City of Laurens Unveils Major Update to Land Use Ordinance

News Summary

The City of Laurens has completed a significant update to its Land Use Ordinance, marking a proactive step toward managing growth. This initiative involved extensive community engagement, with public input sessions and surveys ensuring that residents’ voices were reflected in the updates. The new ordinance balances development with preserving the community’s character and includes measures to ensure diverse architectural designs and promote local businesses. This update not only honors the city’s heritage but also positions Laurens as an attractive site for future investment.

City of Laurens Unveils Major Update to Land Use Ordinance

In a vibrant move to shape a brighter future, the City of Laurens has completed a significant update to its Land Use Ordinance. This exciting development comes after months of collaboration between city administration, contractor Bill Eubanks, and enthusiastic community participation. The road to this update has been paved with countless hours of input, discussions, and feedback from those who know the community best—the residents themselves.

The Community Steps Up!

Throughout this process, community engagement has played a crucial role. Five public input sessions were held, where citizens could voice their opinions and give feedback on what they envision for their city. In addition to these face-to-face interactions, hundreds of online surveys and public workshops generated a wealth of insights from Laurens’ residents, ensuring everyone’s voice was heard in this transformative initiative.

Managing Growth and Preserving Character

With the city experiencing an increase in developer interest, the new ordinance is a proactive measure to manage growth effectively while holding onto the charm and character that makes Laurens special. The previous comprehensive plan dates back to 2015, and this updated ordinance aims to tackle present-day challenges and requirements facing the community.

A Smooth Path for Growth

To facilitate this growth, a planning assessment period has already been approved by the city council. This period will help create necessary documents that will serve the city well in managing its expansion. The updated ordinance takes a hybrid approach by addressing both interior and exterior uses of structures, reflecting a desire to maintain the town’s quaint aesthetic.

Neighborliness at its Core

One of the key elements of the ordinance is its recognition of the value in existing neighborhoods and commercial hubs. The updated rules require new developments to include accessibility to green spaces—a nod to the importance of parks and shared outdoor areas in enhancing community life.

Design Variations: Say Goodbye to Cookie Cutter

To challenge the trend of uniform, cookie-cutter designs, the new ordinance stipulates that developers must provide at least five different exterior design variations for their projects. This strategy aims to create visually appealing spaces that add character to Laurens, ensuring that new construction blends seamlessly with the town’s unique character.

Honoring the Past

The tireless efforts of Eubanks and his team have revealed elements that contribute to the charm of the downtown ‘square’—features that had become outdated due to previous regulations. With this update, the city shines a light on these unique characteristics and reintroduces aspects of the 1977 city plan that prioritize historic and neighborhood preservation.

Job Creation and Local Business Promotion

Commercial zoning plans within the new ordinance are designed to attract locally owned businesses that reflect the spirit of the neighborhood. By focusing on fostering local jobs and enhancing walkability, the city is ensuring a sustainable and vibrant local economy that supports the well-being of its citizens.

Keeping It Friendly

Importantly, the updated ordinance doesn’t impose restrictions on current property sales or existing uses of properties owned by residents. Laurens aims to strike a balance between necessary changes and preserving the community character that residents treasure. This approach respects both the past and the future.

A Bright Investment Opportunity

Laurens is emerging as an attractive investment location, emphasizing quality growth over low-cost, low-quality construction. The first reading of the new land ordinance received unanimous approval from the council, marking a significant step forward for the community’s development.

As Laurens continues to grow and evolve, the new Land Use Ordinance serves as both a roadmap for change and a protective shield for the rich characteristics that define this beloved city. Everyone is looking forward to seeing how this exciting initiative unfolds!

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Additional Resources

• GoLaurens: Laurens City Council Passes First Reading of New Land Use Ordinance
• Wikipedia: Land Use Planning
• GoLaurens: Laurens City Council Approves 173-Home Residential Development
• Google Search: Land Use Ordinance
• WBOC: Easton Town Council Greenlights Marijuana Zoning Change
• Google Scholar: Land Use Ordinance
• Anson Record: Nearly Unanimous Commissioners Vote to Adopt County-Wide Zoning Ordinance
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Land Use Ordinance
• My Clinton News: Our View: The County’s Most Important Ordinance, Maybe Ever
• Google News: Land Use Ordinance