Hello REALTORS®,
Last week I reported on the various real estate-related ordinances being considered at the three counties in the Western Upstate. Our cities have been less active, but we have several ordinances under consideration, or that have been adopted since the beginning of the year.
City of Anderson
Anderson has started updating their comprehensive land use plan. State law requires cities and counties to update their comp plans every 10 years. The process usually involves public comment. Realtors should get involved in that process.
City of Clemson
Clemson enacted an ordinance providing that buildings and properties that do not conform with the city’s zoning code, and are damaged or destroyed by fire or storm, may be repaired or rebuilt. The city’s evolving zoning code created problems with getting insurance for some property owners.
City of Central
The issue dominating Central’s agenda is annexation of a large, 500-acre tract, which they zoned for a Planned Unit Development that will include hundreds of new homes. They have started initial discussions of new ordinances on sidewalks and solar panels.
City of Seneca
Seneca City Council enacted two new ordinances
- Allowing construction of accessory dwelling units in the city’s residential areas.
- Restricting new billboards.
Save on your property taxes
Last week, SCR CEO Nick Kremydas reminded Realtors at our general membership meeting of a property tax exemption that can save property owners a lot of money, and most Realtors don’t know about it.
If you or your client own or acquire a property taxed at the 6% assessment ratio, you can apply for an exemption for part of the property taxes. This exemption, called an Accessable Transfer of Interest, can exempt up to 25% of the taxable value of the property. The exemption applies not just to commercial property, but also second homes and rentals taxed at the 6% assessment ratio.
Note that the exemption does not apply to property that is treated as agricultural property, personal residences, or property that is valued and assessed by the South Carolina Department of Revenue such as manufacturing property, utility property, or other types of property used in certain large industries.
The deadline has passed to apply for the exemption this year, but you should be ready to advise your clients about applying in 2026. Click on the links below for the applications in each of the counties in the Western Upstate:
Support RPAC
And finally, there’s RPAC. Our success in government affairs relies on elected officials who are friendly and supportive of real estate. Through RPAC, we support pro-real estate candidates who understand the importance of a vibrant economy for real estate. Supporting RPAC is easy. Your association includes a voluntary contribution to RPAC on your annual dues invoice. Pay it, and you are an RPAC supporter. If you haven’t supported RPAC this year, I encourage you to do so by clicking here.
One additional way you can support RPAC is by joining our RPAC Committee. They are charged with raising money for RPAC so that we have the funds to be successful. I can’t think of a better professional to raise money for RPAC than a Realtor.
If you want to get involved in our government affairs program, please contact me by calling the association office or emailing me at Michael@WesternUpstateMLS.com.
Michael Dey, Director of Government Affairs