Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wetlands Buffer Ordinance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council delays second reading of Horry County wetlands-buffer amendment after advocacy and stakeholder concerns
Summary
After testimony praising new wetland-buffer and tree-preservation standards, councilmember DiSabato moved to defer second reading of Ordinance 23-2026 for two weeks to finalize amendments raised by planners and development stakeholders; the deferral passed unanimously.
Council held second reading and a public hearing on Ordinance 23-2026, which would amend Article 5 of the Horry County zoning ordinance to add or strengthen landscape, buffer and tree‑preservation standards, including a minimum 15‑foot undisturbed wetlands buffer and mitigation/credits for removed trees.
April O'Leary, founder and president of Horry County Rising, praised the amendments as a proactive step for flood resilience, citing the county’s flood-relocation program, stormwater and berm projects, elevation standards that align with FEMA, revised flood maps and a higher CRS rating. "The amendments to our Wetlands Protection Law are not just policies... they promise to safeguard our communities," O'Leary said.
Councilmember DiSabato said he had met with planning and development stakeholders who raised concerns about over-planting and street‑scaping standards and moved to defer the ordinance’s second reading for two weeks to incorporate agreed-upon changes. The motion passed with a second and unanimous support; council indicated that some of the suggested changes were already reflected in proposed amendments and that the delay would allow finalization.
Why it matters: The ordinance seeks to codify buffers and tree-preservation standards intended to reduce flood risk and preserve natural stormwater functions. Advocates framed the measure as part of a multi-tool resilience approach that includes buyouts, infrastructure and education.
What the record shows: O'Leary described specific components (15‑foot undisturbed buffer, platting wetlands as common open space, protected-tree credits). Council deferred second reading to allow staff and stakeholders to finalize language; no final ordinance was adopted tonight.
