The headline
Council members passed new regulations governing event venues and rural country clubs, which include a 10-acre minimum lot size requirement to act as a buffer for nearby residential properties. The council also approved a motion to transition to a single meeting per month schedule from October through January.
Schedule One Meeting Per Month (October through January):
Council will move to a one-meeting-per-month schedule for the remainder of the calendar year.
Unanimous · 7-0
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✓ Unanimous - every member present voted yes
What this was about
To accommodate the busy holiday season and adjust for projected decreases in county business during the winter months, the council voted to modify its meeting calendar. Starting in October and continuing through January 2026, the council will hold only one regular meeting per month rather than the standard two. Officials noted that this adjustment accounts for upcoming holidays and personnel vacations, providing staff with a more focused window to begin preparations for the next annual budget cycle. The motion, introduced by Councilman Danny Catoe, includes a provision that allows the council to call for an additional special meeting should urgent county business arise. This change is intended to increase efficiency and acknowledge the natural slowdown in legislative activity during the final quarter of the year. The council unanimously supported the decision, reflecting a consensus that existing capacity is sufficient to handle expected business under this condensed schedule.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Councilman Danny Catoe: This motion was made with the thoughts in mind of holidays and vacations and less County Business.
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Unified Code of Zoning Text Amendment and Notice Requirements (1st Reading):
Council approved a first reading to improve procedures and notice requirements for zoning text amendments.
Development
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
✓ Unanimous - every member present voted yes
What this was about
This ordinance seeks to refine the administrative processes and timelines for proposed text amendments to the Kershaw County Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations. Specifically, it updates Section 6:2.2-1 to clarify how changes are proposed and processed by the county, and amends Section 6:2.2-2 to standardize public hearing notice requirements. By formalizing these procedural steps, the county aims to make the legislative process more transparent and efficient for both staff and the public. This was the first of three required readings, with the second reading and a public hearing currently scheduled for the September 9, 2025, council meeting. No public opposition was raised during this initial step, and the measure passed with unanimous support from council members present. Future readings will determine the final adoption of these language changes into the county code.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Unified Code of Zoning Minor Subdivision Definition Amendment (3rd Reading): Council passed an amendment to the zoning code that formally redefines the criteria for minor subdivisions. Development ▸ detailsless
What this was about
This ordinance serves to update the definitions within the Kershaw County Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations regarding minor subdivisions. By amending Article 2 and Section 5:2.3-1, the council has effectively adjusted the threshold and regulatory requirements that classify land division as a minor subdivision. This change is intended to streamline the development review process for smaller land tracts while maintaining oversight on county growth. The ordinance reached its third and final reading during this session, securing approval despite a dissenting vote from Councilman Jimmy Jones. These modifications reflect ongoing efforts by the county to manage rural land use and density more effectively. The ordinance is now finalized and set for incorporation into the official county code, impacting how future property developers and homeowners approach land parceling projects in Kershaw County.
PASSED (6-1, J. Jones voted NO)
Who said what
» Councilman Jimmy Jones: Voted against the amendment during the third reading.
Zoning Code for Event Venues and Rural Country Clubs with Tomlinson Amendment (2nd Reading): New regulations for event venues now include a 10-acre minimum lot size requirement. Development ▸ detailsless
What this was about
This ordinance introduces specific zoning frameworks for commercial event venues, rural event venues, and rural country clubs within Kershaw County. A key feature added during the second reading was the 'Tomlinson Amendment,' which mandates a 10-acre minimum lot size for these types of facilities. Councilman Brant Tomlinson argued that this requirement acts as a necessary buffer, protecting nearby residential properties and larger agricultural neighborhoods from the noise and traffic associated with event spaces. The ordinance also removes references to bed and breakfast inns hosting weddings from table 3-3, shifting toward conditional use permitting for these commercial venues instead. While the measure passed 6-1, Councilman Jimmy Jones remained opposed to the final language. Supporters see this as a balanced economic development opportunity for local entrepreneurs while providing residents with better neighborhood protections against rapid commercial encroachment in rural areas.
