Laurens County council trims open-space mandate, approves package of zoning amendments

On Jan. 12, 2026, the Laurens County Council voted on a package of amendments to Ordinance 991 (the county's open-space residential development rules), approving a revised open-space requirement and several technical changes after extended discussion and multiple roll-call/voice votes.

The council ultimately approved a substitute to amendment 3 setting the open-space requirement at 50% of a development, with 40% designated as natural open space and 10% as common open space. The substitute motion passed by a 5-1 vote; Councilman Brownlee was recorded in opposition. During debate, Paul Harrison, a civil-engineering partner who represents developers, warned the initial 60% requirement was infeasible, saying, "60% open space right off the bat is is pretty substantial amount of open space," and argued it would harm affordability in areas served by public water and sewer.

Council considered 11 proposed changes drawn from outside stakeholders…