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Council approves annexation and multiple rezoning first readings amid concerns about spot zoning
Summary
Batesburg-Leesville council approved a first reading to annex about 20 acres for future single-family development and passed first readings on two rezoning requests, while several council members urged updates to ordinances and a comprehensive plan to avoid repeated spot rezoning.
The Batesburg-Leesville Town Council approved a first reading to annex approximately 20.05 acres (multiple Lexington and Saluda County TMS numbers) to be zoned R1 (single-family residential) and also passed first readings on rezoning requests for 532 West Columbia Avenue (C2 to C1) and 413 Hartley Street (C1 to R3).
Phil Mabry, representing the property owner Batesburg-Leeville Investors, told council there is no site plan yet and that the owners seek annexation to allow future residential development. Staff said water and sewer infrastructure can serve the property but that normal developer-funded extensions and improvements may be required. "We do have our sewer lift station right across the street...and there are water lines along Line and on Miller Street that would access the property," staff said, adding the town has capacity but may need extensions.
Multiple council members expressed concern about frequent spot rezoning and recommended work sessions to update ordinances and complete the comprehensive plan so future requests match the town's desired growth pattern. One councilor noted that rezoning applications follow the fee-and-application process through the planning commission before reaching council and that ultimate discretion rests with council.
All three readings passed on first reading votes; council recorded some dissent on the annexation vote and urged staff to coordinate zoning and planning work sessions in early 2026.
