UDO – Public Comment Session

Citizen Responses and My Concerns About the Unified Development Ordinance

On Monday September 23rd, Greenville County Council held a public comment session to gather input on the proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). This meeting took place under challenging circumstances. Firstly, the meeting was announced on Friday, just four days before the session was held. Given that timeline, I was encouraged to see so many people make time to show up. Additionally, the redlined version of the UDO—the most up-to-date draft—was released on the very same day as the public comment session, leaving citizens with no real meaningful opportunity to review any new changes. Regardless, many residents came to express concerns, and out of the 16 who spoke, only three voiced support for the UDO, with even some of them noting that amendments were necessary.

You can find the most recent version of the UDO here: Redlined UDO with footnotes

Public Comment Session

Here’s a snapshot of the main points raised during the public comment session:

Opposition Highlights:

• “People who live in rural areas want to continue living in rural areas.”

• “The public needs more time to fully understand and review this ordinance.”

• “This UDO will place unnecessary burdens on farmers.”

• “Please slow this process down; the public is not ready for this.”

• “The ordinance appears to violate the SC Planning Enabling Act in several ways.”

• “The timeline for public review is unfair, especially with last-minute changes.”

• “The UDO doesn’t align with the County’s Comprehensive Plan.”

These comments reflect the overall frustration with how quickly the UDO has been pushed forward without allowing residents the time to truly grasp its implications. There were repeated calls to slow down the process to ensure the community fully understands the potential impacts before moving ahead.

Support Highlights:

• “The county has been working on this for years; it’s time to pass the UDO.”

• “Any issues can be corrected later if needed.”

• “I appreciate the inclusion of tree preservation.”

• “The UDO represents the change Greenville County needs to grow.”

While there was some support, it was clear even from those in favor that adjustments would likely be needed.

My Concerns: What Does the UDO Mean for Greenville County?

As a councilman and a resident, I share many of the concerns voiced during the public comment session. The UDO, as it stands, could drastically change the landscape of Greenville County. It introduces several provisions that, while well-intentioned, may lead to unintended consequences, particularly in rural and suburban areas.

1. Increased Density in Open Space Subdivisions

The UDO allows for a 20% increase in housing density in Open Space Residential Subdivisions if developers include affordable housing units. While promoting affordability is important, this change undermines the original purpose of open space preservation, leading to more crowded developments in areas that were initially meant for lower-density living.

2. Relaxation of Lot Size Requirements

Another major change is the elimination of minimum lot sizes in open space subdivisions unless restricted by environmental regulations. This could lead to a sharp increase in population density in rural areas, which have traditionally been characterized by larger lots and more open space. The concern here is that this will alter the character of these communities, transforming them into something much more densely populated than originally intended.

3. Expansion of Townhouse Developments

The UDO removes restrictions on townhouses in Open Space Residential Subdivisions, paving the way for more high-density housing types in areas that were once reserved for single-family homes. This could fundamentally change the low-density feel of many neighborhoods and is a particular concern for residents who value the space and rural charm of these areas.

4. Broad Use of Density Bonuses

Density bonuses, which are typically used to encourage affordable housing, are applied broadly across many zoning districts in the UDO. While this may lead to more affordable housing options, it also means that even suburban and rural districts could see increased housing density. This broad application could result in development patterns that don’t reflect the preferences of the residents in those areas.

5. Cluster Developments

Cluster developments, which group homes closely together to preserve open space within a development, are encouraged under the UDO. However, this could lead to more visible density as homes are built closer together. For some residents, the trade-off between crowded living spaces and preserved open space may not be an appealing one, especially if the open space is inaccessible or unusable by the public.

6. Streamlined Approval for High-Density Projects

The UDO makes it easier for developers to increase housing density by simplifying the approval process. While this flexibility benefits developers, it also opens the door to overdevelopment and could place a significant strain on local infrastructure, including schools, roads, and utilities.

7. Lack of Required Infrastructure Upgrades

Even though the UDO encourages higher-density developments, it does not impose corresponding infrastructure requirements. Roads, schools, and public services may not be equipped to handle the influx of new residents that denser developments could bring. Without a clear plan for upgrading infrastructure, this could lead to congested roads, overcrowded schools, and a strain on public utilities.

A Need for More Time and Transparency

The UDO is a complex and far-reaching document that will have long-term consequences for Greenville County. Rushing through its review, especially when residents are given little time to digest last-minute changes, risks creating a situation where important voices go unheard and unintended consequences take hold.

As your councilman, I am simply calling for the process to be slowed down. We need more time to thoroughly review the UDO, gather input from the public, and ensure that the final version truly reflects the needs and desires of Greenville County residents. Rushing through such a significant ordinance without fully considering its impact is not the right approach.

Stay Involved

If you share concerns about how the UDO might affect your community, now is the time to speak up. Contact your county leaders and let them know how you feel about the proposed changes. Together, we can ensure that Greenville County grows in a way that benefits everyone. - BBD19