forestry exemptions). The council voted to suspend notice and the written rule so the amendment could be introduced at third reading and then approved the ordinance as amended.

During debate, some members raised concern about separately proposed short-term rental language in the packet (a provision defining short-term rentals as stays under 30 days and tying occupancy to owner residency). Council members said that language had not been fully vetted by the county attorney and could expose the county to legal challenges; the tree-preservation amendment added at the meeting was limited to mirror the state forestry exemption, and members agreed to address any broader short-term rental policy at a later date.

The council adopted CZ2025-053 as amended by voice vote. Councilors and supporters framed the measure as a mix of enhanced environmental safeguards and grandfathering for existing lots; opponents and some landowners said the changes could restrict future property use. Council records will reflect the ordinance's updated text and the added tree-preservation section.

The council scheduled further procedural follow-up to ensure any short-term rental policy language is reviewed and, if necessary, reconsidered at a subsequent meeting.