On the agenda: Laurens Packet — DATA CENTER (Oct 12)

Agenda Packet for
October 12, 2026:
Regular Session

AGENDA
LAURENS COUNTY COUNCIL
REGULAR SESSION
OCTOBER 12, 2026 – 6:00 PM
HISTORIC COURTHOUSE
200 W. PUBLIC SQUARE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Call to Order- Chairman Carroll
Invocation- Council Member Philson
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda – October 12, 2026
Approval of Minutes – September 14, 2026: Regular Session
September 28, 2026: Quarterly Public Input Session
6. Special Recognitions
a. Retirement Recognition for Captain Troy Aldridge
b. October 23-31, 2026, as Red Ribbon Week in Laurens County
7. Public Comment
8. Reports to Council
a. County Administrators Report
b. Upstate Alliance Presentation by John Lumus
9. Old Business:
a. Council Submission – Approval of Appointments – County Boards, Commissions & Committees
b. Public Hearing, Ordinance #1013: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE #926 OF LAURENS
COUNTY BY REPEALING AND REPLACING DIVISION 6.3 AND 8.B, AND AMENDING
DIVISION 9.A.1 REGARDING MAJOR SUBDIVISION PLAN APPROVALS, AND OTHER
MATTERS RELATED THERETO. [Sponsoring Council Member: Brownlee]
c. Third Reading, Ordinance #1013
10. New Business:
a. First Reading, Ordinance #1015: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND LAURENS COUNTY ORDINANCE
935 TO CLARIFY THE PENALTIES FOR 1ST AND 2ND OFFENSES; AND OTHER MATTERS
APPERTAINING THERETO [Sponsoring Council Member: Brownlee]
b. Approval- Resolution 2026-14: A RESOLUTION OF LAURENS COUNTY COUNCIL TO ACCEPT
THE DONATION OF 3.8 +/- ACRES TO ESTABLISH “CULBERTSON MILL PARK”, AND OTHER
MATTERS RELATED THERETO.
11. County Council Comments
12. Executive Session*
a. Laurens County Council will enter into Executive Session for the specific purposes of:
i. the discussion of proposed contractual arrangements and the purchase of rights-of-way(s) and/ or
easements for the construction of a Highway 101 bypass in Gray Court.
ii. the discussion of matters relating to the proposed location of an industrial site in Joanna for a
project known to the County as “Project Orange”.
13. Adjournment
The following statement is provided in compliance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act: Subsequent to Executive Session, County Council may take
action on matters discussed in Executive Session upon return to open session.

Minutes:
September 14, 2026: Regular Session
September 28, 2026: Quarterly Public Input
Session

MINUTES
LAURENS COUNTY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 – 6:00 PM
HISTORIC COURTHOUSE – 200 W. PUBLIC SQUARE
ATTENDING COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chairman Jeffrey Carroll; Vice Chairman Matthew
J. Brownlee; Council Member Justin Lane; Council Member Arthur Lee Philson, Jr.; Council Member
Kemp Younts; Council Member Shirley H. Clark
ATTENDING COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF: Jerre Threatt, County Administrator; Melissa
Ferqueron, Deputy County Administrator; Wes Meetze, County Attorney; Darbi Jackson, PIO
ATTENDING DEPARTMENT HEADS: Chris McCord, 911 Director; Tammi Hanks, IT Director; GW
Dailey, Assessor; Kayse Fabans, Finance Director; Sheriff Don Reynolds; Chief Deputy Sheriff Chris
Martin; Billy Wilson, Public Works Director; Sonny Ledda, Emergency Management Director; Patti
Canupp, Coroner; Renita Barksdale, Library Director; Sherry Edge, Human Resources Director; Dale
Williams, VA Director
ATTENDING PRESS: John Clayton, The Advertiser; Ida Cadmus, The Buzz
AGENDA ITEMS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Call to Order- Chairman Carroll
Invocation- Council Member Younts
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda – September 14, 2026
Approval of Minutes – August 10, 2026: Regular Session
August 4, 2026: Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety
6. Special Recognitions
a. Emergency Preparedness Month
b. Retirement Recognition for Captain Charles Boyce
7. Public Comment
8. Reports to Council
a. County Administrators Report
9. Old Business:
a. Council Submission – Approval of Appointments – County Boards, Commissions & Committees
i. Approval of reappointments to the GLEAMNS Board: Private Sector- Janice Roberson; LowIncome Sector: Bertha Rice
ii. Assessment Appeals Board- District 6: Melinda Gray
b. Public Hearing, Ordinance #1012: AN ORDINANCE IMPOSING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON
THE ACCEPTANCE, REVIEW, APPROVAL, AND ISSUANCE OF DEVELOPMENT PERMITS FOR
DATA CENTER WITHIN LAURENS COUNTY [Sponsoring Council Member: Brownlee]
c. Third Reading, Ordinance #1012
d. Second Reading, Ordinance #1013: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE #926 OF LAURENS
COUNTY BY REPEALING AND REPLACING DIVISION 6.3 AND 8.B, AND AMENDING DIVISION
9.A.1 REGARDING MAJOR SUBDIVISION PLAN APPROVALS, AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED
THERETO. [Sponsoring Council Member: Brownlee]
10. New Business:
a. First Reading, Ordinance #1014: AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING STANDARDS FOR SOLAR
ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS TO PROMOTE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION, AND AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION; AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED
THERETO. [Sponsoring Council Member: Brownlee]
11. County Council Comments
12. Adjournment

September 14, 2026- Regular Session
MEETING NOTIFICATION: County Council members and applicable Department Heads, press, and
general public were notified of the meeting in a timely manner, including postings of the Agenda on the
County website.
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Carroll called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chairman Carroll invited all to stand for the
invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, where Council Member Younts led both.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: VICE CHAIRMAN BROWNLEE made a MOTION to approve the
agenda for September 14, 2026- Regular Session; it was SECONDED by COUNCIL MEMBER CLARK,
vote 5-0.
Council Member Lane arrived at 6:01pm.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: COUNCIL MEMBER PHILSON made a MOTION to approve minutes
from August 10, 2026- Regular Session and August 4, 2026- Committee on Criminal Justice and Public
Safety; it was SECONDED by VICE CHAIRMAN BROWNLEE, vote 6-0.
SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS:
a. Emergency Preparedness Month: Chairman Carroll read the proclamation for September as
Emergency Preparedness Month in Laurens County, and presented it to Sonny Ledda, Becky
Bagwell and Chris McCord.
b. Retirement Recognition for Captain Charles Boyce: Vice Chairman Brownlee read the
Certificate of Appreciation to Captain Charles Boyce for his distinguished forty one year career in
law enforcement within Laurens County.
Council Member Philson also recognized Captain Boyce and his family for their support during
his career. He concluded his recognition by “ceremonially” promoting Captain Charles Boyce to
Major Charles Boyce.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Barbara Mordue spoke on matters pertaining to Ordinance #1012, voicing that for the duration of the
moratorium, Council should address some of the underlying land use issues as well as develop regulations
for data centers that are appropriate for Laurens County.
Cecil Brown spoke on Ordinance #1012 with his reasons of why he is in favor of data centers.
John Parnell approached the podium to speak on Ordinance #1012, communicating the appreciation for
the transparency and keeping the citizens abreast of what happens next.
Nancy Garrison approached the podium to speak on issues pertaining to some of the verbiage of
Ordinance #926 since Council is already making amendments to it in Ordinance #1013.
Evelynn Whitty expressed the need for a Future Land Use Map.
REPORTS TO COUNCIL:
a. County Administrators Report: County Administrator Threatt communicated that there were
some exciting things happening this month that tie back to Emergency Preparedness Month,
adding that there would be a ribbon cutting for the CPST Project: Medic 1 on Friday, September
18, 2026, at 10:00am. In addition, the ribbon cutting for the Emergency Services Facility would
be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 10:00am, also. Mr. Threatt concluded his report to
Council relaying that the Visitor’s Center of the Historic Courthouse would be open Tuesdays
and Thursdays from 12:00pm until 2:00pm.
Page 2 of 6

