Council hears plan for Unified Development Ordinance; manager proposes ARPA funding and budget amendment items

City staff told the council they plan to pursue a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to modernize Hartsville’s zoning code, replace piecemeal amendments, and address gaps for new housing types such as shipping-container and rail-car homes.

The City Manager described the UDO as a comprehensive rewrite that must “mesh with our entire ordinance” to avoid conflicts across the code. Staff said the work may cost “tens of thousands” and identified a current vendor quote of $64,590; after applying master-plan savings of about $8,644, the manager said the net cost would be approximately $55,946. The manager proposed using ARPA funds designated for master-plan work to cover the expense and asked councilors for any comments before moving forward.

Separately, staff reported they have obtained demos and quotes for a customer-relationship/response management (CRM) tool and expect an implementation cost of roughly $6,000 annually; the manager said staff would present recommendations and intends to select the lower-cost option and amend the current fiscal year budget accordingly.

Councilors asked whether codes enforcement changes were included; staff clarified codes enforcement revisions are being processed concurrently and that the recently passed nuisance ordinance is part of those efforts. No formal ordinance or budget amendment was approved at the session; the items were presented as informational updates and requests for direction.

If adopted later, the UDO would change zoning rules that affect development density, permitted housing types, and related permitting processes. Staff indicated they will return with firmer timelines, vendor details, and formal recommendations for council consideration.