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Edgefield planning panel debates tree-preservation, limits on mass grading and expanded landscaping rules
Summary
The Edgefield County Planning Commission discussed a proposed tree-preservation ordinance, potential mass-grading limits and countywide landscaping/buffer rules — citing watershed and flooding concerns — and asked staff to return with draft language and examples from other jurisdictions.
The Edgefield County Planning Commission spent the bulk of its Aug. 8 meeting debating a proposed tree-preservation ordinance, whether to restrict mass grading, and how to expand landscaping and buffer requirements for commercial development and major subdivisions.
Commissioners and staff said the goal is to preserve large, native trees that are not commonly replanted, such as magnolias, and to require replacement where removal is necessary. "If you cut down 16 inches of magnolia tree, you gotta put 16 inches worth of magnolia back on the property," said Speaker 3, who urged species-specific replacement rather than swapping in less-suitable ornamental trees. Staff proposed using a native-species…
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