September 14, 2026- Regular Session
OLD BUSINESS:
a. Council Submission- Approval of Appointments- County Boards, Commissions &
Committees:
i.
Approval of reappointments to the GLEAMNS Board: Private Sector- Janice
Roberson; Low-Income Sector: Bertha Rice: Janice Roberson and Bertha Rice were
accepted as reappointments to the GLEAMNS Board.
ii.
Assessment Appeals Board- District 6: Melinda Gray: Melinda Gray was accepted as
the District 6 representative for the Assessment Appeals Board.
b. Public Hearing, Ordinance #1012: AN ORDINANCE IMPOSING A TEMPORARY
MORATORIUM ON THE ACCEPTANCE, REVIEW, APPROVAL, AND ISSUANCE OF
DEVELOPMENT PERMITS FOR DATA CENTER WITHIN LAURENS COUNTY
[Sponsoring Council Member: Brownlee]: Chairman Carroll opened the public hearing for
Ordinance #1012 at 6:37pm. Barbara Mordue returned to the podium to finish her sentiments
pertaining to data centers, adding that there should be requirements for developers to have to pay
for specialized plans and infrastructure development. She commended County Council for being
proactive and taking the steps to address the potential issues.
Chairman Carroll closed public hearing for Ordinance #1012 at 6:40pm.
c. Third Reading, Ordinance #1012: VICE CHAIRMAN BROWNLEE made a MOTION to
approve Third Reading, Ordinance #1012; it was SECONDED by COUNCIL MEMBER
PHILSON. The motion was opened for discussion.
VICE CHAIRMAN BROWNLEE made a MOTION to amend Page 5, Section 11 to strike “to the
PZO” and it read as follows: During the pendency of the Moratorium, County staff and the
Planning Commission are hereby directed to study the areas of the County where Data Centers
may be an appropriate land use and the conditions under which Data Centers may appropriately
be developed within such areas. The Planning Commission and County staff are further directed
to prepare and recommend appropriate amendments to the PZO to apply County-wide to
development of Data Centers.; it was SECONDED by COUNCIL MEMBER YOUNTS, vote 60. Original motion vote 6-0.
d. Second Reading, Ordinance #1013: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE #926
OF LAURENS COUNTY BY REPEALING AND REPLACING DIVISION 6.3 AND 8.B,
AND AMENDING DIVISION 9.A.1 REGARDING MAJOR SUBDIVISION PLAN
APPROVALS, AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO. [Sponsoring Council
Member: Brownlee]: It was communicated that this ordinance would be changing the process in
which major subdivisions are approved and giving that authority back to the Planning
Commission. COUNCIL MEMBER LANE made a MOTION to approve Second Reading,
Ordinance #1013; it was SECONDED by VICE CHAIRMAN BROWNLEE. The motion was
opened for discussion.
VICE CHAIRMAN BROWNLEE made a MOTION to AMEND Ordinance #1013 to
read as follows:
SECTION 3:
DIVISION 9. MAJOR SUBDIVISION APPROVAL PROCESS
A. Preliminary Plat and Construction Site Plan Approval
1. The Preliminary Plat Approval is an approval by by the staff of the Planning and
Public Works Department and/or County Planning Commission which documents for the
subdivider that their proposed subdivision is in accordance with applicable regulations,
and that construction of the subdivision may proceed.
Page 3 of 6

September 14, 2026- Regular Session
4. The Technical Review Committee may approve a Preliminary Plat and/or Construction
Site Plan without the review of the Planning Commission after approvals are received
from all other departments and agencies and provided the Plat and/or Plan meets the
requirements of the County's Code of Ordinances and does not include a request for a
variance.
54. Approval of the Preliminary Plat and/or Construction Site Plan shall be noted on the
plat and plan and certified by the Building Official who shall note the date on the Plat
and Plan for which the Technical Review Committee and/ or Planning Commission
granted approval;
The motion was SECONDED by CHAIRMAN CARROLL, vote 6-0. Original motion vote 6-0.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. First Reading, Ordinance #1014: AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING STANDARDS FOR
SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS TO PROMOTE PUBLIC HEALTH,
SAFETY, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, AND AGRICULTURAL
PRESERVATION; AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO. [Sponsoring
Council Member: Brownlee]: County Attorney Meetze presented a PowerPoint presentation
with an overview of the Ordinance. [PowerPoint Presentation will be attached as Appendix A in
the transcribed minutes] VICE CHAIRMAN BROWNLEE made a MOTION to approve First
Reading, Ordinance #1014; it was SECONDED by COUNCIL MEMBER CLARK ; vote 6-0.
COUNTY COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Council Member Lane thanked everyone for coming out and encouraged citizens to keep increasing the
attendance. He concluded with sentiments of excitement to see the Solar Farm Ordinance on the agenda.
Council Member Clark thanked everyone for coming out and expressing their issues, continuing to voice
that Laurens County is where people live, work and retire and to keep it moving forward, we all have to
work together.
Council Member Younts expressed his concerns pertaining to Data Centers and encouraged incoming
Council not to rush through the production of a Data Center Ordinance.
Council Member Philson used his time to introduce the new Veteran Affairs Director, Dale Williams; as
well as reminded everyone about the ribbon cuttings and the Open House for the new Clemson Extension
building on October 1, 2026.
Vice Chairman Brownlee reminded everyone about the new Laurens County Facebook page and
encouraged following to stay up to date. He continued by echoing sentiments from Council Member
Younts pertaining to taking the time to thoroughly go through the process of compiling an ordinance for
data centers. Mr. Brownlee concluded his comments encouraging everyone to keep showing up.
Chairman Carroll concluded County Council comments by expressing his appreciation for the
constituents’ attendance and added that the comradery that County Council now has offers a great
opportunity to move Laurens County forward. He commented on Laurens County Council taking a stand
on things that other counties don’t; adding that the moratorium on data centers and instilling a Solar Farm
ordinance, are the right things to do to provide protections to the community.
Page 4 of 6