PASSED (6-1, J. Jones voted NO). This amendment sets a 10-acre minimum lot size for these facilities
Who said what
» Councilman Brant Tomlinson: This gives protective measure to prevent concerns about having rural events spaces within or right next to properties in neighborhoods.
Joint Industrial and Business Park Agreement with Lee County (2nd Reading):
Council finalized an agreement to expand the joint business park to include additional county parcels.
Jobs & economyParks & rec
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
✓ Unanimous - every member present voted yes
What this was about
This ordinance formalizes the expansion of the Joint Industrial and Business Park agreement established between Kershaw County and Lee County. By including specific new parcels of real property located within Kershaw County into the existing park footprint, the council aims to enhance the region's ability to attract and support industrial and business development. This measure went through its third and final reading at this meeting and received unanimous support from all council members in attendance. Such agreements are critical for regional economic cooperation, often allowing for shared tax revenue and simplified infrastructure development across county lines. With this approval, the designated parcels are officially incorporated into the park framework, facilitating potential future investment and construction projects on those sites. The move represents a continued commitment by the county to utilize industrial park incentives to draw new employers and tax base growth to the local economy.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Runway 6/24 and Taxiway A Lighting and Signage Rehabilitation Bid #24-215-09:
Council approved a lighting and signage project for the airport, with the county covering $52,000.
Taxes & budget
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
✓ Unanimous - every member present voted yes
What this was about
The council authorized the contract for the rehabilitation of lighting and signage on Runway 6/24 and Taxiway A at the local airport. This project is vital for maintaining safety standards and operational compliance for aviation facilities in the county. A significant aspect of the approval is the financial structure, as the county's total out-of-pocket responsibility for the project is capped at $52,000, representing approximately 2.5 percent of the total cost. The remainder of the funding will be sourced through various state and federal aviation grants, minimizing the impact on the local general fund. Council members expressed support for the initiative, recognizing it as a necessary infrastructure upgrade that leverages external funding sources to complete critical aviation improvements. The motion passed unanimously, allowing the project to move forward toward procurement and construction phases, ensuring the airport remains properly equipped for pilot safety and air traffic management.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Schedule One Meeting Per Month (October through January):
Council will move to a one-meeting-per-month schedule for the remainder of the calendar year.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
✓ Unanimous - every member present voted yes
What this was about
To accommodate the busy holiday season and adjust for projected decreases in county business during the winter months, the council voted to modify its meeting calendar. Starting in October and continuing through January 2026, the council will hold only one regular meeting per month rather than the standard two. Officials noted that this adjustment accounts for upcoming holidays and personnel vacations, providing staff with a more focused window to begin preparations for the next annual budget cycle. The motion, introduced by Councilman Danny Catoe, includes a provision that allows the council to call for an additional special meeting should urgent county business arise. This change is intended to increase efficiency and acknowledge the natural slowdown in legislative activity during the final quarter of the year. The council unanimously supported the decision, reflecting a consensus that existing capacity is sufficient to handle expected business under this condensed schedule.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Councilman Danny Catoe: This motion was made with the thoughts in mind of holidays and vacations and less County Business.
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Routine Housekeeping: The council approved the meeting agenda (as amended to remove the Executive Session), approved minutes for August 12, 2025, and adjourned the meeting.
- Dr. Humphries and Mt. Olivet Road Improvements: Council members debated a bid for road improvements and ultimately voted to table the item for two weeks to allow the Finance Committee to review funding sources.
- Presentations: The Sheriff's Department was recognized for achieving the SAFE Designation Certification. Alliance Engineering provided progress updates on various county recreation projects, including the Kershaw County West Recreation Complex and the Wateree River Veterans Park boat ramp.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Dr. Humphries and Mt. Olivet Road Improvements: Reconsideration in two weeks.
- Unified Code of Zoning (Text Amendments): 2nd Reading scheduled for September 9, 2025.
- Executive Session: Personnel and employment matter rescheduled for the September 9, 2025, meeting.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes, not an official county communication.