Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Simpsonville council approves zoning text amendment to raise residential setbacks
Summary
The Simpsonville City Council approved a zoning text amendment to raise residential setbacks from 15 to 20 feet and to revise sidewalk and limited digital-sign rules; the motion passed 4–3 after staff presentation and public comment.
The Simpsonville City Council voted 4–3 to approve a zoning text amendment that raises residential setbacks from 15 to 20 feet and updates sidewalk and signage provisions, council members said.
The change, presented by David Johnson of city staff, would revise multiple code sections (identified in the staff summary as Sections 3.2.18 through 3.2.43) and make related edits to Section 4.5.5 and Section 4.7.3. "Again, these are to increase the setbacks in our residential subdivision from 15 to 20," Johnson told the council during his overview of the amendment.
Why it matters: the setback change affects how close new housing and certain accessory uses can be built to property lines in residential areas, which can influence lot layouts, driveway placement and buffering between homes and commercial uses. Staff also described adjustments to where sidewalks must be constructed and a limited allowance for digital signage in the district.
What the council decided: the motion to approve Section 3.2.18 "as an option" was put before the council and carried by a 4–3 roll call. Council member Williams and Council member Rosha were recorded voting yes; Council member Pinkerton and Council member Hutchings were recorded voting no; Mayor Shoemaker recorded a yes vote. The motion's mover and seconder were not recorded in the transcript.
Details from the amendment and record: staff cited state regulations when discussing buffers for alcohol-sales uses and referenced the named code sections above; the staff presentation also noted a possible annual review or future adjustment of numeric thresholds if state or local standards change. The staff memo described a limited allowance for digital signs, discussed in the meeting as "about 4 digital signs" in the overall district, and proposed edits to sidewalk-construction triggers in Section 4.7.3.
Next steps: the transcript does not record additional procedural steps or an implementation timetable; the council carried the motion and proceeded to other business.
