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Council advances zoning changes after heated debate over tattoo parlor rules and modular‑home definitions
Summary
Batesburg‑Levesille council approved first readings and related ordinance changes moving tattoo/piercing businesses into C1 commercial zones and adopted broad R1/R1A residential amendments, but members pressed to clarify modular/manufactured home definitions in Article 8 before final adoption.
The Batesburg‑Levesille Town Council moved forward with multiple zoning ordinance updates on first reading April 13, approving changes that affect commercial and residential district rules — even as councilors disagreed on definitions and placement for some uses.
On commercial rules, the planning commission recommended moving tattoo and piercing parlors from I1 (industrial) to C1 (general commercial) and adding hours-of-operation limits (no later than 11:00 p.m., not before 5:00 a.m.). Planning staff explained that the change responds to repeated inquiries about whether such uses could operate in commercial corridors. The first reading passed after council discussion over whether the change might allow a parlor ‘‘next to the KJS’’ or in strip‑mall locations; staff and planning commissioners said no permit applications were pending but that the change would allow such businesses to locate in commercial areas if desired.
A larger portion of the meeting addressed proposed amendments to R1 and R1A (single‑family and manufactured/modular housing districts). The planning commission presented edits including increased minimum lot areas, adjusted side‑ and rear‑yard setbacks, accessory solar system language limited to residential solar affixed to dwellings (explicitly excluding commercial solar systems), and parking requirements. Several council members objected to approving the ordinance without a now‑missing, formally adopted definition for ‘‘modular home’’ in Article 8 and called for a follow‑up work session. After discussion, council amended the motion so that adoption would be ‘‘subject to clarification of the definition’’ and then voted to adopt the ordinance package as amended.
Council members on both sides said they want more up‑front clarity rather than retrofitting definitions after passage. Planning commission members noted the town had been approving modular homes in practice and recommended codifying that usage; critics said the council should adopt definitions and ensure alignment with state and HUD guidance before final action.
Next steps: staff will prepare a formal modular/manufactured‑home definition for inclusion in Article 8 and return the clarified ordinance language to council. Planning staff also suggested future work sessions to tie the updated ordinances to a comprehensive plan.
