Hello REALTORS®,
The elections wrapped up last week. First, click this link to see the Election Results for the Western Upstate, and see below for notable election results.
Click here for the Election Results.
No Runoff Election in Clemson
I had this result wrong last week. Clemson uses an election method that does not require a runoff. Therefore, the three candidates receiving the highest number of votes won the three available seats on Clemson City Council. These are the winners who will take seats on Clemson City Council next month:
- Alma Evans
- Adam Jones
- Windsor Sherrill
They replace Councilman John Ducworth, who did not seek reelection, Councilwoman Catherine Watt, who ran for Mayor, and Councilman Bob Brookover, who ran unsuccessfully for reelection. Mayor Robert Halfacre was reelected.
US House
We don’t know yet which political party will control the US House. At this writing, 18 House races around the country have not been certified.
Check the Election Results for the details.
Pickens County moratorium ends
One other significant change happened on Election Day—the moratorium in Pickens County on new townhomes and apartments ended. The night before, Pickens County Council adopted several changes to the development standards ordinance that allowed the moratorium to end. Pickens County had been under two different moratoriums on residential development since February 2023.
The new rules for townhomes and apartments significantly reduces the allowable density for those housing types throughout the county except in an area east of Clemson and South of Central.
Pickens County impact fee dies in committee
Pickens County Council had given first reading of an impact fee of $4,100 on a typical new home in the county. On November 4, county council members affirmed that the impact fee was tabled indefinitely in committee.
Anderson County Council proposes 100-buffer ordinance
Anderson County Council has enacted 7 different development ordinances since summer. They proposed 2 more at their meeting on November 5:
- Require a 100-foot undisturbed “area” (buffer) around new residential subdivisions.
- Limit how often a property owner can apply to subdivide their property.
Support RPAC
Thank you, Realtors, for voting! Elections are an important way that your association represents you and helps make a strong market for real estate. Through RPAC, we support pro-business candidates who understand the importance of a vibrant economy for real estate. You can help by supporting RPAC. It’s 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.
Michael Dey, Director of Government Affairs