Sumter County Council adopts rezoning measure, approves first reading of larger rezoning and proclaims April Fair Housing Month
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Summary
At its March 14 meeting, Sumter County Council adopted RZ-22-14 (rezoning 4605 Patriot Parkway to Agricultural Conservation), approved first reading of a separate rezoning (RZ-23-01) for 3221 Camden Highway, and adopted a resolution proclaiming April as Fair Housing Month.
Sumter County Council voted March 14 to adopt a rezoning ordinance for a Patriot Parkway property, approved first reading on a separate rezoning application and unanimously adopted a resolution proclaiming April as Fair Housing Month.
On third reading Council adopted RZ-22-14, which rezones a +/-1.89-acre parcel at 4605 Patriot Parkway from General Residential to Agricultural Conservation. Councilman Artie Baker moved the ordinance, Vice Chairman James R. Byrd, Jr. seconded and the measure passed unanimously.
Planning Director Helen Roodman presented the first-reading request RZ-23-01 for three parcels totaling about 20.12 acres at 3221 Camden Highway. Roodman said the owner, Christopher Raffield, seeks Agricultural Conservation zoning to allow placement of mobile homes in line with county requirements. She told Council the site is near public water but not sewer, limiting lot size to septic capacity, and that wetland and topographic data “strongly suggests that a Carolina Bay is located over a significant portion of the property.” Roodman also said the property lies in the Military Protection Planning area and aligns with the Sumter 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Vice Chairman Byrd moved approval of first reading; Councilman Baker seconded and the first-reading motion carried unanimously.
Council also adopted Resolution R23-02 proclaiming April 2023 as Fair Housing Month in Sumter County. The resolution cites the 1968 Federal Fair Housing Law and South Carolina law and affirms the county’s rejection of discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, ancestral status and disability. Councilman Baker moved the resolution; Vice Chairman Byrd seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
What this means: RZ-22-14 was enacted following third-reading approval. RZ-23-01 received first-reading approval and will remain before the county for subsequent steps required by county procedure. The Fair Housing resolution is a formal county proclamation recognizing the federal and state fair housing framework.
Formal actions recorded at the meeting show unanimous votes on the rezoning measures and the resolution. The Planning Commission had recommended approval of RZ-23-01. Roodman’s presentation and council discussion highlighted septic limitations, proximity to public water, wetland considerations and the site’s inclusion in the county’s military planning area.