Council adopts broad UDO housekeeping and clarifications, holds security‑staffing ratio for further study

Greenville City Council voted unanimously on May 14 to adopt a large package of text amendments to the city's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), while asking staff to return with more information on a proposed security‑staffing rule for late‑night amplified entertainment.

Assistant Director Shante Gooby, who led the presentation, described most of the changes as "housekeeping"—aligning definitions for alcohol establishments (bars, microbreweries, microdistilleries), standardizing offenses and counts, and correcting recent errors in parking multipliers for indoor recreation and golf‑related uses. Gooby used a 20,000 sq. ft. indoor skating rink as an example: under the corrected standard, its minimum parking obligation drops from an inflated 115 spaces to about 54, bringing the requirement in line with observed usage.

The most debated provision drew questions from Council Member Matt Scully and others: the amendment would require additional security personnel when alcohol-serving establishments provide amplified entertainment after 11 p.m., with a clarified ratio tied to occupancy. Scully warned small businesses could be harmed by a rigid two‑guard requirement for low‑attendance open-mic nights. Gooby said the rule applies only after 11 p.m. and only if amplified entertainment is provided, and she agreed staff would return with more analysis and outreach to affected businesses.

Council approved the omnibus package but directed staff to bring back a refined proposal and additional outreach on the security‑personnel requirement. The motion to approve passed 6-0.

Next steps include staff-led outreach to downtown businesses and microbreweries and a follow-up council presentation on options for differentiating low‑attendance events from higher‑risk late-night operations.