Georgetown County Council approves Magic Oaks FDD amendment amid stormwater and dock disputes

Georgetown County Council on Jan. 13 approved a major-change amendment to the Magic Oaks Flexible Design District to remove a proposed kayak launch and to relocate a community amenity center, a decision that drew extended public opposition and detailed council questioning about stormwater compliance.

The amendment, presented by planning staff, removes the kayak launch after the applicant failed to obtain access through an adjoining property and shifts the amenity center’s location to protect two large oak trees, staff said. Miss Richardson, a planning staffer, told council the applicant “recently filed a request for a major change” and that “the kayak launch has been removed and that property has been added to Lot 17 and 18,” and staff noted the stormwater permit remained under review by county stormwater and DES (Department of Environmental Services).

Why it mattered: Neighbors and environmental advocates urged council to defer the amendment until the…