Hello REALTORS®,
Now that we are finally past the elections, I can catch up on what has been happening in local government. Most election years, governmental bodies do a little less legislating and a little more politicking. But in the Western Upstate, most elections are decided in the Primaries in June. That was true in 2024. But since June, several cities and counties have been busy with new ordinances, some of which I will cover in this report.
Anderson County Council proposes 9 new ordinances since June
Anderson County Council has enacted 7 different development ordinances since June, and proposed two more this month:
- Piedmont Area Development Plan (enacted)
- Reduce summary plats from a maximum of seven lots to four lots (enacted)
- Amend stormwater design manual (enacted)
- Limit residential construction densities on steep slopes (enacted)
- Require utilities to be identified on preliminary plats, and require utilities to issue capacity letters to the developer before the Planning Commission considers the subdivision (enacted)
- Change the way planning staff reports their preliminary plat recommendations to the Planning Commission (enacted)
- Increase stormwater fees (enacted)
- Require a 100-foot undisturbed “area” (buffer) around new residential subdivisions (proposed)
- Limit how often a property owner can apply to subdivide their property for a residential subdivision (proposed)
The summary plat ordinance was amended before adoption, after Realtors weighed in on it.
Pickens County UDSO, moratorium, and impact fee
In late 2022, a proposed 1,300-lot subdivision near Easley accelerated a backlash against residential development that was already building in the area. In February 2023, Pickens County Council put the county under a moratorium on new large residential subdivisions that lasted for more than a year.
With the moratorium, the county initiated an overhaul to its Unified Development Standards Ordinance (UDSO) as well as an impact fee study. In April more than a year after the moratirum was enacted, county council approved several amendments to the UDSO and ended the moratorium. But they enacted a new moratorium on townhomes and apartments.
On November 4, county council significantly reduced density for townhomes and apartments throughout the county and ended that moratorium. Easley also has been under a moratorium on new residential subdivisions for more than a year.
The impact fee study resulted in a proposed $4,100 impact fee on a typical new home in the county. However, Pickens County Council tabled that proposal in late October.
Clemson TIF, setback and parking ordinances
Even while city council elections were underway, Clemson City Council enacted an ordinance to create a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District around the recently approved HUB development. The TIF will allow the city to use incremental increases in taxes from the HUB development to pay for a new affordable housing project. This proposal has triggered a review by Pickens County Council and the Pickens County School Board. Both are negotiating how much of their increased taxes will be used to pay for Clemson’s affordable housing project.
Clemson also approved an ordinance in CP-2 that requires parking in new developments in that zone to be behind the building. It also eliminates the setback from the main road in CP-2. CP-2 is primarily along 123 and 93.
Want to get involved in the City of Clemson? Click here to apply for one of several spots on boards and commissions in the city.
Oconee County Council approved new setback ordinance for cul-de-sac lots
For the last year, Oconee County planning wrestled with their ordinances for irregular-shaped lots like cul-de-sac lots. The previous ordinance resulted in deeper setbacks than neighboring lots that are square- or rectangular-shaped. Oconee County Council updated their ordinance in October to make those setbacks uniform.
Seneca creates new Community Facilities Zone
Seneca City Council created a new Community Facilities Zoning District. They also rezoned 60 parcels around the city to the new zoning classification that includes schools and community centers.
Election Update—US House
The US House was called for the Republicans. At this writing, Republicans control 218 seats, and Democrats control 212 seats. Control of the House requires 218 seats.
Five seats are still undecided—2 in California and 1 each in Iowa, Ohio, and Alaska.
Check the Election Results for the details.
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