The UDO: A Rush to Pass or Time to Pause?
A Public Comment Session This Monday (9-23-24) @ 5:30PM
This Monday, September 23, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., the County Council will be holding a Public Comment Session on the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at 301 University Ridge, Greenville, SC, and is also available online at: Greenville County Livestream
I’ve raised concerns about this 700+ page ordinance and have already asked for its postponement until next year. I have been politely told that is not an option either the staff or Council will entertain. Given the potential consequences, this rush should concern all of us.
What’s the UDO, and Why Is It Important?
The UDO represents a complete overhaul of how Greenville County handles development and zoning. While that might sound technical, the implications of this ordinance are far-reaching and could fundamentally reshape our communities.
Key concerns include:
1. Urbanizing Our County: The UDO would significantly increase the density in areas of the county that have long valued their suburban or rural character. Under this ordinance, much of Greenville County could be urbanized—whether residents want it or not.
2. Shift of Authority: One of the most alarming aspects of the UDO is that it transfers powers previously held by County Council, the Planning Commission, and the Board of Zoning Appeals to individuals. This could mean key development decisions get made by a small group of people—or even one person—without adequate checks and balances.
Why Is the Process Being Rushed?
I’ve personally asked that we delay the UDO until next year for two key reasons:
1. The Ordinance Has Flaws: Even county staff admit that the UDO isn’t perfect. Moving forward without addressing these flaws could lead to long-term issues that might be impossible to reverse.
2. Legal Concerns: The transfer of certain powers under the UDO may conflict with the South Carolina Planning Enabling Act of 1994, which defines the roles and responsibilities of County Council and planning authorities. These legal questions warrant careful review to ensure the ordinance complies with state law before it’s enacted.
This raises an important question: Why the rush?
A Call to Action: Ask Your Councilman
I know many of you may not be able to attend Monday’s meeting, especially given the short notice. However, I want to make sure you are informed and see what is unfolding. Your voice is critical to this process, and even if you can’t speak in person, I encourage you to reach out to your Council representative and ask them directly:
Why push forward now?
We are talking about an ordinance with the potential to reshape Greenville County for generations. If passed with its current flaws, it could create long-term challenges that may be difficult, if not impossible, to reverse. I am committed to taking any action necessary—no matter how aggressive—to ensure these concerns are not only addressed, but AMENDED!
This only scratches the surface of the potential problems with the UDO. I’ve gone into more detail about these concerns in earlier newsletters, which you can read here:
If you wish to speak at the hearing, you must register on-site between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. This is your chance to voice your concerns about the future of our county.
If you haven’t had a chance to see the UDO, you can locate all current info here:
UDO (Greenville County Site) - Happy Reading!;)
The concept of the UDO as well as many components of it are a good thing! I am excited about how it can positively impact our County! So, let’s make sure we get this right—rather than rushing through a decision that could have irreversible consequences. - BBD19
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