Hartsville amends code to waive permit fees for eligible low‑income renovations; United Way outlines program

The Hartsville City Council approved ordinance 4492 to amend city code so the permit‑fee waiver that already applied to new low‑income housing can also apply to renovation work. United Way executive director Joanne Dong (as introduced at the public hearing) described a program focusing initially on homeowners in the 29550 ZIP code, prioritizing seniors, veterans and disabled residents, and beginning with roof repairs.

Dong said the program is working from a preexisting referral list and is not reopening intake to broad walk‑in requests; contractors are being engaged and the program will cover materials while asking some contractor volunteers to donate labor where possible. She told council the project partners include a SPC grant and a potential Barley Foundation grant; she also described a Duke Energy partnership to install insulation and, where qualified, other energy improvements.

Councilmembers praised the change as a small text amendment with outsized impact for eligible homeowners and voted to approve the final reading. Council members also noted some residents who fall outside current eligibility will still need alternate routes to assistance.

What happens next: Staff will implement the code change to allow permit‑fee waivers for qualifying renovation projects and coordinate with United Way and contractors on the program rollout.