Georgetown County nears landmark wetlands protection law

Georgetown County is one final vote away from becoming the first in the area to enact standalone local protections for freshwater streams and “isolated wetlands”—habitats that are no longer covered by state or federal laws following recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings.

The proposed ordinance specifically targets new commercial developments and residential subdivisions consisting of more than three lots. It explicitly exempts existing single-family homes, already platted lots, agriculture, forestry, industrial parks, and public utilities. Under the new rules, developers would be required to navigate a local permitting process establishing a 50-foot buffer for wetlands adjacent to water bodies and a 100-foot buffer for those next to state parks and wildlife refuges. Additionally, the ordinance introduces a permit requirement for filling in smaller, isolated wetlands roughly a quarter-acre in size.

The proposal advanced through its second reading with a narrow 4–3 vote, reflecting a sharp divide within the community. Supporters, including environmental attorneys, local naturalists, and Councilmember Stella Mercado, view the rules as a vital, proactive measure for environmental conservation and public safety, noting that protecting freshwater habitats is essential for managing local growth, securing evacuation routes, and mitigating severe flooding.

Conversely, critics express deep concerns over private property rights. Councilmember Raymond Newton and planning commission member Bill Hills warned that enforcing these strict buffers without compensating landowners amounts to an unconstitutional “taking” of private land. They argue that if the ordinance passes as written, the county will inevitably face costly legal challenges in court and lose.

The Georgetown County Council must approve the ordinance one final time before it can officially be enacted into law.