What’s at Stake

Recently, Georgetown County Council opened large tracts of undeveloped land to development by approving a one unit per acre requirement on land zoned as farm/agriculture. This leaves these rural areas open to the threat of urban sprawl and the problems that accompany it. Unplanned development and incompatible growth threaten the ecological and cultural integrity of the area. With incompatible development come new roads, habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, and urban streamside runoff.

The obstacles that residents and county officials now face are how to take the recent zoning decisions and apply them in a way that will preserve the rural way of life and natural heritage of the area while creating an infrastructure that does not increase the tax burden on residents.

Challenges

Much of the zoning of large tracts of rural lands in Georgetown County has already taken place. The challenge shifts from one of prevention to one of protection. 

This includes the protection of the rural way of life that residents have always known, protection from climbing taxes that come from poorly managed growth, and protection of the natural resources that make this area unique. 

This zoning also brings with it the opportunity to develop in a way that will serve as a model for the rest of the state in regards to creating communities which promote economic development while preserving the area’s natural landscape and heritage.

Take Action

Attend county council and planning meetings and voice the need for sustainable development in the recently zoned areas.

Urge elected officials and developers to protect the rural way of life in these communities by not extending sewer lines to undeveloped areas.

Encourage the protection of the area’s natural resources and water systems.

For more information contact: Staci Williams at (843) 421-2012 or click here to email her.

Links

Map of Proposed 521 Corridor Zoning

Map of Approved 701 Corridor Zoning

Map of Proposed River Corridor Zoning

2007 Future Land Use Map