On the agenda: Laurens Packet — DATA CENTER (Sep 14)

Agenda Packet for
September 14, 2026:
Regular Session

AGENDA
LAURENS COUNTY COUNCIL
REGULAR SESSION
SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 – 6:00 PM
HISTORIC COURTHOUSE
200 W. PUBLIC SQUARE
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

Minutes:
August 10, 2026: Regular Session
August 4, 2026: Committee on Criminal
Justice and Public Safety

MINUTES
LAURENS COUNTY COUNCIL
AUGUST 10, 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
ATTENDING COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF: Jerre Threatt, County Administrator; Melissa
Ferqueron, Deputy County Administrator; Wes Meetze, County Attorney; Darbi Jackson, Legal Assistant
ATTENDING DEPARTMENT HEADS: Chris McCord, 911 Director; Tammi Hanks, IT Director; GW
Dailey, Assessor; Kayse Fabans, Finance Director; Tonya Hudson, Deputy Finance Director; Andy
Howard, PRT Director; Sheriff Don Reynolds; Chief Deputy Sheriff Chris Martin; Billy Wilson, Public
Works Director; Sonny Ledda, Emergency Management Director
ATTENDING PRESS: John Clayton, The Advertiser; Ida Cadmus, The Buzz
AGENDA ITEMS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Call to Order- Chairman Carroll
Invocation- Vice Chairman Brownlee
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda – August 10, 2026
Approval of Minutes – July 13, 2026: Regular Session
July 24, 2026: Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Economic Development
6. Special Recognitions
a. Emergency Management Awareness Month
7. Public Comment
8. Reports to Council
a. County Administrators Report
b. Reports from Committees
c. Report from County Attorney
9. Old Business:
a. Council Submission – Approval of Appointments – County Boards, Commissions & Committees
b. Public Hearing, Ordinance #1011: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND LAURENS COUNTY
ORDINANCE 935; ADDING RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP AND TARGETED
SPAY/NEUTER PROVISIONS; AND OTHER MATTERS APPERTAINING THERETO.
[Sponsoring Council Member: Brownlee]
c. Third Reading, Ordinance #1011
d. Second Reading, 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]
10. New Business:
a. Approval- 2026 ATAX Allocations
b. First 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]
11. County Council Comments
12. Executive Session*

August 10, 2026- Regular Session
a.

Laurens County Council will enter into Executive Session for the specific purpose of:
i. the receipt of legal advice relating to the settlement of The County of Laurens, South
Carolina vs. Happy Valley Co., LLC, et. al., 2025CP3000102; and
ii. Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements regarding
SCORF funding and administration.
13. 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 to stand for the
invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, where Vice Chairman Brownlee led both.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: COUNCIL MEMBER LANE made a MOTION to approve the agenda for
August 10, 2026- Regular Session; it was SECONDED by VICE CHAIRMAN BROWNLEE, vote 5-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: VICE CHAIRMAN BROWNLEE made a MOTION to approve minutes
from July 13, 2026- Regular Session, July 24, 2026- Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and
Economic Development; it was SECONDED by COUNCIL MEMBER PHILSON, vote 5-0.
SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS:
a. Emergency Management Awareness Month: Chairman Carroll read the proclamation for
August as Emergency Management Awareness Month in Laurens County. COUNCIL MEMBER
LANE made a MOTION to approve the proclamation; it was SECONDED by VICE
CHAIRMAN BROWNLEE, vote 5-0.
Council Member Philson recognized the Animal Control department.
Vice Chairman Brownlee recognized Council Member Philson for graduating the SCAC Institute of
Government Level I.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
John Parnell approached the podium to comment on data centers and the need for the County to be
proactive and not reactive; noting that it is worth researching and looking into before decisions are made.
Nancy Garrison followed Mr. Parnell with comments pertaining to Ordinance #872 and the interpretation
of RV parks and their public notice requirements.
Joseph Kohler voiced his want for a moratorium on major subdivisions while the County works towards a
Land Use Map and Impact Fees.
Nick Babb also spoke in regard to the Data Center Moratorium; commending Vice Chairman Browlnee
for sponsoring the ordinance.
Michanna Tate concluded public commenting with comments regarding the Data Center Moratorium,
specifically Section 4(B) and the need for that section.
REPORTS TO COUNCIL:
a. County Administrators Report: County Administrator Threatt turned his report over to Darbi
Jackson, newly names Public Information Officer; to present the official Laurens County
Government Facebook page to Council, with the vision of more transparency.
Page 2 of 7

August 10, 2026- Regular Session
b. Reports from Committees: Vice Chairman Brownlee relayed that the Committee on
Intergovernmental Affairs and Economic Development met to discuss the entity and process in
which SCORF funds would be handled. He communicated that the recommendation from the
committee was to continue with PlaySafe to act as the administrator of the grants, as well as form
a board consisting of a representative from each of the following departments:
• EMS
• Sheriff’s Office
• Coroner’s Office
• State DHS
• Gateway Board
• 2 Laurens County Staff Members
This board would be an advisory board to review the desired funding from the grant
administrator, select approved funding and present to full County Council for final approval
before submission of applications.
c. Report from County Attorney: County Attorney Meetze rendered Council with a PowerPoint
presentation update Council on the ongoing litigation and to rectify claims communicated at the
City of Clinton’s Council meeting, pertaining to Veranda Homes, LLC, et. al. vs. Laurens
County, South Carolina, et. al. He voiced that Laurens County is appealing the Court Ruling
because “The County believe the Judge erred, as a matter of fact and of law, when he ruled the
approval of the TRC alone was sufficient to grant approval of the preliminary plan for Cambridge
Farms.” This is discredited in Division 9. Major Subdivision Approval Process, which states:

Attorney Meetze relayed that the appeal process is a very lengthy process and not something that
the County entered into lightly.
OLD BUSINESS:
a. Council Submission- Approval of Appointments- County Boards, Commissions &
Committees: None.
b. Public Hearing, Ordinance #1011: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND LAURENS COUNTY
ORDINANCE 935; ADDING RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP AND TARGETED
SPAY/NEUTER PROVISIONS; AND OTHER MATTERS APPERTAINING THERETO.
[Sponsoring Council Member: Brownlee]: Chairman Carroll opened Public Hearing,
Page 3 of 7

August 10, 2026- Regular Session
Ordinance #1011 at 6:48pm. Pam Riddle approached the podium and expressed that she was in
favor of this ordinance. Seeing no one else approach to speak, Chairman Carroll closed public
hearing at 6:49pm.
c. Third Reading, Ordinance #1011: COUNCIL MEMBER PHILSON made a MOTION to
approve Third Reading, Ordinance #1011; it was SECONDED by VICE CHAIRMAN
BROWNLEE, vote 5-0. Mr. Brownlee thanked Caroline and all of the Animal Control staff, as
well as Council Member Younts and Council Member Clark for their input at the committee
meetings.
d. Second Reading, 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]: COUNCIL MEMBER YOUNTS made a MOTION
to approve Second Reading, Ordinance #1012; it was SECONDED by VICE CHAIRMAN
BROWNLEE. The motion was opened for discussion. Council Member Lane made a MOTION
to strike Section 4(B);

It was inquired by Mr. Lane if that was an appropriate motion; where Mr. Meetze responded that
it was. However, Mr. Meetze clarified that section states the obvious, meaning Federal, State,
City and County, meaning that the County does not and can not govern Federal, State and City
government entities.
Council Member Philson voiced that this moratorium only governs the unincorporated areas of
Laurens County and does not pertain to the City of Laurens or the City of Clinton.
Mr. Lane expressed he understood the Supremecy Claus and that the County cannot infringe on
any other government entity, but the County could still be managed. Mr. Meetze relayed that
taking out that exemption, Laurens County would be subject to it’s own ordinance and
communicated that future Council may want to allow for a data center, one day. COUNCIL
MEMBER LANE RESCINDED his MOTION to Strike Section 4(B).
COUNCIL MEMBER LANE made a MOTION to rephrase Section 4(B) to read: Facilities
owned and operated by a governmental entity for governmental purposes, excluding Laurens
County. Chairman Carroll called for a second to the motion. MOTION DIES for lack of second.
Original Motion vote 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. Approval- 2026 ATAX Allocations: Andy Howard, PRT Director, advised that the ATAX
funding for 2026 was prosperous; receiving $264,896.13, being the most received, ever. He
continued to relay the ATAX Committee recommended to award everyone who applied and to
use the remaining funds to pay for PlacerAI. Mr. Howard voiced that he would like to see the
remaining funds be allocated to the Laurens County Agriculture Center, seeing as it is a big place
for tourism. VICE CHAIRMAN BROWNLEE made a MOTION to approve the ATAX
allocation recommendations, as well as the remaining funds allocation to the Laurens County
Agriculture Center, contingent upon approval from the ATAX Committee; it was SECONDED
by COUNCIL MEMBER PHILSON, vote 5-0.

Page 4 of 7

August 10, 2026- Regular Session

b. First 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]: Vice Chairman Brownlee presented that this ordinance amends the
Planning Commission and/or the Technical Review Committee (TRC) the authority to approve
major subdivision plans, and now make the TRC an advisory committee, only. VICE
CHAIRMAN BROWNLEE made a MOTION to approve First Reading, Ordinance #1013; it was
SECONDED by COUNCIL MEMBER YOUNTS. The motion was opened for discussion.
Vice Chairman Brownlee inquired about addressing Ms. Garrison’s concerns pertaining to public
notices requirements in Ordinance #872: RV Ordinance. Attorney Meetze agreed that an RV park
is considered a commercial project and does require public notices, however, he believes that the
ordinance currently explains that in detail. He voiced that there may need to be some clarification
to the Building and Codes Department, as well as the Planning Department. Original Motion
vote 5-0.

COUNTY COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Council Member Lane expressed his excitement about the two ordinances in the works, which gives the
County something to build on. Concluding his comments voicing his clear stance against data centers for
multiple reasons.
Council Member Younts had no comment.
Council Member Philson brought up discussing allowing citizens to make payments on their property
taxes like Greenwood County does, again. He concluded his comments thanked Vice Chairman Brownlee
for sponsoring the moratorium on data centers, as well as every department in Laurens County.
Vice Chairman Brownlee thanked everyone for coming out.
Chairman Carroll concluded County Council comments responding to concerns around a moratorium and
it meaning that something will never come; it doesn’t necessarily prevent something from coming to the
County, but it changes the way they could come to Laurens County. He mentioned this gives time for
researching things the County isn’t sure on, like solar farms, and make sure, together, that these things are
something that will fit in Laurens County.
Page 5 of 7

August 10, 2026- Regular Session
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
a. Laurens County Council will enter into Executive Session for the specific purpose of:
i.
the receipt of legal advice relating to the settlement of The County of Laurens,
South Carolina vs. Happy Valley Co., LLC, et. al., 2025CP3000102; and
ii.
Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements regarding
SCORF funding and administration.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
b. Laurens County Council will enter into Executive Session for the specific purpose of:
iii.
the receipt of legal advice relating to the settlement of The County of Laurens,
South Carolina vs. Happy Valley Co., LLC, et. al., 2025CP3000102; and
iv.
Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements regarding
SCORF funding and administration.
VICE CHAIRMAN BROWNLEE made a MOTION to enter into Executive Session for the specific
purpose of the receipt of legal advice relating to the settlement of The County of Laurens, South Carolina
vs. Happy Valley Co., LLC, et. al., 2025CP3000102; and Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed
contractual arrangements regarding SCORF funding and administration; it was SECONDED by
COUNCIL MEMBER LANE, vote 5-0. Council convened in Executive Session at approximately
7:25pm.
Council reconvened in Regular Session at approximately 7:49pm, where Chairman Carroll relayed that
there were no motions made while in Executive Session and opened the floor for any motions to be made.
VICE CHAIRMAN BROWNLEE made a MOTION to allow the County Administrator to enter into a
contractual agreement with PlaySafe to apply for Laurens County SCORF funds in the amount of
$210,000 for the 2026 year, $35,000 of which to be used for continuing the program at the Coroner’s
Office and the remaining $175,000 to fund two full-time outreach coordinators to work exclusively in
Laurens County schools, and to establish a committee that begins January 2027, to submit
recommendations to full Council; it was SECONDED by COUNCIL MEMBER YOUNTS, vote 5-0.
Council Member Philson requested a moment of silence before the end of the meeting for the friends and
family of Coach Rhodes and Hoyt Hanvey, due to their passing.
ADJOURNMENT: VICE CHAIRMAN BROWNLEE made a MOTION to adjourn; it was SECONDED
by COUNCIL MEMBER LANE, vote 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:51pm.
Respectfully submitted,

Cheyenne G. Noffz,
Clerk to Laurens County Council

Page 6 of 7

MINUTES
LAURENS COUNTY COUNCIL- COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL
JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
AUGUST 4, 2026 – 5:30 PM
LAURENS COUNTY HISTORIC COURTHOUSE
200 W. PUBLIC SQUARE
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Matthew Brownlee, Chair; Kemp Younts; Shirley Clark
ATTENDING COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF: Cheyenne Noffz, Clerk to Council; Wes
Meetze, County Attorney
AGENDA ITEMS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

7.

