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Council approves smaller rezoning at 3221 Camden Highway over some opposition
Summary
Sumter County Council approved third reading for a narrowed rezoning of about 3.0 acres at 3221 Camden Highway from R‑9 to Agricultural Conservation, voting 5–2 despite residents’ concerns about the applicant and potential multiple dwellings.
On April 25, Sumter County Council granted third‑reading approval to a revised rezoning request, RZ‑23‑01, to reclassify approximately 3.0 acres at 3221 Camden Highway from Residential‑9 (R‑9) to Agricultural Conservation (AC). The applicant amended an earlier 20.12‑acre request to a smaller 3.0‑acre parcel before the meeting, and Planning Commission continued to recommend approval of the revised request.
Planning Director Helen Roodman explained the corrected heading and said the current proposal limits uses on the two‑acre tract and the one‑acre portion, including restrictions on additional dwellings on certain portions. Councilman Artie Baker, who moved for approval, said the revised parameters (one dwelling allowed on the two‑acre portion and restrictions preventing new dwellings on the house site unless demolished) made the request reasonable.
Opponents raised concerns during public comment. Attorney Matthew Williamson, representing Martha Raffield, cited the applicant’s prior criminal charges related to controlled substances and warned of potential future criminal activity and impacts from multiple mobile homes. Martha Raffield and Jody Raffield said an existing two‑story house on the property is in poor condition and raised safety and property‑value concerns. Amy Bochette urged code enforcement inspections, citing aerial imagery that she said showed unauthorized structures.
Councilman Carlton B. Washington said adding another mobile home could harm surrounding property values and opposed the rezoning. The motion to grant third reading, moved by Councilman Baker and seconded by Vice Chairman James R. Byrd, Jr., carried 5–2 (Baker, Byrd, Edens, McGhaney, and McCain in favor; Washington and Baten opposed).
The rezoning approval reflects the applicant’s scaled‑back request and specific use restrictions described to the council. Questions about code enforcement and the condition of existing structures were raised for follow‑up during the public comment period.
Next procedural steps will follow county zoning procedures if the applicant proceeds with development under the new AC classification.
