More than 200 people packed Greenville City Council chambers and an overflow conference room March 30 to learn about and comment on a proposed overhaul of the city’s development code during a planning commission public hearing.
The draft recently unveiled is a major overhaul of the city’s development code and includes an updated zoning map and several new zoning classifications.
Those gathered were a cross section of Greenville residents and business leaders who listened attentively as assistant city manager Shannon Lavrin briefed commissioners on the proposed code.
As Lavrin closed her remarks, she relayed the staff’s request for planning commission input on several components of the plan:
- How the code addresses accessory dwelling units
- Zoning classifications in the Legacy Square and Verdae areas
- Zoning classifications in the West End
While most of those addressing the commissioners were generally supportive of the proposed code, concern seemed to coalesce around a few issues.
Citing the new code’s complexity and length — more than 400 pages — several people asked for a delay in adopting the code to allow adequate time to review its many provisions and details.
Verdae Development CEO Dan Klausner and Holligsworth Funds President and CEO Gage Weekes urged a closer look at and refinements to zoning classifications in the Laurens Road/Verdae area, while residents in the vicinity of North Main and Augusta streets urged more consideration to the densities allowed in zoning classifications proposed for those areas.
After planning commission input, the draft code will go to city council where it will require approval of two readings before taking effect.