Call to Order- Committee Chair Brownlee
Invocation- Council Member Younts
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda – August 4, 2026: Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Public Comment
Committee discussion pertaining to Ordinance #1011: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND LAURENS
COUNTY ORDINANCE 935; ADDING RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP AND TARGETED
SPAY/NEUTER PROVISIONS; AND OTHER MATTERS APPERTAINING THERETO
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: Committee Chair Brownlee called the Committee on Criminal Justice and Public
Safety to order at 5:30pm.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Committee Chair Brownlee invited all to stand
for the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation; where it was led by Committee Member Younts.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: COUNCIL MEMBER CLARK made a MOTION to approve the agenda
for August 4, 2026; Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety; it was SECONDED by COUNCIL
MEMBER YOUNTS, vote 3-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Veronica Corivan from Holmes Veterinarian expressed the want for more open communication between
the Veterinarian clinics and Animal Control. She communicated that they believe in educating the people
in the community instead of administering fines.
There was discussion among Holmes Veterinarian, Sheriff Don Reynolds and the Animal Control
department.
It was relayed by Caroline Barnard from Laurens County Animal Control that this ordinance is not about
slapping fines onto people; it’s about holding people accountable who continue to have the same issue of
their dogs running at large.
Committee discussion pertaining to Ordinance #1011: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND LAURENS
COUNTY ORDINANCE 935; ADDING RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP AND TARGETED
SPAY/NEUTER PROVISIONS; AND OTHER MATTERS APPERTAINING THERETO:

August 4, 2026- Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Committee Chair Brownlee inquired with the rest of the committee about any take aways. Council
Member Clark communicated that people do need to be held accountable and as County Council, they
have the duty to make the best decision for the community. Continuing to add that something needs to be
put in place right now for the community to move forward on. Council Member Younts voiced that this
is something that can be revisited and make adjustments to. Committee Chair Brownlee voiced that this
ordinance is something that can be hard to get right the first time and expressed his appreciation for
everyone coming to comment their input.
ADJOURNMENT: COMMITTEE MEMBER CLARK made a MOTION to adjourn, it was
SECONDED by COMMITTEE MEMBER YOUNTS; vote 3-0. The meeting was adjourned at 6:22pm.
Respectfully submitted,

Cheyenne G. Noffz,
Clerk to Laurens County Council

Page 2 of 3

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
ii. Assessment Appeals BoardDistrict 6: Melinda Gray

Old Business:
Public Hearing and Third Reading, Ordinance
#1012: AN ORDINANCE IMPOSING A
TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON THE
ACCEPTANCE, REVIEW, APPROVAL, AND
ISSUANCE OF DEVELOPMENT PERMITS
FOR DATA CENTER WITHIN LAURENS
COUNTY

Ordinance #1012 – Moratorium on Data Centers

The above space is reserved for recording information.

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA )
)
COUNTY OF LAURENS
)

ORDINANCE #1012

AN ORDINANCE IMPOSING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON THE
ACCEPTANCE, REVIEW, APPROVAL, AND ISSUANCE OF
DEVELOPMENT PERMITS FOR DATA CENTERS WITHIN LAURENS
COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA, AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED
THERETO.

First Reading: July 13, 2026
Second Reading: August 10, 2026
Public Hearing: September 14, 2026
Third Reading: September 14, 2026
VOTE: _____
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN ABSENT
Carroll
Brownlee
Patterson
Clark
Younts
Philson
Lane

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1

Ordinance #1012 – Moratorium on Data Centers

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA )
)
COUNTY OF LAURENS
)

ORDINANCE #1012

AN ORDINANCE IMPOSING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON THE
ACCEPTANCE, REVIEW, APPROVAL, AND ISSUANCE OF
DEVELOPMENT PERMITS FOR DATA CENTERS WITHIN LAURENS
COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA, AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED
THERETO.
WHEREAS, Laurens County Council is empowered pursuant to Title 4, Chapter 9, Section 4-9-25 of
the South Carolina Code of Laws, 1976, as amended, to adopt regulations, resolutions, and ordinances
not inconsistent with the Constitution and general law of the State of South Carolina (the “State”),
including the exercise of these powers in relation to health and order in the County or respecting any
subject as appears to the Council necessary and proper for the security, general welfare, and
convenience of the County or for preserving health, peace, order, and good government therein, to
include providing for land use regulations pursuant to Section 4-9-30 of the South Carolina Code of
Laws, 1976, as amended; and

WHEREAS, the South Carolina Local Government Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act of
1994, Section 6-29-310 et seq., of the South Carolina Code of Laws, 1976, as amended, authorizes
the County to enact or amend its land development regulations to guide development in accordance
with existing and future needs and to protect, promote and improve public health, safety, and
general welfare; and
WHEREAS, recent market conditions have resulted in substantial interest in the development of
large-scale data centers and associated infrastructure within the County; and
WHEREAS, data centers may create unique impacts on electric utility systems, water resources,
wastewater systems, transportation infrastructure, emergency services, land use compatibility,
noise levels, and environmental resources; and
WHEREAS, the County’s current zoning, land development, and permitting regulations do not
specifically address data center development standards; and
WHEREAS, the County requires a reasonable period of time to evaluate the potential impacts of
data center development and to consider appropriate regulations governing site design, buffering,
setbacks, utility infrastructure, emergency response planning, noise mitigation, water use, and
related matters; and
WHEREAS, the approval of data center developments before completion of this study could result
in development patterns inconsistent with the public health, safety, and welfare and could frustrate
the County’s ability to implement comprehensive regulations; and

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Ordinance #1012 – Moratorium on Data Centers

WHEREAS, a temporary moratorium is necessary to preserve the status quo while the County
conducts its review.
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:
SECTION 1. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Ordinance is to provide the County with adequate time to evaluate and adopt
regulations governing data center development and to protect the public health, safety, and welfare
during that review period.
SECTION 2. MORATORIUM.
For a period of twelve (12) months from the effective date of this Ordinance, the County shall
not accept, process, review, approve, or issue:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Rezoning applications principally intended to facilitate a data center;
Conditional use, special exception, or special use applications for a data center;
Land development permits for a data center;
Building permits for a new data center facility;
Site plan approvals for a data center;
Any other discretionary development approval required for a data center.

SECTION 3. DEFINITIONS.
“Data Center” means a facility or group of facilities primarily used for the storage, management,
processing, transmission, or hosting of digital data, including associated server infrastructure,
cooling equipment, substations, backup power systems, and supporting facilities.
"Governmental Entity" means the State and its political subdivisions.
“Governmental Purposes” means activity that is legally authorized, funded by public tax dollars,
and executed exclusively for the public health, safety, or general welfare.
"State" means the State of South Carolina and any of its offices, agencies, authorities, departments,
commissions, boards, divisions, instrumentalities, including the South Carolina Protection and
Advocacy System for the Handicapped, Inc., and institutions, including state-supported
governmental health care facilities, schools, colleges, universities, and technical colleges.
"Political subdivision" means the counties, municipalities, school districts, a regional
transportation authority established pursuant to Chapter 25 of Title 58, and an operator as defined
in item (8) of SECTION 58-25-20 which provides public transportation on behalf of a regional
transportation authority, and special purpose districts of the State and any agency, governmental
health care facility, department, or subdivision thereof.

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Ordinance #1012 – Moratorium on Data Centers

SECTION 4. EXEMPTIONS.
This Ordinance shall not apply to:
A.
Routine maintenance, repair, replacement, or upgrade of existing facilities lawfully
operating on the effective date of this Ordinance;
B.

Facilities owned and operated by a governmental entity for governmental purposes.

SECTION 5. STUDY PERIOD.
During the moratorium period, County staff, the Planning Commission, and County Council
shall evaluate and develop recommendations concerning:
1. Appropriate zoning districts;
2. Setback requirements;
3. Buffering and landscaping standards;
4. Noise standards;
5. Water and wastewater requirements;
6. Electrical infrastructure requirements;
7. Emergency services coordination;
8. Environmental impacts;
9. Traffic impacts; and
10. Decommissioning requirements.
SECTION 6. REVIEW OF MORATORIUM.
County Council shall review the status of the study not later than six (6) months after adoption of
this Ordinance.
SECTION 7. EXPIRATION.
This Ordinance shall automatically expire twelve (12) months after its effective date unless
repealed earlier by County Council.
SECTION 8. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this Ordinance is determined invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in
full force and effect.
SECTION 9. PENDING ORDINANCE DOCTRINE.
This Ordinance is subject to the Pending Ordinance Doctrine. Upon first reading of this
Ordinance, County staff, the Planning Commission, County Administrator, and all departments
involved in development review are directed to hold in abeyance any application received after
first reading involving a proposed Data Center pending final action on this Ordinance, consistent
with the Pending Ordinance Doctrine.

4

Ordinance #1012 – Moratorium on Data Centers

SECTION 10. REPEALER
All ordinances, resolutions or parts of any ordinances or resolutions inconsistent or in conflict
with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of the conflict or
inconsistency. Nothing in this Ordinance shall be construed to affect any suit or proceeding
impending in any court, or any rights acquired or liability incurred, or any cause of action
acquired or existing, under any act or ordinance hereby repealed; nor shall any just or legal right
or remedy of any character be lost, impaired or affected by this Ordinance, except as expressly
set forth herein and as may be permitted under State law.
SECTION 11. RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING DATA CENTER REGULATIONS.
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.
SECTION 12. MORTARIUM EXTENSION.
The Council hereby finds and determines that the Moratorium imposed hereby may be extended
by resolution of the Council.
SECTION 13. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon third reading and execution as required by
law.

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Ordinance #1012 – Moratorium on Data Centers

AND IT IS SO ORDAINED this ____th 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, Jr., Council Member
____________________________________
Shirley H. Clark, Council Member

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

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

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

6

Black Cyan Magenta Yellow

10

The Laurens County Advertiser

August 19, 2026

The Laurens County Advertiser

An Independent Newspaper Founded in 1885

CLASSIFIED READER AD RATES
1 week $15 • 2 weeks $25 • 3 weeks $35 • 1 month $40

45 words or less; 15¢ per word per insertion for each
additional word
Bold facing or special set up extra charge
All classified ads must be paid in advance.

♦Help Wanted
001
Help wanted. New precast concrete plant in
Clinton SC looking for welder, carpenter, mechanic, electrician, crane operator, concrete
truck drivers, concrete forming and finishing,
patchers, safety manager and general labor.
Full time plus benefits. Contact Jeff Turner at
814-280-2638 or [email protected]
ADVERTISE YOUR DRIVER JOBS in more
than 80 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your
25-word classified ad will reach more than
1.5 million readers. Call Randall Savely at
the S.C. Newspaper Network, 803-750-9561.

