Laurens County Releases Working Draft of Revisions to Open Space Residential Development Requirements

Public Input Sessions Scheduled Through December

Laurens County Council has released a working draft of proposed revisions to the Open Space Residential Development Requirements, currently codified within Ordinance No. 926. The revisions are contained in a new proposed Ordinance No. 991, which is now available for public review at www.laurenscountysc.gov.

On August 11, 2025, County Council approved Ordinance No. 989, establishing a six-month moratorium on the acceptance and review of applications for Open Space Residential Developments in the county’s unincorporated areas. During the moratorium period, representatives from County Planning, Building and Codes, the Assessor’s Office, E-911, the County Attorney’s Office, Administration, and County Council reviewed existing regulations and examined best practices from other counties and municipalities. Their recommendations are reflected in the new draft ordinance.

Key Proposed Changes

The proposed Ordinance No. 991 would repeal and replace Division 12 of the Land Development Code and introduce a series of new standards and definitions for Open Space Residential Developments (OSRD). Among the notable changes:

• Minimum 60% open space, with at least 50% designated as natural open space and 10% as common active recreational space.

• Contiguous open space requirements, with at least 75% of preserved areas in a single tract and carefully located to connect with neighboring natural spaces.

• Stronger land use buffers, including a 100-foot buffer for properties adjacent to agricultural lands and a 50-foot buffer for all other neighboring uses.

• Design standards that encourage clustered development to reduce impervious surface coverage (capped at 50%) and minimize disturbance of natural features such as wetlands, floodplains, and mature woodlands.

• Detailed definitions for natural open space, active common space, unbuildable lands, and net buildable area to clarify development expectations.

• New amenity requirements for common open spaces, including the addition of at least one active recreational feature such as a playground, village square, or community meeting facility.

• Open space protection and management plans required to ensure long-term preservation through conservation easements, deed restrictions, or homeowners’ association covenants.

Public Engagement Opportunities

Laurens County Council is actively seeking input from the Planning Commission, citizens, and stakeholders on these proposed revisions. A series of public meetings has been scheduled to give residents multiple opportunities to learn more and share feedback:

The working draft of Ordinance No. 991 can be reviewed online or obtained from the Laurens County Clerk to Council’s office. Residents are encouraged to attend the public sessions to provide feedback before the ordinance proceeds to final consideration by County Council.