Sumter County Council approves two rezonings, defers third amid access concerns

Sumter County Council granted second reading June 24 to two rezoning requests and deferred a third after residents raised safety and access concerns.

Planning Director Helen Roodman presented RZ-25-03, a request from property owner Buddy Ward to rezone roughly 3.47 acres of a 4.5-acre parcel at 1940 Peach Orchard Road from Agricultural Conservation (AC) to General Commercial (GC). Roodman said the change would unify split zoning and make the site suitable for commercial RV and boat storage, a caretaker residence, and an on-site office. Roodman also noted the parcel is inside the Military Protection Planning Area and staff found the proposal consistent with the Sumter 2040 Comprehensive Plan. During the public hearing, applicant Buddy Ward said his planned storage lot would be well maintained and meet local demand. Cynthia Reed, a new Sumter resident, opposed encroachment near Shaw Air Force Base, saying she has seen base-encroachment problems elsewhere.

Council voted, on a motion by Vice Chairman James R. Byrd, Jr. and seconded by Councilman Artie Baker, to grant second reading of RZ-25-03; the motion carried unanimously.

Roodman next presented RZ-25-04, a request to rezone about 4.3 acres at 2615 Peach Orchard Road from General Commercial (GC) to Light Industrial–Warehouse (LI-W) for a proposed honey production and packing facility. Roodman said the site meets LI-W size requirements, is outside mapped flood zones and wetlands, and does not conflict with nearby military operations. No public comments were offered, and Councilman Charles T. Edens moved to grant second reading; Vice Chairman Byrd seconded and the vote was unanimous.

The Council considered RZ-25-05, a request to rezone a 2.44‑acre portion of 3535 Broad Street from Residential‑15 (R‑15) to General Commercial (GC) to regularize an existing motel and mini‑storage facility. Teaberry Drive resident Mike Figarsky spoke in opposition, citing heavy traffic, oversized trailers and tractors, and the motel's impact on neighbors; he suggested an alternate access point on undeveloped land. Roodman flagged safety constraints and existing septic lines that complicate adding access off Broad Street. Following discussion, Councilman Edens moved, Councilman Baker seconded, and Council unanimously voted to defer second reading to allow further review of access and safety issues.

The rezoning approvals and deferral are expected to return to Council for further action according to standard review procedures; staff noted future site‑plan review will be required for any redevelopment.

Actions at a glance: RZ‑25‑03 second reading approved (motion: Vice Chairman Byrd; second: Councilman Baker; outcome: approved); RZ‑25‑04 second reading approved (mover: Councilman Edens; second: Vice Chairman Byrd; outcome: approved); RZ‑25‑05 second reading deferred (mover: Councilman Edens; second: Councilman Baker; outcome: deferred).