♦Apts. & Houses for Rent
70
ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION PROPERTY
FOR RENT OR SALE to more than 1.5 million S.C. newspaper readers. Your 25-word
classified ad will appear in 80 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Call Randall Savely at the
South Carolina Newspaper Network, 803750-9561.
GLENDALE MANOR apartments: 1 & 2
bedroom apartments. Elderly or 50+, handicapped/disabled. Rent based on income.
Call 833-5742 for appointment. EHO/handicapped accessible.

♦Miscellaneous for Sale
120
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first three months of Max, Paramount+,
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restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-844-6241107
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♦Yard Sales
130

MARIE VANCE; SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES, the undersigned Special Referee for LAURENS
County, South Carolina, will sell on September 8, 2026 at 11:00 AM, at the LAURENS
County Courthouse, 100 Hillcrest Square,
Suite B, Laurens, SC 29360, to the highest
bidder:
ALL THAT PIECE, PARCEL OR LOT OF
LAND SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, COUNTY
OF LAURENS, SHOWN AND DESIGNATED
AS LOT NO. 95 ON PLAT OF WALNUT
CREST SUBDIVISION, PREPARED BY
FREELAND AND ASSOCIATES, INC. DATED APRIL 12, 1999 AND RECORDED IN
THE RMC OFFICE FOR LAURENS COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA ON APRIL 20, 1999
IN BOOK A-257 AT PAGE 6. REFERENCE
IS HEREBY MADE TO SAID PLAT FOR A
MORE COMPLETE METES AND BOUNDS
DESCRIPTION.
THIS INCLUDES A 2002 SOUTHERN MOBILE HOME SERIAL #AK628.
BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO ROSE MARIE VANCE BY DEED
OF COUNTRY WALK DEVELOPERS, INC.,
DATED APRIL 04, 2002, AND RECORDED
ON APRIL 23, 2002, IN BOOK 00584, AT
PAGE 00039, IN THE RMC OFFICE FOR
LAURENS COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA.
TMS No.: 092-00-00-145
Property Address: 306 WALNUT CREST
COURT,
FOUNTAIN INN, SC 29644
TERMS OF SALE: The successful bidder,
other than the Plaintiff, will deposit with the
Special Referee, at conclusion of the bidding,
five percent (5%) of his bid, in cash or equivalent, as evidence of good faith, same to be
applied to the purchase price in case of compliance, but in the case of non-compliance to
be forfeited and first applied to the cost incurred by the Plaintiff related to the sale and the
balance then applied to the Plaintiff’s debt in
the manner suitable to the Plaintiff. Should
the last and highest bidder fail to comply with
the other terms of the bid within thirty (30)
days, then the Special Referee may re-sell
the property on the same terms and conditions on some subsequent Sales Day.
A personal or deficiency judgment being
waived by Plaintiff, the sale shall close on the
day of the Sale.
Purchaser to pay for documentary stamps on
the deed. The successful bidder will be required to pay interest on the amount of the
balance of the bid from the date of sale to the
date of compliance with the bid at the rate of
7.50% per annum. The sale shall be subject
to any past due or accruing property taxes,
assessments, existing easements and restrictions of record and any other senior encumbrances. The sale shall be subject to all
title matters of record and any interested party should consider performing an independent title examination of the subject property
as no warranty is given.
Neither the Plaintiff no its counsel make representations as to the integrity of the title or
the fair market value of the property offered
for sale. Prior to bidding, you may wish to review the current state law or seek the advice
of any attorney licensed in South Carolina.
In the event an agent of the Plaintiff does not
appear at the time of sale. The within property shall be withdrawn from sale and sold at
the next available sales date upon the terms
and conditions as set forth in the Judgment
of Foreclosure and Sale or such terms as
may be set forth in a supplemental order.
_______
The Honorable Alan M. Wham
Special Referee for LAURENS County
ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ,
CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC
Attorney for Plaintiff
13010 Morris Road, Suite 450
Alpharetta, GA 30004
Telephone: (470) 321-7112
Facsimile: (404) 393-1425

SCHNEID,

Aug19,26Sept2
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
Notice is hereby given that KRISHNA 2023
LLC intends to apply to the South Carolina
Department of Revenue for a license and/or
permit that will allow the sale and OFF premises consumption of LIQUOR at 15999
HIGHWAY 101 S, GRAY COURT, SC
29645. To object to the issuance of this license and/or permit, you must submit Form
ABL-20, postmarked no later than September 03, 2026. SCDOR, ABL Section, PO Box
125, COLUMBIA SC 29214-0907 or email to
[email protected].
Aug19,26Sept2

♦Auctions
135
ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in 80 S.C.
newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word
classified ad will reach more than 1.5 million
readers. Call Randall Savely at the S.C.
Newspaper Network, 803-750-9561.
AUCTION SALE. Thursday, August 27, at 10
a.m. Millpond Mini Warehouses, 823 Poplar
Street, Clinton, SC 29325. Storage #10 Wendy Vaughn, Storage #45 - Joe Dickerson, Storage #46 - Joe Dickerson, all units
include misc. household goods. Personal
property will be sold to satisfy storage lien.
These items may be removed from the sale if
owner satisfies lien on or before sale date.
Payment must be made in full.

♦Announcements
160
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for warranty and offer details.

♦Legal Advertisements
NOTICE
THIS notice is for Casey Ray Jones and
Megan Ruth Jones, Owners, Lienholder:
Sweet Rides LLC, the owner of a 2014 Cadi
Escalade; VIN #1GYS3CEF4ER190381.
Your vehicle is located at DFJ Auto Sales,
103 Green Street, Laurens, SC 29360. If this
bill is not paid and the vehicle not picked up,
it will be sold at Laurens County Magistrate's
Public Sale. Call 864-283-9990 for information and details.
Aug12,19,26
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE OF SALE CIVIL ACTION NO.
2025CP3001228 BY VIRTUE of the decree
heretofore granted in the case of: SELECT
PORTFOLIO SERVICING, INC. v. ROSE

South Carolina's Award-Winning Weekly Newspaper

CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINES

CLASSIFIED

For Wednesday ..............9:00 a.m. Tuesday

To Place An Ad Call 864-984-2586

All classified ads must be paid in advance.
We accept all major credit cards.

AMENDED NOTICE OF SALE CIVIL ACTION NO. 2023-CP-30-00614 BY VIRTUE of
a decree heretofore granted in the case of:
United States of America acting through the
Rural Housing Service or successor agency,
United States Department of Agriculture v.
Annie Ruth Franks a/k/a Annie Franks, and
Midland Funding, LLC, I, the undersigned
Laurens County Special Referee, will sell on
September 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Laurens County Courthouse, Judicial Square,
100 Hillcrest Square, Laurens, South Carolina to the highest bidder: All those certain
pieces, parcels or lots of land, with the improvements thereon, situate, lying and being
on S.C. Road S-30-709, known as Gastley
Drive, South of the City of Clinton, County of
Laurens, State of South Carolina, being
shown and designated as Lots 10A and 10B
on hereinafter referenced Plat of Survey, being bounded together as whole according to
Plat of Survey hereinafter referenced on the
North by property, now or formerly, of EF Enterprises; on the East by Robert's properties;
on the South by Gastly Drive; and on the
West by property, now or formerly, of Sidney
H. Bonds. Said lots of land, being more particularly shown and described on Plat of Survey entitled "Survey for Annie Ruth Franks"
made by Templeton Land Surveying, Inc.
dated January 12, 2011 and recorded in the
Office of the Clerk of Court for Laurens
County, South Carolina, in Plat Book A637 at
Page 9 and said Plat of Survey is incorporated herein and reference is made thereto for a
more full and complete description as to
courses and distances. This the same property conveyed to Annie Ruth Franks by deed
of Washington Mutual Finance, LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company, successor
by merger to Washington Mutual Finance,
Inc., a South Carolina Corporation, successor by merger to Safeway Finance Corporation of South Carolina, Inc., A Minnesota corporation recorded February 27, 2004 in the
Office of the Clerk of Court for Laurens
County in Deed Book 669 at Page 287. TMS
No.: 695-00-00-040 Property Address: 112
Gastley Drive, Clinton, South Carolina 29325
SUBJECT TO ASSESSMENTS, LAURENS
COUNTY AD VALOREM TAXES, EXISTING
EASEMENTS, EASEMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS OF RECORD, AND OTHER
SENIOR ENCUMBRANCES. TERMS OF
SALE: The successful bidder, other than the
Plaintiff, will deposit with the Laurens County
Special Referee at conclusion of the bidding,
five percent (5%) of his bid, in cash or equivalent as evidence of good faith, same to be
applied to purchase price in case of compliance, but to be forfeited and applied first to
cost and then to Plaintiff's debt in the case of
non-compliance. Should the last and highest
bidder fail or refuse to make the required deposit at time of bid or comply with the other
terms of the bid within thirty (30) days, then
the Laurens County Special Referee may resell the property on the same terms and conditions on some subsequent Sales Day (at
the risk of the said highest bidder). For complete terms of sale, attention is drawn to the
Judgment of Foreclosure and Order for Sale
on file with the Clerk of Court for Laurens
County. A personal deficiency judgment being waived, bidding will not remain open.
The successful bidder will be required to pay
interest on the amount of the bid from date of
sale to date of compliance with the bid at the
rate of 1.00% per annum. Should the Plaintiff, Plaintiff’s attorney or agent fail to appear
on sales day, the property shall not be sold
but shall be readvertised and sold at some
convenient sales day thereafter when the
Plaintiff, Plaintiff’s attorney or agent is present. Plaintiff does not warrant its title search
to purchasers at foreclosure sale or other
third parties, who should have their own title
search performed on the subject property.
Purchaser is responsible for the preparation
and filing of their deed. W. Reid Cox Jr. Laurens County Special Referee June 2, 2026.
Laurens County, South Carolina HARRELL,
MARTIN & PEACE, P.A. Taylor A. Peace,
Esq., SC Bar #100206 135 Columbia Avenue
(Physical Address) Post Office Box 1000
(Mailing Address) Chapin, South Carolina
29036 (803) 345-3353 ATTORNEYS FOR
PLAINTIFF 8200
Aug19,26Sept2
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE OF SALE CIVIL ACTION NO.
2025CP3001299 BY VIRTUE of the decree
heretofore granted in the case of: LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC v. ANY
HEIRS-AT-LAW, OR DEVISEES OF WANDA L. BAKER, DECEASED, THEIR HEIRS,
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS, SUCCESSOR AND ASSIGNS,
AND ALL OTHER PERSON ENTITLED TO

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 1012 entitled:
AN ORDINANCE IMPOSING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM
ON THE ACCEPTANCE, REVIEW, APPROVAL, AND ISSUANCE
OF DEVELOPMENT PERMITS FOR DATA CENTERS WITHIN
LAURENS COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA, 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, SEPTEMBER 14, 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 1012.
LAURENS COUNTY COUNCIL
01517655

PUBLIC NOTICE
The Planning Commission of the City of Clinton, SC, will
hold a public hearing at 6:00 PM, on September 8, 2026,
at the City Council Chambers located at 211 North Broad
Street, Suite A, Clinton, SC, on the following items.
A rezoning amendment to consider removing residential uses as a permitted use in the C-3 (General
Commercial) zoning district.
A rezoning application to consider rezoning of 500 E
Carolina Av (TMS# 901-01-07-006) from R-2 (Residential, Medium Density) to C-3 (General Commercial).
Documents related to the case are available for public
inspection in the Planning Department at the M.S. Bailey
Municipal Center located at 211 North Broad Street,
Clinton, SC 29325.
If you have questions concerning this request, please
contact Phil Lindler at [email protected].
01517656

