Summary of York County Council Meeting – June 3, 2024

The York County Council meeting on June 3, 2024, began with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. The council conducted an oath of office for newly appointed board and commission members, recognizing their volunteer efforts and contributions to the county.

Appearances and Recognitions

1. Recognition of Tara Rose:
   • Tara Rose was recognized for her service and retirement after 25 years with York County. Judge Tisa Weaver highlighted Tara’s dedication and resilience, noting her work in various county offices and her personal battle with cancer.
2. Update on Countywide Park Strategic Plan:
   • Katherine Jones, Director of Parks and Recreation, provided an update on the strategic planning process, led by consultants from Clemson University. The plan aims to develop long-range strategies for parks and recreation, incorporating public and stakeholder input through surveys and focus groups.

Public Forum

Several community members spoke during the public forum, addressing various issues:

1. 660 Distance Requirement in Lake Wylie Overlay:
   • Multiple speakers, including Tom Smith, Jeff Leadford, Carla Pendleton, and others, expressed concerns over the 660 feet distance requirement for certain businesses in the Lake Wylie overlay. They argued that the regulation hindered economic development and property rights, calling for revisions to allow for more sensible planning and business clustering.
2. Library Board Appointments:
   • Lacy Lane raised concerns about  the library board, emphasizing the importance of intellectual freedom, public safety, and effective governance.
3. Towing Service Regulations:
   • Tony Pannel from Tony’s Garage addressed the council regarding proposed changes to towing service regulations, presenting cost analyses and emphasizing the need to align rates with those of the highway patrol.

Public Hearings and Rezonings

1. Case 24-21:
   • Address: Portion of parcel at Glenn Road, York, SC.
   • Request: Rezone from AGC (Agricultural Conservation District) to RUD (Rural Development District).
   • Action: The decision was deferred to allow for clearer signage and more public input.
2. Case 24-22:
   • Address: 2045 Pleasant Road, Fort Mill, SC.
   • Request: Rezone from UD (Urban Development District) to GC (General Commercial District).
   • Action: The council approved the rezoning unanimously.
3. Case 24-23:
   • Addresses:
     • District 1: 1990 York Crossing Drive, York, SC.
     • District 7: 2212 Willow Oaks Drive, Rock Hill, SC.
   • Request: Council-initiated rezoning of 16 parcels to RMX-6 (Residential Mixed District) to resolve non-conformity issues created by previous code updates.
   • Action: The council approved the rezoning unanimously.
4. Case 24-24:
   • Address: 3310 Lincoln Road, York, SC.
   • Request: Rezone from RSF-40 (Residential Single Family-40) to RUD (Rural Development District) to resolve a code violation regarding the keeping of livestock.
   • Action: The decision was pending at the time of the document.

Other Matters

• The council discussed the importance of consistent decision-making in rezoning cases and the impact of comprehensive plans on long-term development. Council members expressed the need for clear communication and public involvement in the planning process.

The full meeting can be viewed here: