Council Gives Final Ok to Housing Moratorium, Tax Incentives for New Investment

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson County Council on Tuesday gave final and unanimous approval to a temporary ban on new housing developments in unincorporated areas of the county. The measure, which takes effect immediately, places a 90-day moratorium on any residential project in unincorporated areas that includes more than four housing units. 

An exemption for landowners who which to add housing on five acres or more to their properties which require no new roads is also in effect to comply with state law.

Members of council said the decision comes as county officials grapple with the strain that recent growth has placed on local infrastructure. The ordinance is a direct result of the county's ongoing effort to update its Comprehensive Plan and development codes. The moratorium will give county officials and a hired consultant, CodeWright Planners, time to review existing rules and recommend amendments that better manage future growth.

On Tuesday, council also:

Approved extending tax incentives for Techtronic Industries Co., Ltd. (“TTI”), after the company committed to creating up to 200 new jobs in the relocation of its floorcare of its North American floorcare and cleaning appliance business - TTI Floorcare North America - from Charlotte to Anderson.

Approved tax incentives for a $3 million investment to help restore the downtown town hall and other improvements to downtown Honea Path. 

Approved tax incentives for an unnamed local company planning to add 20 jobs and a new $9 million capital investment.

Approved tax incentives for a pair of investments which will bring two speculative industrial buildings to the county with a combined capital investment of $36.9 million. 

Tabled a vote on new regulation for solar farms in Anderson County incorporated areas pending more research and work.

Council members also approved to following funds from their recreation/discretionary accounts for the following: 

Anderson Voices for Animals - $4,750

Foothills Community Healthcare - $6,500

Shock City Jeep Club - $1,300 

South Main Chapel and Mercy Center - $5,250

Anderson Area YMCA - $6,000

PLAY Powdersville - $5,000

Connect Powdersville - $7,500

United Way/Leadership Anderson - $2,750