CLAIM THROUGH THEM; ALL UNKNOWN
PERSONS WITH ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR
INTEREST IN THE REAL ESTATE DESCRIBED HEREIN; ALSO ANY PERSONS WHO
MAY BE IN THE MILITARY SERVICE OF
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, BEING A CLASS DESIGNATED AS JOHN
DOE; AND ANY UNKNOWN MINORS OR
PERSON UNDER A DISABILITY BEING A
CLASS DESIGNATED AS RICHARD ROE;
LINDA LOUISE STURGILL; JAMIA SUE
PLEASANT; DEBORA FAYE HENDERSON;
CAROLYN DEE MATHIS, the undersigned
Special Referee for LAURENS County,
South Carolina, will sell on September 8,
2026 at 11:00 AM, at the LAURENS County
Courthouse, 100 Hillcrest Square, Suite B,
Laurens, SC 29360, to the highest bidder:
ALL THAT CERTAIN PIECE, PARCEL OR
LOT OF LAND, TOGETHER WITH THE IMPROVEMENTS THEREON, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING LOCATED IN THE COUNTY OF LAURENS, STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, KNOWN AND DESIGNATED AS
LOT "A", CONTAINING 2.27 ACRES, MORE
OR LESS, AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY SHOWN AND DELINEATED ON A
PLAT PREPARED FOR WANDA L. BAKER
BY RYKARD PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYING, LLC, S. CLAY RYKARD, RLS NO.
15181, DATED APRIL 10, 2010 AND RECORDED APRIL 14, 2010 IN THE OFFICE
OF THE CLERK OF COURT FOR LAURENS COUNTY IN PLAT BOOK P68 AT
PAGE 294; SAID LOT HAVING SUCH
METES AND BOUNDS AS REFERENCE
TO SAID PLAT WILL SHOW, ALL MEASUREMENTS BEING A LITTLE MORE OR
LESS.
ALSO, ALL THAT CERTAIN PIECE, PARCEL OR LOT OF LAND, SHOWN AS LOT B,
0.23 ACRES, PORTION TMS 163-00-00-007
ON THAT PLAT RECORDED IN PLAT
BOOK P68 AT PAGE 294.
THIS BEING A PORTION OF THE SAME
PROPERTY CONVEYED TO WANDA L.
BAKER BY DEED OF WENDELL SCOTT
KNIGHT RECORDED APRIL 9, 2007 IN
BOOK D 828 AT PAGE 29. SUBSEQUENTLY, WANDA L. BAKER CONVEYED THE
SUBJECT PROPERTY TO WANDA LOUISE
BAKER BY DEED RECORDED SEPTEMBER 3, 2010 IN BOOK D 990 AT PAGE 191.
SUBSEQUENTLY, WANDA L. BAKER CONVEYED THE SUBJECT PROPERYT TO DEBORA F. HENDERSON BY DEED RECORDED NOVEMBER 23, 2010 IN BOOK
999 AT PAGE 283.
TMS No.: 162-00-00-035
Property Address: 845 HELLAMS RD,
GRAY COURT, SC 29645
TERMS OF SALE: The successful bidder,
other than the Plaintiff, will deposit with the
Special Referee, at conclusion of the bidding,
five percent (5%) of his bid, in cash or equivalent, as evidence of good faith, same to be
applied to the purchase price in case of compliance, but in the case of non-compliance to
be forfeited and first applied to the cost incurred by the Plaintiff related to the sale and the
balance then applied to the Plaintiff’s debt in
the manner suitable to the Plaintiff. Should
the last and highest bidder fail to comply with
the other terms of the bid within thirty (30)
days, then the Special Referee may re-sell
the property on the same terms and conditions on some subsequent Sales Day.
A personal or deficiency judgment being
waived by Plaintiff, the sale shall close on the
day of the Sale.
Purchaser to pay for documentary stamps on
the deed. The successful bidder will be required to pay interest on the amount of the
balance of the bid from the date of sale to the
date of compliance with the bid at the rate of
5.50% per annum. The sale shall be subject
to any past due or accruing property taxes,
assessments, existing easements and restrictions of record and any other senior encumbrances. The sale shall be subject to all
title matters of record and any interested party should consider performing an independent title examination of the subject property
as no warranty is given.
Neither the Plaintiff no its counsel make representations as to the integrity of the title or
the fair market value of the property offered
for sale. Prior to bidding, you may wish to review the current state law or seek the advice
of any attorney licensed in South Carolina.
In the event an agent of the Plaintiff does not
appear at the time of sale. The within property shall be withdrawn from sale and sold at
the next available sales date upon the terms
and conditions as set forth in the Judgment
of Foreclosure and Sale or such terms as
may be set forth in a supplemental order.
______
The Honorable Allen M. Wham

CASH IN ADVANCE

Special Referee for LAURENS County
ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID,
CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC
Attorney for Plaintiff
13010 Morris Road, Suite 450
Alpharetta, GA 30004
Telephone: (470) 321-7112
Facsimile: (404) 393-1425
Aug19,26Sept2
NOTICE OF SALE 2025-CP-30-01144 BY
VIRTUE of a decree heretofore granted in
the case of: Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. against Casey Michelle Ballard;
Founders Federal Credit Union; and The
South Carolina Department of Revenue, I,
the undersigned Special Referee for Laurens
County, will sell on September 8, 2026, at
11:00 a.m., or on another date, thereafter as
approved by the Court, at the County Courthouse in Laurens, South Carolina, to the
highest bidder, the following described property, to-wit: All that certain piece, parcel or lot
of land situate, lying and being in the State of
South Carolina, County of Laurens, being
shown and delineated as Lot A on a survey
for Casey Ballard & Shirley Ballard, prepared
by Carolina Surveying & Mapping, dated August 10, 2011 and recorded in the Office of
the Register of Deeds for Laurens County in
Plat Book 68 at Page 425. Reference to said
plat is hereby made for a complete description as to the metes, bounds, courses and
distances. Also includes a mobile/manufactured home, a 2013 CLAY VIN:
CAP026905TNAB This being the same
property conveyed to Casey Michelle Ballard
by deed of Shirley M. Ballard dated December 31, 2014 and recorded January 9, 2015
in Deed Book 1193 at Page 203. TMS No.
056-00-00-043 056-00-00-043.001 (MH)
Property Address: 1320 Knight Road, Gray
Court, SC 29645 TERMS OF SALE: The
successful bidder, other than the plaintiff, will
deposit with the Special Referee at conclusion of the bidding, five per cent (5%) of said
bid, in cash or equivalent, as evidence of
good faith, same to be applied to purchase
price in case of compliance, but to be forfeited and applied first to costs and then to
plaintiff's debt in the case of noncompliance.
Should the successful bidder fail or refuse to
make the required deposit at time of bid or
comply with the other terms of the bid within
twenty (20) days, then the Special Referee
may resell the property on the same terms
and conditions (at the risk of the said defaulting bidder). Should the Plaintiff, or one of its
representatives, fail to be present at the time
of sale, the property is automatically withdrawn from said sale and sold at the next
available sales day upon the terms and conditions as set forth in the Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale or any Supplemental Order.
The successful bidder will be required to pay
for documentary stamps on the Deed and interest on the balance of the bid from the date
of sale to the date of compliance with the bid
at the rate of 10.3600%. THIS SALE IS SUBJECT TO ASSESSMENTS, COUNTY TAXES, EXISTING EASEMENTS, EASEMENTS
AND RESTRICTIONS OF RECORD, AND
OTHER SENIOR ENCUMBRANCES. No
personal or deficiency judgment being demanded, the bidding will conclude at the fall
of the gavel on the date of the sale. Compliance with the bid may be made immediately.
NOTICE: The foreclosure deed is not a warranty deed. Interested bidders should satisfy
themselves as to the quality of title to be conveyed by obtaining an independent title
search well before the foreclosure sale date.
Riley Pope & Laney, LLC Post Office Box
11412 Columbia, SC 29211 (803) 799-9993
Attorneys for Plaintiff 8180
Aug19,26Sept2

NOTICE OF SPECIAL REFEREE’S SALE
Case No. 2025-CP-30-00791
BY VIRTUE OF A DECREE heretofore granted in the case of United Farm Properties,
Inc. v. Robert Joshua Mitchell Beane, and
Elizabeth Beane, I, the undersigned as Special Referee for Laurens County, will sell on
September 8, 2026, at 11:00 A.M., at the
Laurens County Courthouse, 100 Hillcrest
Square, Laurens, SC 29360, to the highest
Bidder:
All that piece, parcel or lot of land situate, lying and being in the County of Laurens, State
of South Carolina, being known and designated as Farm #016 of Hickory Hollow
Farms, as shown on plat thereof prepared by
W. T. Dunahoo and Assoc., land surveyors,
recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Court
for Laurens County in Plat Book A-139, Page
8, reference to said plat being craved for a
metes and bounds description and containing 1.80 acres.
This is the same property conveyed to Robert Joshua Mitchell Beane and Elizabeth
Beane by deed of United Farm Properties,
Inc., dated May 21, 2018, and recorded December 14, 2018 in Deed Book 1420, page
28, in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Laurens County.
Tax Map Number: 103-00-00-103
THIS SALE IS SUBJECT TO any outstanding ad valorem taxes, easements, conditions
or restrictions, and prior liens of record, if
any.
TERMS OF SALE: The successful bidder,
other than the Plaintiff shall deposit with the
undersigned, at the conclusion of the bidding, five (5%) percent of the bid, in cash or
equivalent, as evidence of good faith, the
same to be applied to the bid price in case of
compliance, but to be forfeited and applied
first to costs and then to Plaintiff's debt in the
case of non-compliance. Should the last and
highest bidder fail or refuse to make the required deposit at the time of bid or comply
with the terms of sale within twenty (20)
days, I may resell the said property on the
same terms and conditions on the same or
some subsequent sales day at the risk of the
said highest bidder.
No personal or deficiency judgment being
demanded, the bidding will not remain open
after the date of sale, but compliance with
the bid may be made immediately.
Purchaser shall pay for all costs associated
with obtaining a deed and recording same,
and also interest on the amount of the bid
from the date of sale to the date of compliance at the note rate of 7.90%.
If the Plaintiff or a representative of the Plaintiff does not appear at the sale, then the
property will be withdrawn from sale and the
sale will be re-scheduled at the next available sales day.
If the sale is set aside for any reason, the
Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to
a return of the deposit paid and the Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the
Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee's legal counsel.
No representation is made with respect to
the status of the title to the real property being sold and any prospective Purchaser is
put on notice to obtain his own legal counsel
to advise him on this matter.
s/ Thomas J. Thompson
Special Referee for Laurens County
August 7, 2026
Laurens, South Carolina
Plaintiff’s Attorney:
Allen M. Wham, SC Bar # 76143
Attorney for Plaintiff
Cox Ferguson & Wham LLC
P.O. Box 286; Laurens, SC 29360
(864) 984-2126
Aug19,26Sept2

Laurens County Water and Sewer Commission
Laurens, South Carolina
Clinton-Joanna WWTP EQ Basin & Clarifier Improvements
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Sealed Bids for the construction of the Clinton-Joanna WWTP EQ Basin & Clarifier Improvements
project will be received by the Laurens County Water and Sewer Commission, in the conference
room of the Laurens County Water and Sewer Commission administrative office located at 3850 U.S.
Hwy 221 South, Laurens, SC 29360, until 2:00 PM local time on September 10, 2026, at which time the
Bids received will be publicly opened and read.
A Pre-Bid meeting will be held at the Clinton-Joanna WWTP located at 1076 Treatment Plant Rd.,
Kinards, SC 29355 at 10:00 AM on August 26, 2026. Attendance at this meeting is NOT required.
The project generally consists of the installation of clarifier equipment in two existing clarifiers, new
aerators in the existing EQ basin, new RAS pump controls, new EQ basin controls, new chlorine contact chamber drain pump station; and associated work tasks for a complete and proper installation.
Bids will be received for a single prime Contract. Bids shall be on a unit price basis as indicated on
the Bid Form.
Bidding Documents can be downloaded under QuestCDN Project #10309502 at www.questcdn.com
OR www.kci.com for a non-refundable charge of $22.00. Contact QuestCDN.com at 952-233-1632 or
[email protected] for assistance in viewing or downloading this digital project information.
Bidding Documents also may be examined online at QuestCDN.com or the office of the Engineer, KCI
Technologies, Inc. 106 Clair Drive, Piedmont, SC 29673, 864-269-0890, on Mondays through Fridays
between the hours of 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.
Only those contract drawings, specifications, and bid documents obtained from the Engineer (or
from QuestCDN) are official. Bidders cannot rely on the accuracy of copies of the aforementioned
documents, drawings, specifications, etc. obtained from any other source. Bidders must be on the
Engineer’s official plan holders list for the bids to be accepted by the Owner.
Bidders must deposit security with all bids. Security shall be in the form of a certified check or bid
bond made payable to the Owner and shall be for an amount equal to not less than five percent (5%)
of the amount of the bid. Provisions of the security shall be as described in the Information for
Bidders. Performance and Payment Bonds, each in the amount of 100% of the contract price will be
required of the successful bidder.
Funding for the project shall be provided via a grant from the SCDES SRF and local match funding
provided by the LCWSC. SRF requirements for American Iron and Steel (AIS), Debarment
Certification, and Davis-Bacon Wage Rates will apply to this project.
No bid will be considered unless the bidder is legally qualified under the provisions of the South
Carolina Contractor's Licensing Law (South Carolina Code of Laws as amended on April 1, 1999,
Chapter 11, Sections 40-11-10 through 40-11-428). Contractors shall have a classification of WP.
The Owner reserves the right to waive any irregularities, or to reject any or all bids. Bids may be held
by the Owner for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days from the date of the opening of bids.
"EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY"

Old Business:
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]

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:
Third Reading:
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.
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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.
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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.
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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

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

7

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF LAURENS

)
)
)

BEFORE THE LAURENS COUNTY COUNCIL

MOTION TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 1013

Vice-Chairman, Matthew Brownlee, hereby moves to amend Ordinance No. 1013 to
include a Section 3, as detailed below. The grounds for this motion are as follows:
1. At the last regular Council meeting on August 10, 2026, Council was presented with a
draft of Ordinance No. 1013.
2. Due to a scrivener’s error, Section 3 was inadvertently left out of the draft of Ordinance
No. 1013, which was approved unanimously on First Reading.
3. The addition of Section 3 below would further the goal of Ordinance No. 1013, which is
to provide that the approval or denial of preliminary plans for Major Subdivisions is
conducted by the Laurens County Planning Commission.
WHEREFORE, I respectfully move to amend Ordinance No. 1013 to include the following:
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 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.
AND IT IS SO MOVED!

______________________________
Matthew Brownlee
Vice-Chairman
Laurens County Council

September 14, 2026

VOTE: _____
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN ABSENT
Carroll
Brownlee
Patterson
Clark
Younts
Philson
Lane

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STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF LAURENS

)
)
)

BEFORE THE LAURENS COUNTY COUNCIL

MOTION TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 1013

Vice-Chairman, Matthew Brownlee, hereby moves to amend Ordinance No. 1013 to
include a Section 3, as detailed below. The grounds for this motion are as follows:
1. At the last regular Council meeting on August 10, 2026, Council was presented with a
draft of Ordinance No. 1013.
2. Due to a scrivener’s error, Section 3 was inadvertently left out of the draft of Ordinance
No. 1013, which was approved unanimously on First Reading.
3. The addition of Section 3 below would further the goal of Ordinance No. 1013, which is
to provide that the approval or denial of preliminary plans for Major Subdivisions is
conducted by the Laurens County Planning Commission.
WHEREFORE, I respectfully move to amend Ordinance No. 1013 to include the following:
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 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.
AND IT IS SO MOVED!

______________________________
Matthew Brownlee
Vice-Chairman
Laurens County Council

September 14, 2026

VOTE: _____
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN ABSENT
Carroll
Brownlee
Patterson
Clark
Younts
Philson
Lane

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New Business:
First Reading, Ordinance #1014: 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]

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

The above space is reserved for recording information.

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA )
)
COUNTY OF LAURENS
)

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.

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

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Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA )
)
COUNTY OF LAURENS
)

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.
WHEREAS, Laurens County Council is authorized by South Carolina law to enact ordinances
concerning the security, general welfare, health, safety, and order of the County and to adopt landdevelopment regulations for the orderly development of land and infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, Laurens County has not adopted countywide zoning, and new subdivisions and
commercial development in the unincorporated County are regulated principally through
Ordinance No. 926 and related development, building, environmental, utility, and road
requirements; and
WHEREAS, in order to balance the need for clean, renewable energy resources with the protection
of the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Laurens County, South Carolina, the County
finds these regulations are necessary in order to ensure that all Solar Energy Conversion Systems
(SECS) are appropriately designed, sited and installed; and
WHEREAS, Council finds that objective, countywide land-development standards for Solar
Energy Conversion Systems (SECS) are necessary because general building-code review and
subdivision regulations alone do not fully address the scale, intensity, phasing, or continuing
operational impacts of Solar Energy Conversion Systems (SECS);
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, Ordinance
as follows:
SECTION 1. TITLE; PURPOSE; AUTHORITY; JURISDICTION
A.
Title. This Ordinance shall be known as the “Laurens County Solar Farm Development
Ordinance.”
B.

Purpose.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

The purpose of this Ordinance is to:

Preserve agricultural and rural lands.
Ensure SECS are located in appropriate areas.
Protect adjacent residential and agricultural uses.
Minimize noise, lighting, and visual impacts.
Create a predictable and technically rigorous approval process for SECS;

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

f.
g.
h.

Ensure transparency, public notice, continuing monitoring, complaint response, and
enforceable corrective action;
Require the applicant and operator to pay attributable County review,
infrastructure, emergency-response, road, monitoring, enforcement, and
decommissioning costs; and
Provide for proper decommissioning and site restoration.

C.
Authority.
This Ordinance is enacted pursuant to the authority granted to the County
under Title 4 and Title 6 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, 1976 as amended. This Ordinance
is intended to constitute Laurens County's local ordinance establishing design and development
standards for solar energy systems pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 6-29-1220, as amended.
D.
Jurisdiction. This Ordinance and the regulations contained herein shall apply to all the
unincorporated areas within Laurens County.
E.
Conflicts with other County Ordinances and/or Regulations. Where this Ordinance
conflicts with another County requirement, the more protective provision shall apply unless
prohibited by law. Compliance with this Ordinance does not relieve an applicant from any federal,
state, utility, fire-code, building-code, environmental, stormwater, road, or other lawful
requirement.
SECTION 2. TYPES OF SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS: The following is a
comprehensive list of each type of solar conversion system that is allowed pursuant to these
regulations.
A. CLASS 1 – Individual Solar Energy Conversion System (ISECS) - A SECS which has a
rated capacity of up to one hundred (100) kilowatts and which is incidental and subordinate to
another use of the same parcel. A system is considered a small solar energy system only if it
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.
B. CLASS 2 – Small Commercial Solar Energy Conversion System (SCSECS) - A SECS
which has a rated capacity greater than one hundred (100) kilowatts to one (1) megawatt, under a
common or aggregated ownership that includes substations, cables/wire, convertors and other
building accessories, whose main purpose is to supply electricity to on and off-site customers.
CSECS may be included as an aggregated project, such as those projects that are developed and
operated in a coordinated fashion, but which have multiple entities separately owning one or more
of the CSECS within a larger project. Associated infrastructure such as power lines and
transformers that service the facility may be owned by a separate entity but are also part of the
aggregated project.
C. CLASS 3 – Medium Scale Commercial Solar Energy Conversion System (MCSECS) - A
SECS which has a rated capacity greater than one (1) megawatt to five (5) megawatts, under a
common or aggregated ownership that includes substations, cables/wire, convertors and other

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

building accessories, whose main purpose is to supply electricity to off-site customers. CSECS
may be included as an aggregated project, such as those projects that are developed and operated
in a coordinated fashion, but which have multiple entities separately owning one or more of the
CSECS within a larger project. Associated infrastructure such as power lines and transformers
that service the facility may be owned by a separate entity but are also part of the aggregated
project.
D. CLASS 4 – Large Scale Commercial Solar Energy Conversion System (LSCSECS) - A
SECS which has a rated capacity greater than five (5) megawatts, under a common or aggregated
ownership that includes substations, cables/wire, convertors and other building accessories, whose
main purpose is to supply electricity to off-site customers. CSECS may be included as an
aggregated project, such as those projects that are developed and operated in a coordinated fashion,
but which have multiple entities separately owning one or more of the CSECS within a larger
project. Associated infrastructure such as power lines and transformers that service the facility
may be owned by a separate entity but are also part of the aggregated project.
SECTION 3. DEFINITIONS
A.

Aggregated Project: Those projects that are developed and operated in a coordinated
fashion, but which have multiple entities separately owning one or more of the
individual CSECS within a larger project. Associated infrastructure such as power lines
and transformers that service the facility may be owned by a separate entity but are also
included as part of the aggregated project.

B.

Accessory Solar Energy System: Systems which are accessory to the principal use on
a property and designed to supply energy solely for the principal use.

C.

Church: A building that houses a religious organization or congregation that meets in
a specific location with constitutions and by-laws and is a qualified 501(c)(3)
organization.

D.

Commercial Solar Energy Conversion Systems (CSEC): A system designed to supply
energy for off-site users on the distribution grid, or to export to a wholesale market via
connection to the electric transmission grid.

E.

Confined Animal Feeding Unit: An agricultural facility where animals are kept and
raised in enclosed areas for at least 45 days in a 12-month period, and where no grass
or other vegetation is sustained during the normal growing season.

F.

Feeder Line: Any power line that carries electrical power from one or more solar
collectors or individual transformers associated with individual solar energy collection
to the point of interconnection with the electric power grid, in the case of
interconnection with the high voltage transmission systems serving the CSECS.

G.

Ground Mounted Panels: Freestanding solar panels mounted to the ground by use of
racking, piling, piers, stabilizers, or similar apparatus.

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

H.

Grid-Tied Solar System: A photovoltaic solar system that is connected to an electric
circuit served by an electrical company.

I.

Off-Grid Solar System: A photovoltaic solar system in which the circuits energized by
the solar system are not electrically connected in any way to electric circuits served by
an electric utility company.

J.

Height, Total System: The height above the grade of the system including the unit and
the measured highest vertical extension of any portion of the SECS.

K.

Intensive Animal Feeding Unit: An industrial agricultural facility where livestock are
kept and raised in high-density confinement for at least 45 days a year, with feed
brought to the animals rather than obtained through grazing

L.

Meteorological Tower / Measuring Devices: For the purpose of collecting data used to
monitor solar energy or other data relevant to locating a SECS.

M.

Non-participating Property: Any property that is not the subject of an agreement with
the Solar Energy Conversion System Owner or Operator.

N.

Participating Property: Any property that is under lease or other property agreement
with the Solar Energy Conversion System Owner or Operator.

O.

Photovoltaic System: An active solar energy stem that converts solar energy directly
into electricity.

P.

Rooftop or Building Mounted Solar Energy System: A solar energy system that is
mounted to the roof or building using brackets, stands, or other apparatus.

Q.

Solar Collector (Accessory): A device, structure or a part of a device or structure that
the principal purpose is to transform solar radiant energy into thermal, mechanical,
chemical, or electrical energy.

R.

Solar Glare: The glare effect that occurs when the sun reflects on the conversion system
and that can affect people or near-by properties.

S.

Solar Energy: Radiant energy received from the sun that can be collected in the form
of heat or light by a solar collector.

T.

Solar Energy System (SES): An aggregation of parts including bases, structures,
panels, convertors, generators and configuration necessary to convert the power of solar
into mechanical or electrical energy; e.g. photovoltaic, heat, etc.

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

U.

Substation: Any electrical facility utilized to convert electricity produced by a SES for
interconnection with high voltage transmission lines.

V.

Total Project Footprint: The entire continuous area of land disturbed, graded, cleared,
or structurally altered for the facility. This includes all spaces under and between
photovoltaic panels, inverters, substations, battery storage, ancillary structures, roads,
staging zones, stormwater basins, and the outer perimeter of all security fencing.
Mandated setbacks, natural wetlands, and preserved wildlife corridors outside the
security fence shall be excluded from this calculation only if they remain completely
undisturbed by construction activity.

W.

Transmission Line: The electrical power lines that are high voltage transmission lines
carrying electricity over medium to long distances rather than directly interconnecting
and supplying electric energy to retail customers.

X.

Yard, Front: A yard extending from the front lot line of the SECS and adjoining a
public street or road to the front of the SECS between side lot lines.

Y.

Yard, Rear: A yard extending between side lot lines and measured horizontally at right
angles to the rear lot line from the rear lot to the nearest point of the SECS.

Z.

Yard, Side: A yard between the SECS and the side lot line measured horizontally at
right angles to the side lot line from the side lot line to the nearest point required
minimum open space between the property line and the SECS.

SECTION 4. GENERAL SITE AND DESIGN STANDARDS
1.
No structure shall be placed within the high-water mark of waterways in designated
district, as identified by the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Data, or any other applicable Federal agency, as Special
Flood Hazard Areas, unless the base or footings to such structure are a least one (1) foot above
such high water mark.
2.
Compliance with Applicable Codes: Structures shall meet applicable industry structural
codes, shall be neutral in color and shall not be used to display advertising.
3.

All SECS shall use either anti-glare or anti-reflective panels.

4.
FAA Compliance:
SECS shall meet all requirements for placement with the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA).
5.
All electrical wires associated with a SECS other than the wires necessary to connect the
junction box and the grounding wires shall be located underground.
6.
All ground mounted electrical and control equipment must be labeled and secured to
prevent unauthorized access. All electrical wires associated with a CSECS other than the wires

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

necessary to connect the disconnect junction box and the grounding wires shall be located
underground.
7.
The owner of a SECS shall minimize and mitigate any interference with electromagnetic
communications, such as radio, telephone, internet or television signals caused by the facility. Any
interference shall be alleviated within three (3) months of any party becoming aware of said
interference.
8.

Construction sites must be re-graded and re-vegetated to minimize environmental impacts.

9.
Each CSECS system application shall have a decommissioning plan outlining the means,
procedure and costs of removing all related support infrastructure. This plan must be submitted
with the application, and state all equipment, support structures, electrical equipment and fences
will be removed upon discontinuance of the system’s operation within one (1) year.
10.

The SECS shall comply with any and/or all State and Federal regulations, if applicable.

11.
Laurens County Council, Planning Commission and/or Planning Department may require
other testing and safeguards, prior to approval, as deemed necessary.
12.
Each CSECS must have a 911 address. The address shall be determined by the parcel
number the property lies within as identified by the Laurens County Assessor’s office.
13.
The SECS shall be designed and placed in such a manner to minimize adverse visual and
noise impacts on adjacent areas. Such things as screenings, fencing, vegetation, trees, shrubs and
pollinator plantings can be used, however such design should be included in the application
documents.
14.
In no case shall a SECS be located within any required setback or in any front yard area;
except that a non-participating landowner can waive a setback requirement by a written agreement
submitted at the time of the application. Such agreement must be filed with the Register of Deeds
and proof of that filing shall be provided to the Laurens County Planning Department prior to
approval of the permit.
15.
Structures for the CSECS project must provide a structural analysis, stamped by a licensed
engineer registered in the State of South Carolina.
16.
Colors and surface treatment of the CSECS and supporting structures shall, to the greatest
extent possible, minimize disruption of the natural characteristics of the site. The project shall be
marked with a visible identification number applicable to the project with current contact numbers.
17.
Reasonable measures shall be taken to mitigate specific adverse visual impacts such as
potential glint or reflections which affect residences within or immediately adjacent to the project
area.

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

18.
The applicant shall minimize or mitigate any interference with electromagnetic
communications, such as radio, telephone or television signals caused by any solar energy facility.
19.
Height Limit. 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.
This height limitation does not apply to the following items, which shall instead be subject to the
strict secondary height ceilings established below:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

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).
i.

Any security lighting or camera poles must utilize fully shielded, downward-facing
fixtures ("Dark Sky" compliant) to prevent light trespass onto adjacent properties.

ii.

Rooftop or building-mounted systems shall comply with the applicable buildingheight limits of the underlying structure and any applicable building or fire codes.

A.

MINIMUM LOT SIZES

Minimum Lot
Size
B.
1.

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 (IECS) yard
requirements are as follows:
i.

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
twenty-five (25) feet from the highway right of way, whichever is
greater.

ii.

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

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

rear yard shall be seventy-five (75) feet, unless the right of way is
greater.
iii.

2.

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.

COMMERCIAL SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS – Setbacks for Class 2, 3
and 4 SECS are as follows:
CLASS 2 - SSECS

CLASS 3 - MSECS

CLASS 4 – LSECS

From Public Road1

100 ft.

100 ft.

250 ft.

From Participating NonResidential Property

None

None

None

From Participating
Residential Property

25 ft.

50 ft.

75 ft.

From Non-Participating
Property

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 nonparticipating
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

150 ft. from

150 ft. from

1,320 ft. (1/4 mile)

From Cemeteries

150 ft. from

150 ft. from

660 ft. (1/8 mile)

From State Recreation
Areas

150 ft. from

150 ft. from

330 ft. (1/16 mile)

measured from center of road or the highway right of way, whichever is greater. All other measurements are
from property line unless otherwise indicated.
1

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

From Approved Platted
Subdivisions

330 ft. (1/16 mile)

330 ft. (1/16 mile)

1320 ft. (1/4 mile)

From Confined Animal
Feeding Unit

2,640 ft. (1/2 mile)

2,640 ft. (1/2 mile)

2,640 ft. (1/2 mile)

From Intensive Animal
Feeding Unit

1000 ft. from nearest 1000 ft. from nearest 1000 ft. from nearest
unit.
unit.
unit.

3.

WAIVER OF REQUIREMENTS: Minimum rear, front and side yard setback
requirements may be waived and lessened by agreement between adjoining landowners
provided that:

C.

i.

Said agreement for waiver is made in writing and signed by all involved
landowners;

ii.

Said agreement is presented to the Planning Department upon application
for zoning permit and approved as to form and content by the Planning
Department; and

iii.

Said agreement shall be recorded in the Laurens County Register of Deeds
Office, indexed to the affected properties.

BUFFERS/ VISUAL SCREENING.

All Class 2,3 and 4 SECS shall provide visual screening for adjacent non-participating parcels,
public park uses and school uses: Fences, walls, berming, vegetation or some combination thereof
to provide visual screening shall be used. Fencing, walls or berming may be used to supplement
other screening methods, but shall not account for over fifty percent (50%) of the screening.
Existing natural features, topography and vegetation may be used to achieve visual screening if
provided in accordance to the visual screening requirements provided herein.
a.

If the visual screening is for adjacent non-participating residential uses, it shall be
provided as follows:
i.

b.

If the screen is required, the screen shall cover one hundred percent
(100%) of the surface area of a vertical plane extending along the property
line adjacent to the SCECS from the ground to a height of at least eight (8)
feet above the adjacent ground.

If the visual screening is for adjacent non-participating public park or school uses,
it shall be provided as follows:
i.

The screen shall cover at least seventy percent (70%) of a vertical plane
extending along the entire property line adjacent to the CSECS from the
ground to a height of at least eight (8) feet above the adjacent ground.

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

c.
Fences/ Walls:
If the visual screening is achieved through a fence or wall,
it shall be provided along the property line and the front road as follows:
i.

Acceptable fence and wall materials for visual screening include masonry,
stone and wood, but exclude chain link fences (with or without slats.)
Alternative fence and materials being used for screening must be approved
the Planning Department.

d.
Berms:
If the visual screening is achieved through berming it shall be
provided along the property line as follows:
i.

The side slopes shall not exceed three to one (3 to 1), horizontal to
vertical.

ii.

The mounded ground surface shall be protected to prevent erosion through
the use of turf lawn or other alternative groundcovers.

e.
Vegetative Buffers: If the visual screening is achieved through vegetation, it
shall be provided along the property line as follows:
At a rate of at least ten (10) trees every one hundred (100) linear feet. Of the 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. The trees shall be evenly distributed within each one hundred
(100) linear feet section.
i.

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.

ii.

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

iii.

Must maintain the original standard of planting.

iv.

Seedling are not acceptable and are not to be used for screening purposes. The
trees used must also be considered a growing tree.

f.
property.
D.

Visual screening is not required along the property line adjacent to a Participating
ACOUSTIC SCREENING

All Class 2, 3, and 4 SECS shall provide visual and, where necessary, acoustic screening for
adjacent non-participating parcels, public parks, and school uses. Screening may consist of
fences, walls, berms, vegetation, or a combination thereof.
When noise-generating equipment (including but not limited to inverters, transformers,
substations, or battery energy storage systems) is located such that projected sound levels at a
non-participating dwelling, church, school, or property line may exceed applicable limits or
create a material impact, the applicant shall incorporate acoustic barriers in combination with
vegetation as follows:

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

1. Combined Acoustic-Vegetative Barriers
Acoustic barriers (solid walls, berms, or sound-attenuating fencing) may be used to supplement
vegetative screening. Any acoustic barrier shall be designed by a qualified acoustical
professional and shall achieve a minimum sound transmission class (STC) or insertion-loss
performance appropriate to reduce noise to levels that satisfy the pre-construction noise study
requirements and any conditions of approval.
The barrier shall be located between the noise source and the protected receptor, typically inside
or immediately adjacent to the security fencing.
Vegetation shall be planted on the exterior (public/non-participating) side of any acoustic barrier
so that the barrier is substantially screened from view. To prevent visual blight during plant
maturation, the initial installation must utilize mature, fast-growing evergreen tree and shrub
varieties providing at least fifty percent (50%) visual opacity within Year One (1), scaling to one
hundred percent (100%) total opacity within three (3) years. Seedlings are strictly prohibited..
Berms used for acoustic purposes shall have side slopes no steeper than 3:1 (horizontal:vertical)
and shall be fully vegetated with native, non-invasive species.
2. Visual Opacity and Height
The combined barrier-plus-vegetation system shall achieve the same visual coverage percentages
already required (100% for residential adjacency; 70% for parks/schools) from ground level to a
minimum height of eight (8) feet.
Acoustic barriers themselves shall not exceed the maximum panel height limit established in this
Ordinance unless a greater height is specifically approved as necessary for noise mitigation and
is fully screened by vegetation.
3. Credit Toward Setback Reduction
A high-quality combined acoustic-vegetative barrier that meets the standards above may be
credited toward the modest setback reduction authorized for high-quality vegetative screening
(up to 25%, subject to the minimum floors previously recommended).
The acoustic performance must be demonstrated in the required pre-construction noise study (or
an updated study) and accepted by the County.
4. Maintenance
Both the acoustic barrier and the associated vegetation shall be maintained for the life of the
project. Failure to maintain either component after notice and cure opportunity shall constitute a
violation and may require restoration of the full original setback or equivalent alternative
mitigation.

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

SECTION 5.
COVER

POLLINATOR-FRIENDLY NATIVE VEGETATION AND GROUND

A. Applicability. This Section applies to all Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4 Commercial Solar Energy
Conversion Systems.
B. Required Vegetation. The entire project area (including areas under and between solar panels)
and all required setbacks and vegetative buffers shall be seeded, planted, and maintained with a
diverse mix of pollinator-friendly native plants, shrubs, trees, grasses, forbs, and wildflowers that
are appropriate to the Carolina Piedmont region.
C. Timing of Establishment. Seeding and planting of the project area shall occur promptly
following completion of construction or each phase of construction in a manner that minimizes
invasive weed growth, soil erosion, and sediment runoff.
D. Native and Non-Invasive Species. All plants used in the project area, setbacks, and buffers shall
be native, non-invasive species. The use of non-native or invasive species is prohibited. Proposed
seed mixes and plant lists shall be submitted for County review and approval as part of the required
landscape or vegetation management plan.
E. South Carolina Solar Habitat Act. For all Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4 Commercial Solar Energy
Conversion Systems, operators shall comply with and attain formal certification under the South
Carolina Solar Habitat Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 50-4-10 et seq.). The site must be managed to meet
or exceed the "Pollinator-Friendly Solar Site" designation standards throughout the life of the
project. A copy of the official state certification must be submitted to the Laurens County Planning
Department within twelve (12) months of commercial operation.
F. Ground Cover Standard. Ground cover throughout the site shall consist of pollinator-friendly
native and non-invasive vegetation.
G. Performance Bond. A performance bond or other financial assurance acceptable to the County,
in an amount reflecting the estimated cost of establishing and maintaining the required vegetation
for a minimum of five (5) years, shall be posted and maintained. Failure to establish or maintain
the required vegetation after written notice and a reasonable cure period may result in enforcement
action under this Ordinance, including permit revocation and initiation of decommissioning.
H. Pesticides, Herbicides, and Fertilizers. The use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers shall be
minimized. Only products with low toxicity, persistence, and bioavailability may be used. The
operator shall provide the County written notice at least fourteen (14) days prior to any application.
The County reserves the right to require soil and/or water testing at the operator’s expense.
I. Vegetation Management Plan. A detailed vegetation management plan addressing seed mixes,
planting schedules, establishment methods, maintenance protocols, mowing or management
height/frequency, invasive-species control, and long-term monitoring shall be submitted with the
application. The plan shall be approved by the County prior to issuance of any construction or
building permit and shall be updated as necessary during the life of the project.

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

SECTION 6. PROJECT SCALE AND SEPARATION LIMITS
A. Applicability.
This Section applies to all Class 3 and Class 4 Commercial Solar Energy
Conversion Systems.
B. Maximum Project Size.
of Total Project Footprint.

No Class 3 or Class 4 SECS shall exceed four hundred (400) acres

C. Minimum Separation Distance. Any new Class 3 or Class 4 SECS shall maintain a
minimum separation distance of one thousand five hundred (1,500) feet from any other existing
or approved Class 3 or Class 4 SECS, measured from the nearest edge of security fencing or
panel array of each facility.
D. Aggregation.
Phased, adjacent, affiliated, commonly controlled, or functionally
integrated projects shall be treated as a single project for purposes of applying the maximum size
limit in this Section. Projects may not be divided by parcel, ownership entity, phase, meter, or
permit application to evade these limits.
E. Waiver.
The maximum size or minimum separation requirements of this Section may be
reduced only by written agreement of all affected non-participating property owners (for
separation) or by express approval of County Council upon a finding that the reduction will not
create undue cumulative impacts on surrounding properties, agriculture, or infrastructure. Any
such waiver or reduction shall be recorded in the Laurens County Register of Deeds.
F. Transmission Line Proximity.
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 off-site 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
REQUIREMENTS.

CONFERENCE

AND

APPLICATION

1.
Preapplication 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.
2.
Application Requirements - Class 1 and Class 2 SECS: All applications for a Class 1
SECS and Class 2 CESC must include:
a.
b.
c.
d.

The name (s) of project applicant.
Name of the project owner (s).
The legal description and address of the project.
An application fee of [see Laurens County Building Codes fee schedule].

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

e. A description of the project including: number, type, nameplate generating capacity,
agreement and means of interconnecting with the electrical grid.
f. Site layout, including the location of property lines, easements, wetlands, protected area,
solar panels, electrical grid and all related accessory structures. This site layout shall
include distances and be drawn to scale and in sufficient detail to allow for a
determination that the manner of installation conforms to the National Electrical Code.
g. Certification by an Engineer competent in disciplines of solar energy.
h. Documentation of land ownership or legal control of the property.
i. Set-back waivers, if applicable.
j. Location of wetlands, designated scenic area and natural areas within 1,320 feet of the
proposed solar panels.
k. Vegetation management plan dealing with overgrowth and soil stabilization and
sterilization.
l. The applicant shall supply the Laurens County Emergency Management Agency and
local fire departments, with a basic emergency response plan and a map showing all shut
offs, disconnects, valves, etc.
m. Evidence provided by Engineer / Architect, or equivalent that there will be no
interference with any commercial and or public safety communication towers.
n. Proof of Liability Insurance
o. Discontinuation and Decommissioning Plan that states all equipment, support structures,
electrical equipment and fences will be removed upon the discontinuance of the systems
operation.
3.
Application Requirements - Class 3 and Class 4 SECS:
or Class 4 SECS must include:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

All applications for a Class 3

The name (s) of project applicant.
Name of the project owner (s).
The legal description and address of the project.
An application fee of $______.
A survey map drawn to scale illustrating the following:
1.
Property lines, dimensions, acreage encompassed and contours with
appropriate intervals for site evaluation;
2.
Location and elevation of all components of the proposed CSECS;
3.
Location and dimensions of all existing structures and uses on property
within one (1) mile of the CSECS;
4.
Location of any overhead utility lines on the property;
5.
Location of all known communications towers within two (2) miles of the
proposed CSECS;
6.
Access roads;
7.
Adjacent ownership, land uses, existing residences, schools, churches,
hospitals, public libraries, federal, state, county or local parks, recognized

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

historic or heritage sites, identified wildlife preserves or habitat areas to a
distance of 5,280 ft (one- mile);
f. Provide a copy of the Easement Deed or similar recorded documents from the Laurens
County Register of Deeds Office, for each Participating Property.
g. Provide a map illustrating all Transmission Lines connecting to the Substation.
Additionally, Applicant shall provide a description of the electrical generating capacity
and means of interconnecting with the electrical grid as coordinated and pre-approved
with the appurtenant electric utility.
h. Provide manufacturer’s recommended installations, if any.
i. Compliance with FAA regulations, including any documentation required by the FAA,
which shall include Form 7460, certifying approval of each proposed location, if
applicable.
j. Provide minutes from meeting (s) with the Laurens County Airport Commission to
discuss and review the proposed CSECS site plan.
k. Results of Consultation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA), National Weather Service, or any other relevant weather monitoring in the
CSCES project areas, when applicable.
l. Results of consultation regarding potential interference with existing communication
facilities within the CSECS project area.
m. Applicant shall identify potential effects in terms of constraints or benefits the solar
energy facility may place on current or future use of the land within the project site and
the surrounding area. The extent of any limitations due to public health and safety risks
shall be specifically addressed and the effects on the following activities shall also be
addressed:
1.
Existing or proposed tourist or recreation activities;
2.
Residential activities;
3.
Industrial activities;
4.
Agricultural activities;
5.
Commercial activities.
n. Applicant shall submit a soil erosion, sediment control and storm water runoff plan which
shall address what types of erosion control measures will be used during each phase of
the project. It shall identify plans for:
1.
Grading;
2.
Construction and drainage of access roads;
3.
Design features to control dust;
4.
Design features to maintain downstream water quality;
5.
Re-vegetation to ensure slope stability;
6.
Restoring the site after temporary project activities;
7.
Disposal or storage of excavated materials;
8.
Protecting exposed soil;
9.
Stabilizing restored material and removal of silt fences or barriers when
the area is stabilized;
10.
Maintenance of erosion controls throughout the life of the project; and

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

o.

p.

q.
r.

s.

11.
Must present an acceptable weed or vegetation plan at the time of permit.
Applicant shall provide information regarding flora and fauna of the proposed project
area including:
1.
Officially listed threatened or endangered species;
2.
Critical habitat and habitat conditions;
3.
An avian study based on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
A pre-construction noise and glare study shall be conducted; and shall include all
property within one (1) mile (5,280 ft) of the CSECS. Projections of any glare on a
structure shall include the extent and duration of the glare on the existing structure. The
protocol, methodology and modeling shall be included in the study. Studies shall include
modeling for all four seasons and include typical and worst-case scenarios. The complete
results and full study report shall be submitted to the Laurens County Planning
Commission for review at the time of the application.
Standard drawings of the structural components of the CSECS.
Certification by a registered licensed Engineer in the State of South Carolina that shows:
1.
There is a substantial need for the proposed use of CSECS, greater than
one hundred (100) KW in the State of South Carolina;
2.
All applicable local, state and federal building, structural and electrical
codes have been followed;
3.
The site is feasible for a CSECS; and can be successfully operated in the
climate conditions found in Laurens County;
4.
The design and safety of the proposed CSECS can withstand weather
related events.
An escrow account shall be set up when the Applicant applies for a Permit for a CSECS.
The monetary amount filed by the Applicant with Laurens County shall be in an amount
estimated by the Laurens County Planning Department, not to be less than $25,000, to
cover all reasonable costs and expenses associated with the review and approval process,
which can include but are not limited to any reports or studies which the Laurens County
Planning Commission and/or Laurens County Council anticipates it may have done
related to the review process for this application. Such escrow amount shall include
established fees. At any point during the review process the Laurens County Planning
Commission and/or Laurens County Council shall require that the Applicant place
additional monies into the Laurens County escrow in the event funds prove insufficient.
If the escrow amount needs replenished and the Applicant refuses to do so within
fourteen (14) days after receiving notice, the review and approval process shall cease
until Applicant makes the required escrow deposit, or permit may be denied. Any escrow
amounts which are more than actual costs shall be returned to the Applicant within ninety
(90) days of permitting process completion. An itemized billing of all expenses shall be
provided to the Applicant. The Laurens County Planning Commission and/or Laurens
County Council may hire qualified professionals and/or attorneys for each and any of the
technical fields associated with the Permit, such as, but not limited to, electrical,
acoustics, environmental, economics, wildlife, health and land use.

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

t. Applicant shall be required to fund an escrow account for investigation of complaints for
but not limited to glare, stray voltage, noise and signal interference, with the amounts of
funds to be set at the discretion of Laurens County Council. When the escrow account
balance is below $10,000, Laurens County shall notify the Applicant. The Applicant
shall replenish within 45 days of notification. Failure to replenish the complaintinvestigation escrow within forty-five (45) days after written notice shall constitute a
violation of this Ordinance and may be enforced pursuant to Section 17. The Applicant
may request return of the funds in the escrow account after five (5) years from the
beginning of operation of the CSECS, and said request shall be reviewed by Laurens
County Council.
SECTION 9. APPROVAL TIERS AND REVIEWING AUTHORITY
A.
CLASS 1 – Individual/Acreage Solar Energy Conversion System (ISECS)– A
ISECS requires review and approval by the Laurens County Technical Review Committee and
the Laurens County Planning Commission.
B.
CLASS 2, 3 and 4 – Commercial Solar Energy Conversion Systems (CSECS) –
County Council shall be the final local decision-making authority for all CSECS Applications.
All CSECS require: (1) Technical Review Committee and Planning Commission review and
recommendation; (2) County Council approval by ordinance or Development Agreement
following required readings and public hearing; and (3) issuance of an implementing Solar
Energy Conversion System Permit consistent with Council approval.
C.
County Council Action. In considering a Class 2, 3 or 4 CSECS application, County
Council shall consider the complete administrative record, the recommendation of the Planning
Commission, public testimony, and the applicable standards of this Ordinance and other
applicable law. County Council may:
a.

approve the application;

b.

approve the application subject to reasonable and enforceable conditions;

c.

deny the application; or

d.
remand the application to the Planning Commission or Administrator for
additional review or information.
D.
Written Findings. Any approval, conditional approval, or denial shall be supported
by written findings identifying the applicable standards of this Ordinance and the factual basis
for the decision.
E.
Planning Commission Recommendation. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to
require County Council to approve a CSECS merely because the applicant has received a
favorable recommendation from the Planning Commission.

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

The Planning Commission's recommendation shall be advisory to County Council for CSECS
applications.
The Planning Commission shall transmit to County Council:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

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.