September 14, 2026- Regular Session
ADJOURNMENT: COUNCIL MEMBER CLARK made a MOTION to adjourn; it was SECONDED by
VICE CHAIRMAN BROWNLEE, vote 6-0. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:13pm.
Respectfully submitted,

Cheyenne G. Noffz,
Clerk to Laurens County Council

Page 5 of 6

September 14, 2026- Regular Session

Appendix A: Ordinance No. 1014- Laurens County Solar Farm
Development Ordinance PowerPoint Presentation

Page 6 of 6

ORDINANCE NO. 1014
Laurens County Solar Farm
Development Ordinance
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING STANDARDS FOR SOLAR ENERGY
CONVERSION SYSTEMS TO PROMOTE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY,
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, AND AGRICULTURAL
PRESERVATION; AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

SECTION 1
TITLE; PURPOSE; AUTHORITY; JURISDICTION

PURPOSE
a.

Preserve agricultural and rural lands.

b.

Ensure SECS are located in appropriate areas.

c.

Protect adjacent residential and agricultural uses.

d.

Minimize noise, lighting, and visual impacts.

e.

Create a predictable and technically rigorous approval process for SECS;

f.

Ensure transparency, public notice, continuing monitoring, complaint
response, and enforceable corrective action;

g.

Require the applicant and operator to pay attributable County review,
infrastructure, emergency-response, road, monitoring, enforcement, and
decommissioning costs; and

h.

Provide for proper decommissioning and site restoration.

SECTION 2
TYPES OF SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION
SYSTEMS

SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS

Class 1 –
Individual Solar
Energy Conversion
Systems

Class 2 – Small
Commercial Solar
Energy Conversion
Systems

Class 3 – Medium
Commercial Solar
Energy Conversion
Systems

Class 4 – Large
Commercial Solar
Energy Conversion
Systems

CLASS 1 – Individual Solar Energy Conversion System

Class 1 – Individual Solar Energy
Conversion Systems
Rated capacity of up to one hundred (100) kilowatts

supplies energy for site use, except that when a parcel on which the system is installed also
received electrical power supplied by a utility company, excess electrical power generated and
not presently needed for onsite use may be sold back to the utility company.

Minimum Lot Size = 2 acres

CLASS 2 – Small Commercial Solar Energy Conversion System

Class 2 – Small Commercial Solar Energy
Conversion Systems
Rated capacity of greater than one hundred (100) kilowatts to
one (1) megawatt

main purpose is to supply electricity to on and off-site
customers

Minimum Lot Size = 3 acres

CLASS 3 – Medium Commercial Solar Energy Conversion System

Class 3 – Medium Commercial Solar
Energy Conversion Systems
Rated capacity of one (1) megawatt to five (5) megawatts

main purpose is to supply electricity to off-site customers

Minimum Lot Size = 10 acres

CLASS 4 – Large Commercial Solar Energy Conversion System

Class 4 – Large Commercial Solar Energy
Conversion Systems
Rated capacity of greater than five (5) megawatts

main purpose is to supply electricity to off-site customers

Minimum Lot Size = 40 acres Maximum Lot Size = 400 acres

SECTION 4
GENERAL SITE AND DESIGN STANDARDS

HEIGHT LIMITS
20 FEET
The maximum height of any ground-mounted
solar panel, array, or related support structure
within a Solar Energy Conversion System shall
not exceed twenty (20) feet, measured from the
finished or natural grade (whichever is lower) to
the highest point of the panel or structure
when oriented at its maximum design tilt.

EXCEPTIONS
Interconnection poles or towers (Maximum height:
seventy-five (75) feet);
Substation equipment (Maximum height: thirty-five
(35) feet);

Transmission lines (Maximum height: seventy-five
(75) feet);
Meteorological or measuring towers (Maximum
height: forty (40) feet);

Security lighting or camera poles (Maximum
height: twenty-five (25) feet).

MINIMUM LOT SIZES

Minimum Lot
Size

CLASS 1 SECS

CLASS 2 SCECS

CLASS 3 MCECS

CLASS 4 LCECS

2 acres

3 acres

10 acres

40 acres

SETBACKS
CLASS 1 – Individual/Acreage Solar Energy Conversion System
• Front Yard:

There shall be a minimum front yard of not less than a distance
of fifty (50) feet measured from center line of road or twentyfive (25) feet from the highway right of way, whichever is
greater.

• Rear Yard:

No limitations; unless abutting a Residential Property then the
minimum yard shall be ten (10) feet or unless abutting a county
road, state or federal highway, then the minimum rear yard
shall be seventy-five (75) feet, unless the right of way is greater.

• Side Yard:

No limitations; unless abutting a Residential Property then the
minimum yard shall be five (5) feet or unless abutting a county
road, state, or federal highway, then the minimum rear yard
shall be seventy-five (75) feet, unless the right-of-way is
greater.

CLASS 2 - SSECS
100 ft.
None

CLASS 3 - MSECS
100 ft.
None

CLASS 4 – LSECS
250 ft.
None

From Participating Residential
Property
From Non-Participating Property

25 ft.

50 ft.

75 ft.

150 ft from property line, so
long as no existing dwelling is
located on the nonparticipating property.

150 ft from property line, so
long as no existing dwelling is
located on the nonparticipating property.

330 ft. (1/16 mile) from
property line, so long as no
existing dwelling is located on
the non-participating
property.

From Non-Participating Existing
Dwelling

330 ft. (1/16 mile)

330 ft. (1/16 mile)

1,320 ft. (1/4 mile)

From Churches and Public
Schools
From Cemeteries

150 ft.

150 ft.

1,320 ft. (1/4 mile)

150 ft.

150 ft.

660 ft. (1/8 mile)

From State Recreation Areas

150 ft.

150 ft.

330 ft. (1/16 mile)

From Approved Platted
Subdivisions
From Confined Animal Feeding
Unit
From Intensive Animal Feeding
Unit

330 ft. (1/16 mile)

330 ft. (1/16 mile)

1320 ft. (1/4 mile)

2,640 ft. (1/2 mile)

2,640 ft. (1/2 mile)

2,640 ft. (1/2 mile)

1000 ft. from nearest unit.

1000 ft. from nearest unit.

1000 ft. from nearest unit.

From Public Road
From Participating NonResidential Property

S
E
T
B
A
C
K
S

BUFFERS/ VISUAL SCREENING
Required for ALL Class
2, 3, and 4 SECS.

Fences, walls,
berming, vegetation or
a combination.

