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Sumter County Council grants first reading to zoning amendment allowing used‑auto parts wholesalers in LI‑W with design limits
Summary
Council voted to give first reading to an amendment allowing Used Motor Vehicle Parts Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 42314) with on‑site dismantling and storage in the Light Industrial‑Warehouse (LI‑W) district as a special exception subject to screening, separation distances and permit requirements; the Planning Director will add clarifying language before second reading.
Sumter County Council granted first reading on Feb. 13 to OA‑23‑05, an amendment to the Sumter County Zoning & Development Standards permitting Used Motor Vehicle Parts Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 42314) in the Light Industrial‑Warehouse (LI‑W) district as a special‑exception use with specific design criteria. Vice Chairman James R. Byrd Jr. moved to grant first reading and Councilman Artie Baker seconded; the motion carried after discussion and with Councilman Eugene R. Baten recused from the vote.
Planning Director Helen Roodman told Council the change would allow businesses that dismantle vehicles for parts to operate in LI‑W with conditions intended to limit nuisances and environmental risks. The proposed special design criteria include a 500‑foot separation from residences, churches, public or private schools, National Register historic properties, and public parks/playgrounds for areas used to drain or store vehicle fluids and for crushing/shredding activities; crushing/shredding is limited to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday; permanently installed crushing/shredding machinery would not be permitted; materials outside buildings must be screened by a primarily uniform, opaque wall or fence at least 7 feet high with a muted earth‑tone color; and a landscape buffer of two canopy trees, one understory tree and 15 shrubs per 100 linear feet is required along the fence. The ordinance also requires an NPDES industrial stormwater permit to be in effect before issuance of a Sumter County business license for the use.
Roodman acknowledged the draft did not yet specify which vehicles may be displayed in front of the fence and offered to add language clarifying that vehicles visible outside the fence should be operable and for sale; Council directed the Planning Director to add that language prior to second reading and public hearing. Councilman Charles T. Edens said the committee worked through previous citizen concerns and supported the proposed limitations intended to protect neighboring properties.
Councilman Baten recused himself from the vote because of a conflict of interest. No vote tally was recorded in the minutes; the motion carried as recorded. The ordinance returns for a second reading and public hearing with the additional language requested by Council.
The county's Planning Commission recommended approval prior to Council consideration. The ordinance text presented on Feb. 13 appears in draft form and includes numerous specific siting and operational controls that county staff said are intended to reduce noise, runoff and visual impacts.
