City of Forest Acres

The meeting included recognizing the Trenholm Blue Bombers for winning the 2025 South Carolina Little League Coach Pitch Softball State Championship and Michelle Yeater for being named 2025 Region III Athletics Director of the Year. The council approved a resolution committing the city to providing a local match for a Municipal Association of South Carolina Big Idea Grant. They also approved funding requests from Satchel Ford PTO and AC Flora. An ordinance amending the business license ordinance and new HR policies related to take-home vehicles were approved. Plans for a Public Works Building and potential changes to overlay districts in the Forest Drive and Atascadero Drive area, as well as the Greenhill and Idalia area, were discussed. Updates were provided on the Richland Mall, City Parks, a City Welcome Sign, and the Remember and Rise event. The council discussed a COG Grant for an electric vehicle and a new city vehicle wrap. The August 2025 crime and traffic statistics were reviewed, and concerns about trash and a derelict fence were voiced during the Community Forum. The council went into Executive Session to discuss contractual and personnel matters and legal advice, after which they extended the City Administrator's contract and approved participation in a proposed settlement in opioid class action litigation.

The meeting included recognizing Tina Johnson's career and Ralph Bailey's service, a presentation by the Public Safety Foundation, and the introduction of a new officer. A public hearing was held regarding revisions to district boundaries and establishing a planned development zoning district. Council discussed plans for a Public Works Building, reappointed Molly Flynn as Associate Municipal Judge, and discussed and approved bids for City Park Improvements. They also approved a staff Htax request, made appointments to the Htax Committee and Public Safety Foundation, and reappointed members to the Planning Commission and Beautification Foundation. The council approved an ordinance amending the business license ordinance and received updates on the Richland Mall, City Parks, a City Welcome Sign, the Remember and Rise event, grants, UDO, and Sweet Seasons. The Finance Director and Police Chief provided their reports. The council went into an executive session to discuss contractual and personnel matters and then reappointed Judge Molly Flynn and approved an addendum to the sales agreement regarding the park parcel and Richland Mall property.

The Forest Acres Planning Commission meeting focused on reviewing and updating the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Discussions covered prohibited uses, drive-through facilities, short-term rentals, sign codes, tree protection policies, pickleball courts, and planned development districts. The commission recommended allowing single pickleball courts on residential lots without restrictions, while maintaining a 150-foot buffer for commercial installations. Amendments were made to the PDD regulations, increasing flexibility for the Council to approve specific uses and raising the maximum allowable building height for mixed-use developments.

The Forest Acres Zoning Board of Appeals meeting included discussions and decisions on variance requests. A variance request was approved for a property on Timle Ln, adjusting the rear setback for an accessory structure. Another variance request was approved for a property on Lakeshore Dr, allowing reductions in the side and front setbacks for a carport and covered drive through.

The meeting included the selection of the Vice Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Additionally, the board addressed variance requests related to property setbacks for accessory structures and carports.