West Columbia council unanimously approves multiple zoning items and loan resolutions; executive session called

The City of West Columbia council approved a series of planning, zoning and financing items at its Jan. 6 meeting, and moved into executive session for legal advice on ADA accommodations and short‑term rental ordinances.

On the planning and zoning agenda, the council approved on second reading an infill overlay for one 1.15‑acre parcel at 740 Center Street (tax map 004638‑02‑010, zone C3). The council also approved multiple first‑reading items: an omnibus text amendment addressing NAICS code mismatches in the zoning ordinance, an infill overlay at Spring and South Wych (0.13 acres, tax map 004638‑05‑017), and zoning reclassifications including LM for parcels at 353 and 355 Dree Road (totaling 3.46 acres), a 3.22‑acre parcel at 919 North Lucas, and C2 classifications for parcels along Mathias Road and parts of Platte Springs Road (0.752 acres across several parcels).

A council member raised concern about the Platte Springs Road parcel pattern, saying it "really looks more like a C 1 than a C 2" because some buildings form a street wall close to the roadway. Former zoning official Mister Garland responded that C1 was not advertised for that item and that changing the zoning would require re‑advertising and a new public hearing with the planning commission, though staff could consider a future map or text amendment to address the block.

On utilities financing, the council gave first reading to resolutions authorizing acceptance of loan assistance from the South Carolina Water Quality Revolving Fund Authority for two items related to the Riverside Water Treatment Plant: filtration upgrades and a master plan that addresses PFAS (the presenter was introduced as Andy Zangle). A councilmember asked whether the master plan item addressed "forever chemical" concerns; the presiding officer confirmed it "addresses PFAS." All motions on these agenda items passed unanimously.

Finally, the council voted to adjourn into executive session to receive legal advice on a citizen request for ADA accommodations (citing South Carolina Code Annotated 30‑4‑78(2)) and on reasonable‑accommodation procedures under the ADA and FHA and short‑term rental ordinances.

Votes at a glance (as recorded in the meeting): - Resolution honoring Bernetha Mickens (item 6.1): adopted (celebration and singing recorded; formal adoption recorded Jan. 6, 2026). - Minutes approval (Dec. 2, 2025): unanimously approved. - 2nd reading — infill overlay, 740 Center St (1.15 ac): approved. - 1st reading — Riverside Water Treatment filtration upgrades (loan resolution): first reading given/approved. - 1st reading — Riverside Water Treatment Plant master plan (PFAS, loan resolution): approved. - 1st reading — NAICS code text amendment to zoning ordinance: approved. - 1st reading — infill overlay at Spring & South Wych (0.13 ac): approved. - 1st reading — zoning LM at 353 & 355 Dree Road (3.46 ac): approved. - 1st reading — zoning classification at 919 N. Lucas (3.22 ac): approved. - 1st reading — zoning C2 at Mathias Road (4.43 ac): approved. - 1st reading — zoning C2 at 1806–1810 Platte Springs Road (0.752 ac): approved with councilmember concern noted.

Council members instructed staff to pursue follow-up where appropriate (for example, possible future rezoning or text amendments for the Platte Springs Road block), and then adjourned to executive session for legal advice. The meeting record does not include final action taken in executive session.