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Sumter County Council unanimously denies rezoning for 1651 N. Kings Highway after residents protest
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Summary
After sustained public opposition citing property values, safety and neighborhood character, Sumter County Council unanimously denied second reading of a rezoning request to convert a 6-acre parcel at 1651 N. Kings Highway from R-15 to Agricultural Conservation.
Sumter County Council on Tuesday denied a rezoning request for a 6.0-acre parcel at 1651 N. Kings Highway after neighbors said the change would harm neighborhood character and home values.
Zoning Administrator Jeff Dewort presented RZ-22-06, asking to rezone the parcel from Residential-15 (R-15) to Agricultural Conservation (AC) so the applicant could place a manufactured home and carry out farming operations. Dewort told the council the Sumter 2040 Comprehensive Plan classifies the area in a Rural Development planning area and that manufactured homes are permitted in AC but not in R-15.
Neighbors who spoke during the public hearing urged the council to deny the request. "This rezoning request, if approved, could seriously be detrimental to the property that is already developed in this area," said Jim Jones, who lives adjacent to the parcel. Tom McClothry said the rezoning would "lower the standards" of the area and said he planned to collect a petition opposed to the request. Tommy DuBose said the wooded strip acts as a buffer for higher-value homes and that rezoning could reduce tax revenue.
Several speakers warned about potential farm uses. "If there is a farm on the property, it could be a pecan tree farm or an oak tree farm, but not any other type farms," said Adam Burnett, adding that livestock operations would create odor and management concerns for neighbors. Lois Burnett, through a translated remark by her husband Adam, said she did not want "a farming operation in her neighborhood" that would bring noise or disturb wildlife.
Council members from multiple districts said they heard the community's concerns. Councilman Carlton B. Washington noted residents from two districts had expressed opposition. Councilwoman Vivian McGhaney said the parcel serves as "a great buffer for the community" and suggested the county could pursue purchasing the property. Councilman Eugene R. Baten said he could not support the rezoning after listening to public testimony.
Councilman Artie Baker moved to deny second reading; Councilman Charles T. Edens seconded. The motion carried unanimously. Vice Chairman James R. Byrd said he had been inclined to support the request until the applicant failed to appear for the public hearing.
The council's denial leaves the parcel zoned R-15; no further action was taken on the property at the meeting.