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Sumter County Council grants second reading to Camden Highway rezoning after public objections
Summary
Council granted second reading to a narrowed rezoning request for three parcels on Camden Highway (reduced to 3.0 acres) after Planning staff said the amendment addressed flooding concerns; multiple residents raised safety, historic drug activity, and inspection concerns during public comment.
Sumter County Council granted second reading on April 11 to RZ-23-01, a rezoning request affecting three parcels at 3221 Camden Highway. Planning Director Helen Roodman told the council the applicant, property owner Christopher Raffield, amended the request so only a two‑acre parcel and a one‑acre portion (totaling 3.0 acres) would move from Residential‑9 (R‑9) to Agricultural Conservation (AC). Roodman said the reduced area reflected community comments from an earlier public hearing and that the parcels chosen were selected because they did not flood during the 2015 thousand‑year flood.
Roodman clarified development constraints: properties in the AC district require a one‑acre minimum lot size and the amended request reduces permitted density compared with R‑9. She also said the owner could not add an additional dwelling on the homestead parcel unless the existing house were demolished.
During public comment several nearby residents expressed strong concerns. Jody Raffield urged removal of the derelict house on the parcel, saying, "The house should be taken down," and warned it posed fire and structural hazards. Brian Davis recounted community efforts to assist the property in 2015 and said the property previously had 60 marijuana plants and other problems, arguing that those past issues and the presence of multiple dwellings raise safety and code‑compliance questions. Danielle Watken asked whether Planning Commission staff had conducted onsite reviews; Roodman confirmed staff had visited the site.
Vice Chairman James R. Byrd, Jr. moved and Councilman Artie Baker seconded granting second reading; the motion carried unanimously.
Why it matters: Rezoning changes permitted uses and density and can affect flood risk management, neighborhood character and public safety. Residents at the meeting asked Council to consider demolition and enforcement options alongside any zoning change.
What’s next: With second reading granted, the request may move toward final action consistent with council procedure; affected residents and staff indicated they will continue communications with council members and planning staff.
