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Awendaw council gives first reading to three zoning ordinances amid public concern about notice
Summary
At a special meeting, Awendaw council read by title three zoning ordinances covering water/sewer standards, lighting regulations, and wetlands protections; all cleared first reading unanimously. A written public comment urged more notice and meaningful public participation before final action.
The Awendaw town council gave first reading by title to three zoning-related ordinances — covering water and sewage disposal, new lighting regulations and definitions, and wetlands protection — and recorded unanimous roll-call votes to advance each to further review.
A written public comment from resident Willette Austin Hockaday, read into the record by the clerk, urged the council to explain the need for expedited consideration and to provide more detailed public-notice and review opportunities. "Given the scope of these changes for their potential impact on residents, adequate notice and meaningful public review are essential," the comment said, asking for clarification on notice timelines, outreach methods, and the schedule of public hearings.
In response, Matt (a town official) described the procedural path: the ordinances were being presented for first reading by title only; they will go to the planning commission for a noticed meeting and recommendation, then return to council for a public hearing and a second reading where the public can provide additional comments before any final vote. "These ordinances are just being read for 1st reading by title only at this meeting," Matt said, and he detailed the planning commission review and subsequent public hearing/second-reading steps.
Council considered each ordinance by title and took roll-call votes. The council recorded unanimous "aye" votes to advance:
- Ordinance 2026-05: Amendments to zoning code (Title XV) related to water and sewage disposal — motion and second recorded; first reading approved by roll call. - Ordinance 2026-06: Amendments to zoning code definitions and new lighting regulations (new sections added) — first reading approved by roll call. - Ordinance 2026-07: Revisions to wetlands and waterway setbacks, renaming the division to "wetlands protection" and adding definitions and standards — first reading approved by roll call.
Council members and staff emphasized that these were procedural first readings; each ordinance will be vetted further by the planning commission and the public will have an opportunity to comment at a later public hearing prior to second reading and final action.
The meeting adjourned after the votes.
