Greenville County schedules second public hearing after strong interest in open‑space development rule changes

Greenville County staff presented a proposed overhaul of the open‑space residential development rules meant to tighten density limits, consolidate options and increase roadside and exterior buffers. The changes would reduce permitted densities across affected districts, eliminate option number two, and cap unit counts for single‑family attached dwellings except where the comprehensive plan designates higher density.

Staff summarized several concrete changes including a 20‑foot roadside buffer, 25‑foot exterior setback, scaling setbacks from public roads, and consolidation of open‑space options into a single standard. The amendments are intended to preserve more natural areas and better regulate density within open‑space developments, staff said.

Because many residents asked for full text and time to review, the council announced a second courtesy public hearing for the related zoning docket on Aug. 18, 2026, and staff committed to post the staff reports and red‑lined texts ahead of that meeting. William Johnson and other residents said they had trouble finding the proposed changes online and asked for clearer access to documents and clearer sign posting in the field; staff responded that the planning packets and staff reports would be made available soon and acknowledged a tight schedule due to back‑to‑back meetings.