Fencing, walls or
berming shall not
account for over fifty
percent (50%) of the
screening.

Existing natural
features, topography
and vegetation may be
used.

VISUAL BUFFERS
Percentage
Screened

Minimum Height

Non-Participating
Residential

100%

8 ft.

Non-Participating
Public Park or
School

70%

8 ft.

VISUAL BUFFERS – FENCES/ WALLS/ BERMS
Fences/ Walls

Masonry, stone and wood
Chain link prohibited

Berms

Side slopes shall not exceed 3
to 1, horizontal to vertical.

VISUAL BUFFERS - VEGETATIVE
At a rate of at least
ten (10) trees every
one hundred (100)
linear feet.

At least one (1) shall be a
deciduous shade tree
and three (3) shall be
evergreen or ornamental
trees

At least two-thirds (2/3),
but no more than three
quarters (3/4) of the total
ornamental/evergreen trees
along the property line shall
be made up of evergreen
trees.

Each tree shall
have a minimum
mature height of
fifteen (15 feet).

Must maintain the
original standard of
planting and be
evenly distributed.

Seedling are not
acceptable and are
not to be used for
screening purposes.

ACOUSTIC SCREENING
• May be required for adjacent non-participating parcels, public parks,
and school uses.
• May consist of fences, walls, berms, vegetation, or a combination
thereof.
• Shall be designed by a qualified acoustical professional.
• Vegetation shall be planted on the exterior (public/non-participating)
side of any acoustic barrier so that the barrier is substantially screened
from view.
• Same screening requirements (100% residential 70% parks/ schools)
• May be credited toward a setback reduction of up to 25%.

SECTION 5
POLLINATOR-FRIENDLY NATIVE VEGETATION
AND GROUND COVER

• Applies to ALL Class 2, 3, and 4 SECS
• ENTIRE project area (including under
and between panels)
• Diverse mix of pollinator-friendly native
plants, shrubs, trees, grasses, forbs,
and wildflowers that are appropriate to
the Carolina Piedmont region. (Native
and Non-Invasive)
• Must obtain formal certification under
the South Carolina Solar Habitat Act
(more on next slide)
• Performance bond – 5 years
• Management Plan required.

South Carolina Solar Habitat Act
• The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, working in conjunction with other state
agencies and nonprofit conservation organizations, shall establish a native vegetation habitat
and pollinator management plan to be used as technical guidance for the purposes of this
act.
• An owner of a solar energy generation site implementing solar site management practices
under this section may claim that the site increases the habitat value by providing benefits to
gamebirds, songbirds, pollinators, and small mammals only if the site adheres to guidance
set forth by the wildlife habitat and pollinator plan provided by the department or any other
gamebird, songbird, or pollinator foraging-friendly vegetation standard established by the
department. An owner wishing to make a beneficial habitat claim must make the site's
vegetation management plan available to the public and provide a copy of the plan to the
department for review.
• The department or another entity may issue a certificate of compliance to the owner of a solar
site meeting the plan guidelines that the owner may use to promote its participation in the
program.

SECTION 6
PROJECT SCALE AND SEPARATION LIMITS

No Class 3 or
Class 4 SECS
shall exceed 400
acres

Minimum separation
distance of 1,500 feet
from any other existing
or approved Class 3 or
Class 4 SECS.

Preference shall be given to
Class 4 projects located
within one and one-half (1.5)
miles of an existing electric
transmission line (69 kV or
greater).

Projects requiring extensive new offsite transmission corridors shall
demonstrate that the additional
impacts are minimized and that no
reasonable alternative site closer to
existing transmission infrastructure
is available

.

SECTION 7
PREAPPLICATION CONFERENCE AND
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

PRE-APPLICATION CONFERENCE
A
mandatory
preapplication
conference shall occur before
filing. The applicant shall disclose
the ultimate planned buildout,
building area, invertor count,
generator count, fuel storage,
battery storage transmission and
substation needs, construction
schedule, and anticipated public
incentives.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Survey Map

Easement Deed from
Participating Properties

Map illustrating all
Transmission Lines to
Substation

Manfuacturer’s
recommended
installations

FAA compliance

Minutes from meeting
with Laurens County
Airport Commission

Consultation results
from NOAA and existing
communication
facilities

Constraints on future
land use

A pre-construction
noise and glare study

Engineer certification of
need, code compliance,
site feasibility and
ability to withstand
weather related events.

Soil Erosion Plan

Vegatation Plan and
information regarding
flora and fauna

ESCROW REQUIREMENTS
• Up to $25,000 for review and approval
process.
- covers reports, studies, qualified
professionals/ attorneys
• No less that $10,000 for investigation of
complaints.

SECTION 9
APPROVAL TIERS AND REVIEWING
AUTHORITY

Class 1 – Individual Solar Energy
Conversion Systems
Reviewed and approved by Technical Review Committee AND
Planning Commission.

No review by County Council.

Written findings required.

Class 2, 3 and 4 – Commercial Solar
Energy Conversion Systems
Reviewed by Technical Review Committee AND Planning
Commission. Make recommendations.

Requires approval by County Council. 3 readings and a public
hearing

Written findings required.

Planning Commission Review
The Planning Commission's recommendation shall be ADVISORY ONLY.
The Planning Commission shall transmit to County Council:
• its recommendation;
• written findings;
• the complete application;
• technical-review materials;
• public comments received; and
• the record of its public hearing.
County Council shall give due consideration to the Planning Commission's recommendation but
shall retain independent authority to approve, condition, deny, or remand the application based
upon the standards established by this Ordinance and applicable law.

SECTION 10
PUBLIC NOTICE AND HEARING

Required at least 30 days before the
Planning Commission meeting.

PUBLIC
HEARING AND
NOTICE
(in addition to
required Public
Hearing)

Published in a newspaper of general
circulation
Posted on County website.
Mailed to property owners within 2,640
feet of development boundary.
Signage to be posted on site.

SECTION 11
APPROVAL CRITERIA AND
CONDITIONS

APPROVAL CRITERIA
(1)

every applicable objective requirement of this Ordinance and other law is satisfied;

(2)

adequate roads, electric service, water, wastewater, stormwater facilities, fire protection, emergency access,
communications capacity, and public services exist or will be provided at the applicant’s expense;

(3)

noise, vibration, lighting, emissions, water use, wastewater, traffic, visual impacts, and construction impacts
will not materially impair public health, safety, welfare, agricultural operations, or the reasonable use and
enjoyment of adjoining property;

(4)

the site avoids or appropriately minimizes impacts to active agricultural operations, streams, wetlands,
floodplains, groundwater, neighboring wells, and rural viewsheds;

(5)

the project will not create an unreasonable fiscal, operational, or capital burden on the County or another
public service provider without enforceable mitigation;

(6)

required improvements, monitoring, emergency-response obligations, and decommissioning are secured by
enforceable agreements and adequate financial assurance; and

(7)

the proposed ultimate buildout, phasing, and ownership structure have been fully disclosed and will not
evade any threshold or condition.

