Residents urge Greenville County to protect comprehensive plan and preserve planning commission authority

Several residents used the public comment period to press Greenville County Council to strengthen protections for the county comprehensive plan and to clarify the planning commission's role.

"Greenville County has an opportunity to lead by example and do something extraordinary," said Audrey Pazen, who urged the council to adopt an ordinance recognizing the comprehensive plan as binding under the state Enabling Act. Pazen referenced litigation in another county that she said could prompt appellate review and said a local ordinance could reduce the need for protracted court battles.

Diane Vreeland, speaking on behalf of the Greenville County Republican Women, said she and others attended recent court proceedings involving Metro Sewer and reported that county attorneys suggested the courthouse may not be the right forum for resolving the concern. Vreeland asked whether council wants the planning commission to continue to give recommendations under the Enabling Act or to permit the county administrator and staff to exercise decision-making authority. She requested transparency and suggested that council could direct staff to pause litigation while the planning commission reviews matters.

Nicole House, a legislative adviser for students and a professor of regulatory law, recommended translating legal requirements into clear policies and procedures so staff actions align with law and reduce litigation risk. "It translates law into action and ensures consistent application," she said, urging audits or policy rewrites where gaps exist.

Speakers asked the council for clearer direction and, in one case, for a roll-call statement of council positions on planning commission authority. The meeting record shows these requests were presented during public comment; the committee did not take a formal vote or issue directives during the session.