Council lowers multifamily density limit; affordable-housing bonus debated

Georgetown County Council approved ordinance 24-46 on Nov. 12, amending section 607 of the zoning ordinance to align residential density limits with the adopted comprehensive plan. The change reduces allowable multifamily density in General Residential districts from 16 to 12 units per acre and includes an option for the Waccamaw Neck to be capped at 5 units per acre with a limited density bonus for projects that provide affordable units.

Planning staff explained that the proposed text pulls workforce/affordable-housing language from the land use element: a development that provides at least 20% of units as affordable would be eligible for an additional 2–4 units per acre above the 5-unit-per-acre cap on the Waccamaw Neck (effectively allowing limited increases tied to affordability). Council discussion focused on geographic impacts, sewer and water infrastructure funded by the recent capital project sales tax, and the balance between limiting density and enabling affordable-housing development.

Councilor Anderson moved to amend the bonus from '2–4' to a single '2' unit-per-acre bonus; the motion received no second and therefore failed. The council later approved the ordinance (including a separate amendment to incorporate tax language referenced by staff) by voice vote. Staff noted the change would affect about 89 parcels identified for outreach, but that the practical development impact depends on parcel condition (wetlands, heirs' property, suitability) and requires subsequent rezoning actions for many sites.

The ordinance will apply to future multifamily proposals in GR districts; existing multifamily developments that exceed new limits may become nonconforming and would need variances to rebuild if substantially damaged. The planning department will continue following implementation steps and coordinate any targeted rezonings recommended by the comprehensive-plan changes.