(8)

Compatibility with surrounding land uses;

(9)

No substantial adverse impact upon agriculture and protection of water resources;

(10)

Compliance with all noise and lighting standards;

(11)

Ability to satisfy decommissioning requirements.

SECTION 12
SITE AREA; IMPERVIOUS COVER;
OPEN SPACE; LOCATION

Maximum Disturbed/
Cleared Area

60%
unless a lower limit is required by
stormwater or environmental review.

OPEN SPACE REQUIREMENTS
(Class 3 and Class 4 SECS)

20 % - Class 3

25% - Class 4

• Shall be shown on a recorded exhibit and protected by a covenant or
restriction enforceable by the County.
• A conservation easement is not required unless voluntarily offered or
required as project-specific mitigation.
• Buildings, pavement, substations, generator yards, conventional
parking, and fenced utility compounds do not qualify as Open Space.
• In addition, 20% of Class 3 and 15% of Class 4 total gross parcel
acreage shall strictly undisturbed.

SECTION 13
AGRICULTURAL AND NATURAL
RESOURCE PROTECTION

AGRICULTURAL LANDS
• The applicant shall avoid active agricultural land
where reasonably practicable, minimize
unavoidable conversion, preserve workable field
and timber configurations, maintain agricultural
access and drainage, and prevent material
interference with irrigation or neighboring wells.
• A blanket setback from every Agricultural
Operation is not required. Instead, the permit
shall establish site-specific separation, fencing,
vegetated buffering, drainage protection, dust
control, and access measures appropriate to
documented conflicts.

WATER
Streams, wetlands, floodplains, riparian
areas, and groundwater recharge areas shall
be protected in accordance with applicable
law.
Development shall not materially increase
flooding, erosion, sedimentation, or
pollutant discharge onto adjoining land.

SECTION 14
FIRE PROTECTION, EMERGENCY
RESPONSE, AND INCIDENT
REPORTING

Fire-Protection and Emergency-Response Plan
• Before construction, the applicant shall obtain
approval of a fire-protection and emergencyresponse plan from the applicable fire official,
Emergency Management, and other reviewing
agencies.
• The plan shall address water supply, apparatus
access, hydrants, suppression, detection,
battery incidents, electrical hazards, fuel
releases, hazardous materials, severe weather,
evacuation, security coordination, utility
isolation, and mutual aid.

ANNUAL TRAINING
The operator shall conduct at least annual
coordinated training and a full-scale or
tabletop exercise at the frequency required by
the fire official. Updated facility maps, shutoff
locations, safety data, and emergency contacts
shall be continuously available to responders.

SECTION 17
DECOMMISSIONING AND FINANCIAL
ASSURANCE

Final Decommissioning Plan
Submitted before land disturbance begins.
Prepared by Qualified Professionals.
Shall address removal of buildings, slabs and foundations to at least four feet below grade, equipment,
generators, batteries, tanks, fencing, utility infrastructure not retained for an approved use, contaminated
material, pavement as required, and restoration of stable soil, drainage, vegetation, and agricultural
capability where applicable.

Abandonment and Time Limit for
Decommissioning

1 YEAR
Consecutive months for
abandonment
Within 12 months of
abandonment for
decommissioning.

SECURITY

Required before
construction can begin.

125 % of independently
reviewed cost estimate.

Shall be updated every
three (3) years.

SECTION 19
APPEALS

Appeals

Administrative decision – Planning
Commission

Final Local Decisions – Judicial
Review

Questions?

Wes Meetze
County Attorney – Laurens County, SC
P.O. Box 445
100 Hillcrest Square
Laurens, South Carolina 29360
Office: (864) 681-3155
Mobile:(864) 892-1661
Email: [email protected]

MINUTES
LAURENS COUNTY COUNCIL
QUARTERLY PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
SEPTEMBER 28, 2026 – 6:00 PM
LAURENS COUNTY HISTORIC COURTHOUSE
200 W. PUBLIC SQUARE
ATTENDING COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chairman Jeffrey Carroll; Vice Chairman Matthew
J. Brownlee; Council Member Shirley H. Clark; Council Member Arthur Lee Philson, Jr.; Council
Member Justin Lane
ATTENDING COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF: Jerre Threatt, County Administrator; Melissa
Ferqueron, Deputy County Administrator; Wes Meetze, County Attorney; Cheyenne Noffz, Clerk to
Council; Darbi Jackson, Legal Assistant
ATTENDING DEPARTMENT HEADS: GW Dailey, Assessor; Tammi Hanks, IT Director; Billy
Wilson, Public Works Director; Chris McCord, 911 Director; Sonny Ledda, Emergency Management
Director; Josh Doshier, EMS Training Coordinator; Kayse Fabans, Finance Director; Renita Barksdale,
Library Director
AGENDA ITEMS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Call to Order- Chairman Carroll
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda – September 28, 2026: Quarterly Public Input Session
Quarterly Public Input Session
County Council Comments
Adjournment

MEETING NOTIFICATION: County Council members and applicable Department Heads, press, and
general public were notified of the meeting in a timely manner, including postings of the Agenda on the
County website.
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Carroll called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chairman Carroll invited all who can stand for
the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, where he led both.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: COUNCIL MEMBER CLARK made a MOTION to approve the
September 28, 2026 agenda for the public input session; it was SECONDED by VICE CHAIRMAN
BROWNLEE, vote 5-0.
QUARTERLY PUBLIC INPUT SESSION:
Joseph and Dawn Kohler approached the podium separately with written comments to advise Council of
their displeasure of the previous Planning Commission meeting and the engagement with the public. They
concluded their comments with the suggestion of a moratorium on subdivisions.
Nancy Garrison followed up the Kohler’s sentiments, adding that she did go through the packet that was
distributed to the Commissioners and realized that they were not given all the materials and information
needed to make decisions. She brought up discrepancies between the information on the agenda and
information given by the developers. Ms. Garrison concluded her comments voicing that she believes the
Planning Commission needs to be given any and all pertinent information to the projects on the agendas.

