Council advances District 4 development-map changes to lower subdivision density

The Pickens County Council held a public hearing on proposed revisions to the developmental areas map for Council District 4 and, with no members of the public speaking, closed the hearing and scheduled the measure for third reading on Oct. 5.

Council Lane said the purpose of the proposed map change is to control growth while the county improves infrastructure, recommending a reduction in subdivision density "from eight houses per acre to one house per acre" in two specified areas. Council and staff discussed the planning commission's role and why a prior rewrite of the UDSO and a lack of a timely commission response led to an automatic approval in an earlier cycle.

Clerk recorded the Oct. 5 scheduling and staff indicated the planning commission must hold hearings and make recommendations on text amendments even if council members do not accept those recommendations.