Jasper County

The council agenda covers several key items, including executive sessions regarding legal claims, security updates, and employment matters. Presentations include a code enforcement update. Resolutions address an intergovernmental agreement for utility relocation, approval of a consulting services contract, salary adjustments for the Sheriff, and acceptance of right-of-way property. Public hearings and ordinances focus on zoning map amendments, lease and property management agreements, establishing a greenbelt program, special source revenue credits for economic development, real estate conveyance, selection of architectural firms, and planned development district zoning. The document also incorporates past meeting minutes and a code enforcement annual report.

The meeting agenda for the Jasper County Council meeting scheduled for March 2, 2026, included several key items. Consent Agenda items involved the approval of minutes from prior meetings in September 2025 and consideration of the third reading of an ordinance concerning zoning map amendments along Grays Highway. Executive Session discussions covered negotiations related to a potential claim (Radio Controlled Flying Club) and the procurement of engineering services for Ridgeland Claude Dean Airport. Open session presentations featured updates on the Riverton Charitable Fund, a verbal update on the Coosawhatchie Community Center, and a presentation on the Opioid Education Campaign. Action items included consideration of a resolution to appoint Mr. Morgan Denny to the Planning Commission, consideration of A-Tax funding request from Operation Patriots FOB for tourism impact, consideration of a bid for Septic System Replacement for Fire Station #25 (with a recommendation to reject the received bid), approval of the 2026 CDBG Needs Assessment Priorities, approval for an Entrance Sign at Old House Park and the Thomas Heyward Tomb site, and three separate first readings of ordinances to amend the Official Zoning Map concerning properties on Elaine Farm Road, Kato Bay Road, and Tarboro Road. Additionally, the Council considered an amendment to Article 2.1.4 of the Land Development Regulations regarding the definition of a Minor Site Plan, acceptance of a landscape services proposal, acceptance of a bid for #57 Stone purchase and delivery, and authorization to purchase Code Enforcement Software.

The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, followed by a report on compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, confirming proper notification procedures were met. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda, citizen comments limited to three minutes per person concerning Board of Elections Services and Operations, and reports from the Deputy Director, Director, and Chairman. The board also planned topics for the next meeting.

The meeting included the election of officers, retaining the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and appointing the Planning Department staff member as Secretary. Old Business involved a Conditional Use Review for the Freedom Parkway Mobile Home Park, which was conditionally approved pending resolution of pedestrian walkways, fencing of the retention pond, and delineation of mobile home spaces. A Zoning Text and Map Amendment for the Euhaw Overlay District was tabled to allow for a workshop on February 10, 2026, following discussions regarding the rationale for the district size reduction and allowed uses. New Business involved approving a Zoning Map Amendment for a parcel near the Cemex mine, recommending a development agreement to County Council despite concerns regarding the mining operation's scale, flooding, and reclamation. Another Zoning Map Amendment was approved to rezone parcels from Residential to Industrial Development based on a favorable recommendation from the Town of Ridgeland's Planning Commission, although concerns regarding the school, homeowners, and FAA approval were discussed. Discussion on coordinating with municipalities was tabled until the next meeting, and open discussion highlighted concerns regarding the poor condition of local roadways.

The primary discussion focused on the Zoning Text and Map Amendment for the Euhaw Overlay District. Key topics included changes to permitted uses such as Personal Care Services (moved to Conditional), Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services, and Pet Care Services. Other considerations involved limiting building scale, open storage, minimum lot size and width, handling of duplexes, updates to tree ordinances and riparian buffers, septic reserve area exemptions, changes to stormwater department designation, fill activities, non-residential design standards, industry-specific conditional use regulations (including horse lot size), standards for camps and recreational vehicles, minimum lot size for second single-family residential dwelling units, regulations regarding manufactured housing for second units, restrictions on family estates becoming rentals or being sold, and the permitted zoning for forestry within commercial areas. A summary of the workshop was requested for absent Commissioners.