September 28, 2026- Public Input Session
Pam Riddle advised that most of the development right now is along Highway 418, which leads all traffic
to a three-way stop. She continued stating that there is a road that currently has ten homes with wells on it
and will eventually have an additional twenty-five homes- how will those additional homes affect their
wells? Ms. Riddle agreed that she would like to see a moratorium on subdivisions to address bigger lot
sizes and address road conditions.
Lynn Farmer approached the podium with concerns as a citizen who lives across the road from an
incoming development with 71 homes on 69.43 acres; expressing that those numbers do not make sense
to him. He is concerned with the water runoff from the development and the long-term impact of all the
homes on septic tanks.
Carole Cash voiced that as a recent citizen of Laurens County, she was very surprised to see how things
differ in counties, noting that the Planning Commission meeting was very interesting. Ms. Cash inquired
what the recourse of the citizens who spoke tonight would look like; what are their options for solutions?
COUNTY COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Council Member Lane expressed his appreciation for bringing the issues regarding the Planning
Commission meetings to Council and his displeasure hearing how staff was engaging with citizens.
Council Member Clark voiced that as Council Members, they should be checking in and attending some
of the boards and commissions meeting to ensure their appointments are doing what they need to.
Council Member Philson voiced that he believed the Planning Department and Building and Codes
Department should have been at this meeting to hear the concerns brought up and thanked those who
were willing to speak up and bring these issues to Council’s attention.
Vice Chairman Brownlee echoed the sentiments of his fellow Council Member’s and added that they
have a lot to work on as growth is always an ongoing issue.
Chairman Carroll finished County Council comments communicating that ordinances are documents that
can be changed and added that Council does not want to harm the ability for people to come to Laurens
County.
ADJOURNMENT: VICE CHAIRMAN BROWNLEE made a MOTION to adjourn; it was SECONDED
by COUNCIL MEMBER CLARK, vote 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:48 pm.
Respectfully submitted,

Cheyenne G. Noffz,
Clerk to Laurens County Council

Page 2 of 2

Special Recognitions
a. Retirement recognition for Captain Troy
Aldridge
b. October 23-31, 2026, as Red Ribbon
Week in Laurens County

Proclamation
On Behalf of the County of Laurens, South Carolina, It is With Deep Pride That We, The Laurens County
Council, do Hereby Proclaim With Extreme Honor, the Week of October 23-31, 2026,

“RED RIBBON WEEK”
WHEREAS, Red Ribbon Week is a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers of drug use
and encouraging individuals, especially our youth, to make healthy and drug-free choices; and
WHEREAS, the 2026 Red Ribbon Week theme, “Make A Difference. Be A Hero. Stay Drug Free.”, reminds us
that each person has the power to positively influence others through responsible choices, courage, and leadership;
and
WHEREAS, families, schools, law enforcement, businesses, faith-based organizations, and community leaders all
play an important role in providing our youth with the support and encouragement needed to live healthy,
productive, and drug-free lives; and
WHEREAS, Laurens County recognizes the importance of prevention, education, and community involvement in
creating a safe and healthy environment for current and future generations;

PA

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED on this 12h day of October 2026 by the Laurens County Council
October 23–31, 2026, as RED RIBBON WEEK in Laurens County and encourages all citizens to join together in
supporting this year’s theme:
“MAKE A DIFFERENCE. BE A HERO. STAY DRUG FREE.”
and to demonstrate their commitment to building a healthier, safer, and drug-free community.

C

Attest:

KE

______________________________
Jerre F. Threatt, Administrator
Laurens County, South Carolina

Laurens County Council
_______________________________
Jeffrey D. Carroll, Chairman
_______________________________
Matthew J. Brownlee, Vice Chairman

T

_______________________________
Melissa D. Ferqueron, Dep. Administrator
Laurens County, South Carolina

_______________________________
W. Brown Patterson, Jr., Council Member
_______________________________
Shirley H. Clark, Council Member

________________________________
Cheyenne G. Noffz, Clerk to Council
Laurens County, South Carolina

_______________________________
Arthur Lee Philson, Jr., Council Member
_______________________________
Justin Lane, Council Member

________________________________
Marcus W. Meetze, Attorney
Laurens County, South Carolina

_______________________________
M. Kemp Younts, Council Member

Old Business:
Public Hearing & Third Reading, Ordinance
#1013: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
ORDINANCE #926 OF LAURENS COUNTY
BY REPEALING AND REPLACING DIVISION
6.3 AND 8.B, AND AMENDING DIVISION
9.A.1 REGARDING MAJOR SUBDIVISION
PLAN APPROVALS, AND OTHER MATTERS
RELATED THERETO. [Sponsoring Council
Member: Brownlee]

Ordinance #1013 – Amend 926 regarding Major Subdivision Approvals

The above space is reserved for recording information.

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA )
)
COUNTY OF LAURENS
)

ORDINANCE #1013

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE #926 OF LAURENS
COUNTY BY REPEALING AND REPLACING DIVISION 6.3 and 8.B, AND
AMENDING DIVISION 9.A.1 REGARDING MAJOR SUBDIVISION
PLAN APPROVALS, AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

First Reading: August 10, 2026
Second Reading: September 14, 2026
Public Hearing: October 12, 2026
Third Reading: October 12, 2026
VOTE: _____
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN ABSENT
Carroll
Brownlee
Patterson
Clark
Younts
Philson
Lane

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1

Ordinance #1013 – Amend 926 regarding Major Subdivision Approvals

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA )
)
COUNTY OF LAURENS
)

ORDINANCE #1013

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE #926 OF LAURENS
COUNTY BY REPEALING AND REPLACING DIVISION 6.3 and 8.B, AND
AMENDING DIVISION 9.A.1 REGARDING MAJOR SUBDIVISION
PLAN APPROVALS, AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.
WHEREAS, Counties in South Carolina are authorized to develop and adopt subdivision and land
development regulations by the South Carolina Local Government Comprehensive Planning
Enabling Act of 1994, codified in South Carolina Code Title 6, Chapter 29; and
WHEREAS, Laurens County Council approved Ordinance 926, which provides for certain
policies and procedures regarding the approval of preliminary plans for Major Subdivisions in
Laurens County; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 926 has been interpreted in ways that are contrary to the intent, purpose
and design of the ordinance, including but not limited to, providing that the Technical Review
Committee (“TRC”) may grant approval of preliminary plans for Major Subdivisions without input
or approval of the Laurens County Planning Commission and/or Laurens County Council; and
WHEREAS, Laurens County Council finds that it is necessary and in the best interests of Laurens
County and its citizens to amend Ordinance 926 to clarify and restate the approval process for
Major Subdivisions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE LAURENS COUNTY COUNCIL, duly
assembled, pursuant to the authority granted by the laws of the State of South Carolina, that the
following amendments to Ordinance No. 926 be made:
1.
SECTION 1: Repeal and Replace Division 6.3. Division 6.3 shall be stricken in its
entirety and replaced with the following:

DIVISION 6. APPLICATION PROCESS FOR MAJOR
SUBDIVISIONS.
3. Review by the Technical Review Committee (TRC).
A.
Establishment and Purpose: The Technical Review Committee (TRC) is
established to provide coordinated technical review of subdivision plats,
construction plans, and development applications for compliance with the
County's Code of Ordinances, Comprehensive Plan, and all applicable Building
Codes. The TRC shall serve in an advisory capacity only and shall not have
authority to approve, conditionally approve, or deny any application.
2