F.
No Entitlement.
An application, preapplication conference, utility inquiry, land
purchase, tax-incentive discussion, interconnection request, preliminary County meeting,
Planning Commission recommendation, or other preliminary activity shall not create an
entitlement to approval. No applicant shall acquire a right to approval merely because a proposed
project satisfies one or more standards of this Ordinance.
Nothing in this subsection shall impair a vested right established under applicable South Carolina
law.
G.
Development Agreement.
County Council may, where authorized by law,
require or approve a Development Agreement or other lawful agreement addressing projectspecific obligations, including infrastructure, emergency response, decommissioning, financial
assurance, monitoring, mitigation, road improvements, and other matters within the County's
lawful authority.
A Development Agreement may supplement, but shall not eliminate, the
approval requirements of this Ordinance.
H.
Final Local Decision.
For purposes of this Ordinance, the final local decision
concerning a Class 2, 3 or 4 CSECS shall be the final action taken by County Council pursuant
to this Section.
I.
Time for Final Action.
The County shall establish procedures for review and action
upon a complete CSECS application consistent with the time limitations imposed by applicable
South Carolina law. The applicable review period shall commence upon receipt of a complete
application containing all documentation required by this Ordinance. The review period may be
extended by mutual written agreement between the County and applicant to the extent permitted
by law.
SECTION 10. PUBLIC NOTICE AND HEARING

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

A.
Public Notice.
At least thirty days before the Planning Commission meeting, the
County shall publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation, post notice on the County
website, mail notice to owners of property within two thousand six hundred forty (2.640) feet of
the development boundary, and require the applicant to post visible signs on the site.
B.
Notice Requirements.
The notice shall identify the property, project tier, meeting
date, and location where nonconfidential application materials may be reviewed.
C.
Additional Public Hearings.
A material change after notice requires
supplemental notice and an additional public meeting unless the Administrator determines the
change reduces impacts.
D.
Community Information Meeting. The applicant shall conduct at least one community
information meeting before the public hearing for a Class Four CESC and provide a written
response matrix addressing material public comments.

SECTION 11. APPROVAL CRITERIA AND CONDITIONS
A.
Burden of Proof.
substantial evidence that:
(1)
satisfied;

The applicant bears the burden of establishing by competent,

every applicable objective requirement of this Ordinance and other law is

(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.

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

(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.

B.
Conditional Approvals.
A permit may be conditioned only where the condition is
reasonably necessary to satisfy an identified ordinance standard, mitigate a documented project
impact, implement an applicant commitment, protect public infrastructure or services, or provide
monitoring and enforcement. Each condition shall be written, measurable, supported by findings,
and binding on successors.
C.
Incomplete Application/ Information.
A permit application shall not be summarily
denied for incompleteness upon initial filing. Instead, the Planning Department shall conduct a
completeness review within thirty (30) days of submission. If the application is found to be
materially inaccurate, missing required data, or non-compliant with objective criteria, the
Administrator shall issue a formal, written "Notice of Incompleteness" itemizing all deficiencies.
If the applicant fails to supply the requested information or correct the inaccuracies within this
45-day window, the application shall be formally denied, and any remaining technical escrow
balances shall be returned pursuant to Section 8.
SECTION 12. SITE AREA; IMPERVIOUS COVER; OPEN SPACE; LOCATION
A.
Maximum Disturbed/ Cleared Area.
The maximum disturbed/ cleared area shall
not exceed sixty percent of the approved site unless a lower limit is required by stormwater or
environmental review.
B.
Open Space Requirements. A Class Three SECS shall permanently reserve at least
twenty percent of the approved site as Open Space. A Class Four SECS shall reserve at least
twenty-five percent.
i.
Open Space shall be shown on a recorded exhibit and protected by a covenant or
restriction enforceable by the County.
ii.
A conservation easement is not required unless voluntarily offered or required as
project-specific mitigation.
iii.
Buildings, pavement, substations, generator yards, conventional parking, and
fenced utility compounds do not qualify as Open Space.
iv.
The remaining fifteen percent (15%) of the total gross parcel acreage for Class 4
projects (and 20% for Class 3 projects) must be explicitly accounted for on the final site plan as
undisturbed timberlands, uncultivated natural buffers, existing native fields, or protected

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

jurisdictional wetlands. No grading, panel placement, or construction activity is permitted within
this remaining acreage tier
SECTION 13. AGRICULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION
A. 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.
i.
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.
B. Protective Easements. A facility may not be located on land subject to an agricultural or
conservation easement that prohibits the use, or on land enrolled in a binding preservation
program, unless the restriction is lawfully released and County Council expressly approves the
conversion after public hearing.
C. 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
A. Fire-Protection and Emergency-Response Plan.
Before construction, the applicant
shall obtain approval of a fire-protection and emergency-response 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.
B. Project-Specific Measures.
The applicant shall fund project-specific equipment,
communications capability, training, exercises, pre-incident planning, personal protective
equipment, detection instruments, specialized consulting, or other reasonable measures necessary
for local responders to address project hazards.
C. Annual Training. The operator shall conduct at least annual coordinated training and a fullscale 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.
D. Reporting Requirement. Any fire, explosion, battery thermal event, significant electrical
failure, fuel or chemical release, evacuation, emergency generator deployment exceeding twentyfour hours, or event requiring outside emergency response shall be reported immediately to the

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

County, followed by a written root-cause and corrective-action report within thirty days unless
another deadline is approved.
SECTION 15. CONTINUING COMPLIANCE; MONITORING
A. Conditions Run with the Land. The permit and all conditions run with the land and bind
the owner, operator, tenant, utility customer, successor, and assignee.
B. Community and Emergency Contact. The operator shall maintain a twenty-four-hour
community and emergency contact and a written complaint-response procedure. Complaints
shall be logged, investigated promptly, and reported to the County upon request.
C. Inspections.
The County may inspect the site and relevant compliance records at
reasonable times after notice, and without prior notice in an emergency or when authorized by
law. Security procedures shall be reasonably accommodated but may not prevent lawful
inspection.
D. Audits.
The County reserves the right to require third-party compliance audits not more
than annually, or at any time following a documented code violation, material public complaint,
or thermal/electrical incident. To ensure complete impartiality, Laurens County shall
independently select, contract with, and manage the qualified third-party professional auditor. The
operator shall fully reimburse Laurens County for all verifiable costs and expenses associated with
the compliance audit within thirty (30) days of receiving an itemized invoice from the County.
Failure to reimburse the County within thirty (30) days shall constitute an immediate violation of
this Ordinance and ground for permit suspension.
SECTION 16. MODIFICATIONS, EXPANSIONS, AND TRANSFER
A. Material Modifications. A material modification requires an amended permit and the level
of notice and review appropriate to the increased impact. Routine equipment replacement that
does not increase capacity or impacts may be approved administratively.
B. Notification of Transfer. At least sixty days before a transfer of ownership or operational
control, the current and proposed owners shall notify the County. The successor shall execute an
assumption of all permit, Development Agreement, monitoring, road, emergency-response, and
decommissioning obligations and replace financial assurance before the transfer becomes
effective for County purposes.
C. Assignment Requirements.
A permit may not be assigned to an entity that lacks
demonstrated financial, technical, or legal capacity to comply with the approval.
SECTION 17. DECOMMISSIONING AND FINANCIAL ASSURANCE
A. Final Decommissioning Plan. Before land disturbance, the applicant shall submit a final
decommissioning plan prepared by qualified professionals. The plan shall address removal of
buildings, slabs and foundations to at least four feet below grade, equipment, generators,

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

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.
B. Abandonment. A facility is abandoned after twelve consecutive months of Abandonment.
The Administrator may approve one extension not exceeding twelve months upon evidence of
active reconstruction, a binding repowering or reuse plan, adequate site maintenance, and
continuing financial assurance.
C. Time Limit for Decommissioning.
Within twelve months after abandonment, the
owner shall complete decommissioning unless the County approves an adaptive reuse that
complies with all applicable requirements.
D. Security. Before construction, the owner shall provide an irrevocable letter of credit, surety
bond, cash escrow, or other security acceptable to the County in an amount equal to one hundred
twenty-five percent of the independently reviewed decommissioning cost. The estimate shall use
prevailing local labor, disposal, transportation, environmental, and restoration costs and shall not
deduct speculative salvage value unless the County’s independent engineer finds the value liquid
and reasonably certain.
E. Security Updates. The cost estimate and security shall be updated at least every three years,
upon each major expansion, and upon County request following a material cost change. The
County may draw upon the security after notice and opportunity to cure, or immediately where
necessary to address an imminent hazard, and may recover costs exceeding the security.
F. Decommissioning obligations. Decommissioning obligations survive permit expiration,
transfer, bankruptcy to the extent allowed by law, tax sale, cessation of utility service, and
dissolution of the operator.
SECTION 18. ENFORCEMENT AND REMEDIES
A. Enforcement Orders.
The Administrator may issue notices of violation, corrective
orders, stop-work orders, stop-operation orders, permit suspensions, and emergency orders
consistent with this Section and applicable law.
B. Contents. Except for an imminent threat, an enforcement notice shall identify the violation,
required corrective action, reasonable cure period, and appeal rights. The cure period may be
shortened for repeated, knowing, or serious violations.
C. Emergency Orders.
For an imminent threat to health, safety, property, water supply,
emergency responders, or the environment, the County may order immediate shutdown,
isolation, evacuation, mitigation, or other necessary action without prior hearing, followed by
prompt post-action review.
D. Available remedies.
Available remedies include injunction, abatement, recovery of
County review and response costs, draw on financial assurance, suspension or revocation after

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

notice and hearing, withholding of County approvals, enforcement of a Development Agreement,
civil remedies authorized by law, and prosecution under any future general penalty ordinance
adopted by Laurens County Council and within limits established by South Carolina law.
E. Continuing Violations. Each day a violation continues after the applicable cure period
constitutes a separate offense or violation. No fixed criminal fine exceeding lawful County
authority is created by this Ordinance.
F. Revocation.
Revocation shall be based on material misrepresentation, repeated or
uncured violation, failure to maintain financial assurance, unauthorized expansion, abandonment,
or a substantial threat that cannot be corrected through lesser measures.
G. Cumulative Remedies. The remedies in this Ordinance are cumulative and do not limit
any remedy available under contract, common law, environmental law, building or fire code, or
other authority.
SECTION 19. APPEALS
A.
Administrative Decisions. An applicant or other person with standing under applicable
law may appeal a final administrative decision made by the Administrator concerning an
application or permit to the Planning Commission within thirty (30) days after notice of the
decision.
B. Planning Commission Decisions and Recommendations.
A Planning Commission
recommendation concerning a CSECS shall be transmitted to County Council and shall not
constitute the final approval or denial of the project.
C. No Automatic Stay.
An appeal does not automatically stay an emergency order. Other
decisions may be stayed upon written determination that a stay will not endanger health, safety,
property, public services, or the environment.
D. Judicial Review. Final local decisions are subject to judicial review as provided by law.

SECTION 20. ADMINISTRATION; FEES; RULES
A. Fees.
County Council may adopt a fee schedule sufficient to cover administration,
notice, inspection, monitoring, and enforcement. Technical review escrow is separate from
application fees.
B. Administration. The Administrator may issue forms, checklists, measurement protocols,
reporting templates, and administrative procedures consistent with this Ordinance. Substantive
standards may be changed only by ordinance.

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

C. Approval by County Attorney. Required instruments, covenants, road agreements,
financial assurances, and Development Agreements shall be in a form approved by the County
Attorney and recorded when appropriate.
SECTION 21. SEVERABILITY; CONFLICT; REPEALER
A. Severability.
If a court of competent jurisdiction holds any section, subsection,
sentence, clause, phrase, or application invalid, the remaining provisions and applications shall
remain in effect.
B. Conflicts. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are repealed
only to the extent of the conflict.
C. Headings. Headings are for convenience and do not limit the text.
SECTION 22. EFFECTIVE DATE
A. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon third reading and adoption by
County Council.
B. The Administrator shall not accept a complete application until required forms, fees, escrow
procedures, and review protocols are available, provided that implementation may not be
unreasonably delayed.

Ordinance #1014 – Solar Farms

AND IT IS SO ORDAINED this ____th 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, Jr., Council Member
____________________________________
Shirley H. Clark, Council Member

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

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

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