Cheraw council approves first readings of zoning, landscaping and planning ordinances

On Dec. 10 Cheraw's Town Council approved first readings for a package of planning and land-use changes forwarded by the town's Planning Commission.

Ordinance 2025-3 would amend the zoning code to loosen certain setbacks and allow development on some nonconforming lots of record, clarify that required recreation space for multifamily housing may include indoor amenities such as a recreation hall or pool, reduce some landscaping requirements for commercial development, and permit larger wall signage in General Commercial districts along Highway 9 for large retail centers.

Ordinance 2025-4 is a code amendment to strengthen enforcement against improper disposal of yard debris by clarifying that yard debris generated on private property must be placed on that property for collection and restricting off-site placement that currently falls into an enforcement gap.

Ordinance 2025-5 would disband the town's independent Planning Commission and designate the Joint Planning Commission of Chesterfield County as the town's official planning commission; council noted this is reversible and that the town council retains final authority over zoning decisions. Ordinance 2025-6 would adopt Chesterfield County's Joint Comprehensive Plan as the town's official comprehensive plan, a statutory element used to guide zoning decisions.

All four measures passed first reading on voice votes; council discussion emphasized that the actions implement Planning Commission recommendations and that staff will continue to refine technical language as needed. Council did not provide final adoption on these items at the meeting.