Ordinance #1013 – Amend 926 regarding Major Subdivision Approvals

B.
Composition: The County's Technical Review Committee may consist of
County Staff members from a variety of technical fields and departments
including, but not limited to, Planning, Building Codes, Public Works, 911
Communications Center and Administration. It may also be composed of Fire and
Law Enforcement, the Laurens County Development Corporation and applicable
School District Staff members
C.
Scope of Review:
The TRC shall review applications for compliance
with applicable standards, including but not limited to access, roadway design,
drainage, and utilities, and shall provide written comments to the applicant. The
TRC may provide recommendations of approval, conditional approval, or denial;
however, such recommendations are non-binding and advisory only.
D.
When Required:
TRC meetings are separate from the Preapplication
meeting and will be a requirement for proposed developments exceeding one acre
in size, unless otherwise exempt from development review and permitting. These
meetings are designed to explain the County's development review process and
assist applicants in the successful navigation of procedures. Each meeting will bring
together relevant department review staff members for projects that may have
potential environmental impacts, projects with significant permitting issues,
projects with access or traffic concerns, or projects on sites that may adversely
affect the development of the site, etc. The TRC review process is detailed under
Division 8.B. below. Any proposed development submitted prior to participating in
a TRC meeting will not be considered complete. The project will be placed in a
hold status until the TRC meeting has been held.
E.
TRC Action: No action or recommendation by the TRC shall constitute
approval, authorization to record a plat, issuance of a permit, or permission to
proceed with construction.
F.
Final Approval Authority:
Final approval, conditional approval, or
denial of subdivision plats and development applications shall be made only by the
authorities designated elsewhere in this Ordinance.
G.
Record of Review:
The TRC shall maintain a record of its review
comments. All TRC comments and recommendations shall be compiled in writing
and included in the official record for consideration by the authorized approving
body.
H.
No Vested Rights/ No Implicit Approval: No recommendation, comment,
or action by the TRC shall confer any vested rights or development
entitlements. Failure of the TRC to identify a deficiency shall not be construed as
approval of any portion of an application.
I.
Administrative Coordination:
County staff may coordinate revisions
and resubmittals based on TRC comments; however, such coordination shall not be
3

Ordinance #1013 – Amend 926 regarding Major Subdivision Approvals

represented as approval unless and until formal action is taken by the authorized
approving authority.
J.
Consistency with Ordinance: This Section is intended solely to clarify the
advisory role of the TRC and shall not modify or supersede any approval authority,
requirement, or standard established elsewhere in this Ordinance.
2.
SECTION 2: Repeal and Replace Division 8.B. Division 8.B shall be stricken in
its entirety and replaced with:
1. TRC Review Process
1. Application:
Following the submittal of an application for a Major
Residential Subdivision or, telecommunication towers, or a request for a
variance, eligible projects will be subject to a "Technical and Conceptual
Review" by the County's Technical Review Committee (TRC) which will
utilize Preliminary Plats, Conceptual Plans or Construction Site Plan drawings,
and the County's Code of Ordinances to determine initial compliance.
2. Completeness Check:
The Preliminary Plan, Conceptual and/or
Construction Site Plan drawings must include all items included on the Building
Department Application Completeness Checklist and the checklist provided for
each plan located on the County's Planning and Building Department webpages.
At this level, the TRC members will review the Application, Preliminary Plat,
and Conceptual and/or Construction Site Plans for completeness and provide
comments to the TRC Coordinator. The application completeness comments
shall be compiled into one document and sent to the Applicant. Projects with
incomplete submittals will be returned to the Applicant and the Applicant will
need to address the outstanding comments, with any questions being directed
to the TRC Coordinator or any member of the Committee having outstanding
issues and comments that may delay the approval of the project.
3. TRC Formal Review:
After the application completeness comments are
successfully addressed by the Applicant (as determined by the TRC
Coordinator), the project may move on to the formal technical review. Formal
review will not be concluded until all TRC members have indicated that their
comments have been adequately addressed.
4. Additional Permits/ Requirements:
The TRC review process will also
encompass any extra-jurisdictional permits and approvals required by the
project, not limited to SCDHEC, encroachment permits, FEMA flood hazard
zone and wetland permits, historical and cultural surveys, and protected species
and tree surveys where and when applicable. All required extra-jurisdictional
surveys and permits must be performed and approved for the project site prior
to the issuance of any tree removal, clearing and grading permits, or building
permits.
4

Ordinance #1013 – Amend 926 regarding Major Subdivision Approvals

5. Additional Reviews:
Depending on the timing of the submittal of the
application and the first review by the TRC members, and the amount of time
needed for the Applicant to correct any outstanding issues incurred by the first
TRC review, the second formal TRC review of the application may not occur
until the following month.
6. Forms:
The TRC review process and the required forms for review are
located
on
the
County's
Planning Department
website,
at
https://laurenscountysc.gov/planning/.
7. Inactive Submittals:
Following a formal review by the Technical Review
Committee, should a Preliminary Plat and/or Construction Site Plan submittal
become inactive for a period of six months following the date of the last
correspondence issued by any of the departments engaged in the review, the
application(s) will be discarded unless the applicant demonstrates a good effort
to progress the submittal prior to the expiration date stated here and/or an
extension is granted. Should a plan or plat submittal be discarded, submittal of
a new application and payment of review fees applicable to a new submittal will
be required in order to proceed with review.
8. Dual Submittals: The Preliminary Plat can be accompanied by a Construction
Site Plan which may be reviewed simultaneously.
3.

SECTION 3: Amend Division 9: Division 9 shall be amended to read as follows:
DIVISION 9. MAJOR SUBDIVISION APPROVAL PROCESS
A. Preliminary Plat and Construction Site Plan Approval
1. The Preliminary Plat Approval is an approval by the staff of the Planning and
Public Works Departments and/or the County Planning Commission which
documents for the subdivider that their proposed subdivision is in accordance with
applicable regulations, and that construction of the subdivision may proceed.
4. The Technical Review Committee may approve a Preliminary Plat and/or
Construction Site Plan without the review of the Planning Commission after
approvals are received from all other departments and agencies and provided the
Plat and/or Plan meets the requirements of the County's Code of Ordinances and
does not include a request for a variance.
54. Approval of the Preliminary Plat and/or Construction Site Plan shall be noted
on the plat and plan and certified by the Building Official who shall note the date
on the Plat and Plan for which the Technical Review Committee and/ or Planning
Commission granted approval.
5

Ordinance #1013 – Amend 926 regarding Major Subdivision Approvals

4.
SECTION 4: Severability. Should any paragraph, clause, phrase or provision of this
Ordinance be judged invalid or held unconstitutional by a Court of competent jurisdiction, such
declaration shall not affect the validity of any other section of the Ordinance as a whole or any part
or provision thereof, other than the part so decided to be invalid or unconstitutional. Interpretations
shall be pursuant to the laws of the State of South Carolina.
5.
SECTION 5: Conflict with Preceding Ordinances. If a Section, Sub-section or provision
of this Ordinance shall conflict with the provisions of a Section, Sub-section or part of a preceding
Ordinance of Laurens County, then the preceding Section, Sub-section, or part shall be deemed
repealed and no longer in effect.
6.
SECTION 6: Effective Date.
This Ordinance shall take effect upon three (3)
readings and a public hearing as required by law.
(Signature page follows)

