Council Expects Revisions in Tree Ordinance, Solar Farm Rules

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson County officials convened for an informal workshop Friday, engaging in open dialogue on a series of proposed zoning ordinances, including tree management and solar farms, as they seek public input on future land-use policy directions.

The early discussion was a proposed tree ordinance, still in its formative stages.

“It was a very informal meeting, which I enjoyed, and had open dialogue back and forth,” said Brett Sanders, vice chairman of the Anderson County Council. The council is considering new rules to prevent mass clear-cutting—a practice recently witnessed that has alarmed many residents. Sanders clarified that any future ordinance would not require individual homeowners to seek permits for routine tree removal, such as cutting an oak tree threatening a roof, but would instead address large-scale grading and clear-cutting by developers.

The motivation for the tree ordinance stems from concerns over unchecked clear-cutting and mass grading.

“Trees, timber are a crop,” said Sanders, “Just like corn, wheat, cattle, it is a crop that can be harvested. And under state law, we don’t have anything to do with it. But when they do harvest the timber, they’re not removing the stumps.” Sanders said the ecological effects when developers mass grade land are serious and that removing trees and stumps destabilizes the soil and changes the landscape, a consequence the council hopes to address through thoughtful regulation.

Council members also touched on potential solar farm ordinances. Like the tree ordinance, these rules remain in the discussion stage, with no formal votes cast. The intent, Sanders said, is to “gather more information to come up or actually write a good ordinance that covers all the bases so that we can send it before a council to actually vote on.” Sanders said council plans to include Duke Energy’s solar experts as part of fact finding.

Two land parcels under consideration were also discussed, as officials weigh impacts of new development across the county.

One lot adjacent to the current Frances Crowder Park would be used to expand the East-West Parkway park. The county already owns right-of-way-property on the other side of the parcel.

Council also discussed purchasing a house on Snow Road for Love Well Ministries for use as a residential center for women seeking recovery from drug and alcohol additions.

Throughout the workshop, council members vowed to continue to seek public response for the plans, reaffirming their commitment to transparency and informed rulemaking.

No final decisions emerged from the workshop, but the conversations highlighted a growing effort among Anderson County leaders to address environmental and growth concerns with input from residents. The process signals a shift toward more comprehensive, publicly engaged planning—a trend likely to continue as the county faces increased development pressure.

Here are the drafts of the proposals, all of which are expected to see major revisions before coming to a vote, council discussed on Friday:

The Anderson County draft tree ordinance aims to preserve, protect, and replace trees during development, establishing requirements for permits, standards, and penalties to balance growth with environmental stewardship.

Purpose and Intent

The ordinance seeks to protect tree resources across unincorporated Anderson County, citing benefits such as erosion control, improved air and water quality, stormwater management, wildlife habitat, and community character.

Key Provisions

Protected trees include species designated by County Council and any “Grand Tree” (trees over 24-inch diameter at breast height).

A removal permit is required before taking out any protected tree, with approvals managed by the Zoning Administrator. Tree topping is prohibited except for safety, disaster recovery, or special circumstances, while routine pruning does not require a permit.

Removal of protected trees without a permit, illegal topping, or damaging tree protection areas is prohibited.

Standards and Process

Development projects require submission of a Tree Plan detailing location, species, and size of protected trees, proposed removals, and designated protection areas. No permit is issued without an approved plan.

Physical barriers must protect trees during construction, and no grading, paving, or storage is permitted within ten feet of a protected tree’s trunk unless specially approved.

Utility work within root zones must employ best practices to prevent damage.

Replacement and Mitigation

Approved removals must be replaced at a minimum rate of one tree per 1,000 square feet of open space, with at least half sourced from the Protected Tree List, and a minimum size requirement for new plantings.

Unauthorized removals require mitigation (three replacements for each tree) and additional fines. Replacement trees must be maintained for one year.

Exemptions

No permit is needed for removing hazardous trees, emergency response, utility maintenance, farming/timber operations, golf course maintenance, or shooting range upkeep.

Civil penalties include a $500 fine per unlawfully removed tree, mandated replacements, and possible withholding of permits or occupancy until compliance is achieved. Stop-work orders may be issued for violations, with appeal rights to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Effectiveness

The ordinance would take effect upon its third reading and approval by the Anderson County Council

The Anderson County draft solar farm ordinance establishes strict rules for siting, construction, and operation of solar energy facilities in unincorporated areas, prioritizing economic growth and environmental protection, while minimizing impact on nearby properties and communities.

Purpose and Public Interest

The proposal aims to promote alternative and sustainable energy sources, preserve local aesthetics, conserve natural and scenic resources, and protect residential communities from adverse land-use impacts.

Major Requirements

Solar facilities must submit detailed site plans, including surveys by licensed professionals and vegetative buffers to screen facilities from public roads and adjacent properties.

Setbacks include 50 feet from property lines and public rights-of-way, 200 feet from any residence, church, or school, and 500 feet from South Carolina Scenic Byways.

Facility height is capped at 15 feet for most structures; exceptions apply for power transmission equipment.

Community and Environmental Protections

Facilities require anti-reflective coatings on panels to prevent glare, downward-directed lighting, and security fencing at least six feet tall.

Special notification, review, and glare hazard analysis are required for projects located within five nautical miles of airports.

Full decommissioning plans and financial guarantees are required, ensuring restoration or stabilization after end of use or abandonment. Bonds must be maintained, with periodic reviews and cost adjustments.

Penalties and Enforcement

Unused or abandoned facilities must be dismantled and sites restored within six months of cessation or notice; failure to comply may lead to legal action, fines, and property liens.

Violations trigger penalties according to county codes, with provisions for public hearings and appeals.

Effective Date

The ordinance will become effective upon public hearing and third council reading, ensuring transparent public review before adoption.

Love Well Ministries

Staff requests approval to use up to $1 million from Anderson County’s South Carolina Opioid Recovery Funds to purchase and upgrade a property for a long-term residential care facility for women with opioid and co-occurring substance use disorders. The project would partner with Love Well Ministries to operate a four-month, evidence-based, trauma-informed program serving 12 to 20 women. This responds to a documented need, as Anderson County’s sole existing facility (Shalom Recovery Center) is insufficient for the county’s population. The proposed property is a remodeled six-bedroom, five-bath house on 4.53 acres at 2335 Snow Road, offered at $849,990 and meeting all SCORF purchase criteria. If approved and available, the purchase will proceed immediately; alternate properties will be sought if necessary. Any unused funds will be returned to the SCORF account, and the project will not exceed a $1 million budget. Anderson County currently has $2.9 million in SCORF funds and anticipates $9.7 million more by 2038.