Planning commission backs adding land‑disturbing limits to tree‑preservation rules

The Edgefield County Planning Commission on Feb. 12 recommended that county council adopt an amendment to the county’s tree‑preservation ordinance that adds restrictions on land‑disturbing activity for major residential subdivisions.

Commissioners reviewed the latest draft the staff circulated, including new definitions and edits negotiated with county council. Unidentified Speaker 2 said the copy before the commission was the latest between the commission and council and asked members to read the revisions and offer feedback. Commissioner (Unidentified Speaker 4) asked whether a numeric threshold for “mass grading” had been included; staff replied that the definition for mass grading appears in the draft and that the title clarifies its scope but that a separate numeric threshold had not been added to that definitions block.

Staff also noted that state agencies regulate streamside buffers and forestry activity. "DES regulates that for us," staff said, describing Department of Environmental Services (DES) and Forestry Commission rules that protect streamside management zones and allow removal only of dead, dying or invasive trees under certain conditions. Commissioners discussed whether to require developers to submit hydrology and soil studies; staff said those technical studies are submitted to DES as part of stormwater pollution‑prevention plans and are public records that DES provides to the county when approved.

After discussion the commission moved, seconded and voted by voice to recommend approval of the amendment and forward the recommendation to county council for consideration. Staff said the final ordinance would be adjusted later if state legislation proves to preempt local rules.

Why it matters: The amendment seeks to clarify how large residential developments must protect trees and address grading and hydrology issues. Commissioners and staff emphasized the interplay between local rules and state agencies’ existing buffer and stormwater regulations.

What’s next: The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to Edgefield County Council for consideration and final action. If the state enacts legislation that conflicts with the local ordinance, staff said the county could revise the local text at a later date.