6

Ordinance #1013 – Amend 926 regarding Major Subdivision Approvals

AND IT IS SO ORDAINED this __12th_ day of October__, 2026.
LAURENS COUNTY COUNCIL:
____________________________________
Jeffrey Carroll, Council Chairman
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Jerre Threatt, Administrator
Laurens County, South Carolina

____________________________________
Matthew Brownlee, Council Vice Chairman
___________________________________
W. Brown Patterson, Council Member
____________________________________
Shirley H. Clark, Council Member

_________________________________
Cheyenne G. Noffz, Clerk
Laurens County Council
Laurens County, South Carolina

____________________________________
Kemp Younts, Council Member
____________________________________
Justin Lane, Council Member
____________________________________
Arthur Philson, Jr., Council Member

APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
Marcus W. “Wes” Meetze
Laurens County Attorney

7

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given by the County Council of Laurens County,
South Carolina, of a public hearing relating to the proposed
enactment of Ordinance 1013 entitled:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE #926 OF LAURENS
COUNTY BY REPEALING AND REPLACING DIVISION 6.3 and
8.B, AND AMENDING DIVISION 9.A.1 REGARDING MAJOR
SUBDIVISION PLAN APPROVALS, AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.
The public hearing will be held in the Laurens County Council
Chambers located at the Laurens County Courthouse, 200 W
Public Square, Laurens, South Carolina, beginning at 6:00 P.M.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026.
Subject to the rules of County Council regarding appearances,
members of the public are invited to attend and make comments
concerning the proposed Ordinance 1013.
LAURENS COUNTY COUNCIL
01517655

New Business:
First Reading, Ordinance #1015: AN
ORDINANCE TO AMEND LAURENS
COUNTY ORDINANCE 935 TO CLARIFY THE
PENALTIES FOR 1ST AND 2ND OFFENSES;
AND OTHER MATTERS APPERTAINING
THERETO [Sponsoring Council Member:
Brownlee]

Ordinance #1015- Animal Control - Detention

The above space is reserved for recording information.
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF LAURENS

)
)

ORDINANCE #1015

)

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND LAURENS COUNTY ORDINANCE 935 TO CLARIFY
THE PENALTIES FOR 1ST AND 2ND OFFENSES; AND OTHER MATTERS APPERTAINING
THERETO.

SEE THE ATTACHED ORDINANCE, DATED

First Reading: October 12, 2026
Second Reading:
Public Hearing:
Third Reading:
VOTE: _____
Carroll
Brownlee
Patterson
Clark
Younts
Lane
Philson

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN ABSENT
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Ordinance #1015- Animal Control - Detention

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA )
)
COUNTY OF LAURENS
)

ORDINANCE #1015

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND LAURENS COUNTY ORDINANCE 935 TO CLARIFY THE
PENALTIES FOR 1ST AND 2ND OFFENSES; AND OTHER MATTERS APPERTAINING
THERETO.
WHEREAS, Laurens County Council approved Ordinance 935 on December 13, 2022,
establishing animal control regulations for Laurens County; and
WHEREAS, it has been argued Ordinance 935 only provides for a jail sentence for 3rd or
subsequent offenses; and
WHEREAS, Laurens County Council believes it to be in the best interest of the citizens of
Laurens County to amend Ordinance 935 to clarify that the Laurens County Magistrate may impose a
penalty of up to thirty (30) days in jail for any violation;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE LAURENS COUNTY COUNCIL, duly
assembled, pursuant to the authority granted by the laws of the State of South Carolina:
1. AMENDMENT TO SECTION 10 — PENALTIES.
Section 10 of Ordinance 935 is hereby amended by adding the following additional findings:
Any person, firm, corporation, or agent violating the provisions of this chapter or any section thereof shall
be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be punished as follows:
a.
Whenever in this chapter any act is prohibited or is declared to be unlawful, the violation of any
section of this chapter shall be a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, the violator shall be subject to a term of
imprisonment of up to thirty (30) days in the Laurens County Detention Center, a fine as structured
below, or both:
(1)
(2)
(3)

For a 1st offense: A fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $500.00.
For a 2nd offense: A fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $750.00.
For a 3rd or subsequent offense: A fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than
$1,500.00.

In no event shall any penalty exceed the maximum jurisdiction and penalties authorized for the
Magistrate's Court of the State of South Carolina
b.

Each day any violation of this Ordinance shall continue shall constitute as separate offense.

Ordinance #1015- Animal Control - Detention

2. SAVINGS CLAUSE.
All other provisions of Ordinance 935 not expressly amended herein shall remain in full force and effect.
In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Amendment and any provision of Ordinance
935, the provisions of this Amendment shall control.
3. AUTHORITY.
This Amendment is adopted under the authority and process expressly granted by the General Assembly
of the State of South Carolina and the Constitution of the State. Jurisdiction is exclusively within Laurens
County.
4. APPLICABILITY.
The provisions of this Amendment shall apply to all unincorporated areas of Laurens County.
5. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Amendment shall take effect after a public hearing and third reading.
(Signature page follows)

Ordinance #1015- Animal Control - Detention

AND IT IS SO ORDAINED this

day of

, 2026.

LAURENS COUNTY COUNCIL:
____________________________________
Jeffrey Carroll, Council Chairman
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Jerre Threatt, Administrator
Laurens County, South Carolina

____________________________________
Matthew Brownlee, Council Vice Chairman
___________________________________
W. Brown Patterson, Council Member
____________________________________
Shirley H. Clark, Council Member

_________________________________
Cheyenne G. Noffz, Clerk
Laurens County Council
Laurens County, South Carolina

____________________________________
Kemp Younts, Council Member
____________________________________
Justin Lane, Council Member
____________________________________
Arthur Philson, Jr., Council Member

APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
Marcus W. “Wes” Meetze
Laurens County Attorney

New Business:
Approval: Resolution 2026-14: A RESOLUTION
OF LAURENS COUNTY COUNCIL TO
ACCEPT THE DONATION OF 3.8 +/- ACRES
TO ESTABLISH “CULBERTSON MILL
PARK”, AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED
THERETO

Executive Session:
Laurens County Council will enter into Executive Session for the
specific purposes of:
i. the discussion of proposed contractual arrangements
and the purchase of rights-of-way(s) and/ or
easements for the construction of a Highway 101
bypass in Gray Court.
ii. the discussion of matters relating to the proposed
location of an industrial site in Joanna for a project
known to the County as “Project Orange”.