County Moves Ahead on Housing Moratorium, Approves ATAX Distribution
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
In a move aimed at managing the county's rapid expansion, the Anderson County Council on Tuesday unanimously approved on second reading of a temporary ban on new housing developments. 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.
At the Sept. 4 council meeting, 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.
The new rules will not affect developments that have already been approved by the Anderson County Planning Commission. Additionally, the council can vote to extend the moratorium beyond the initial 90-day period.
An exemption for landowners who which to add housing on five acres or more to their properties which require no new roads was also approved to comply with state law.
Council also approved more than $450,000 in ATAX funding Anderson County council approved more than $370,000 in funding for 50 tourism/events-related project as part of Tuesday’s meeting.
The funds from the Accommodation Tax money generated by visitors who stayed in Anderson lodging locations during events. The distribution of funds was based on applications reviewed by the county’s ATAX committee.
Here’s the list:
Anderson Area YMCA Michelin Midnight Flight $2,000
Anderson Arts Center Marketing & Operations $15,950.07
Anderson County CVB ACA Hartwell Slam $20,000
Anderson County CVB Advertising $15,000
Anderson County CVB Bass University $12,500
Anderson County CVB Bassmaster Team Championship $17,000
Anderson County CVB Marketing $28,000
Anderson County CVB MLF College/High School Open $17,000
Anderson County CVB NPFL Championship $19,000
Anderson County CVB Operations $30,000
Anderson County CVB SC USA Gymnastics $12,000
Anderson County CVB Tiger Classic Gymnastics $12,000
Anderson County Museum Bicentennial Celebration $ 14,500
Anderson County Museum Promotions $24,000
Anderson County Parks Rhythm on the River $4,000
Anderson Senior Follies Advertising $1,500
ASEC-Celebrate Anderson Advertising $12,000
ASEC-Rock The Country Advertising $50,000
Belton Alliance/Chili Cookoff Advertising $6,000
Belton Area Museum Assn. Improvements $1,500
Belton Area Museum Assn. Marketing $2,500
Belton Center for the Arts Advertising $4,000
Belton Tennis Association Palmetto Championship $10,000
Clemson Little Theatre 25-26 Season Promotion $500
Discover Upcountry Carolina Marketing $10,000
Electric City Playhouse Advertising/ Marketing $500
Electric City Quilters 2026 Quilt Show $500
Envision Williamston Promoting Tourism $12,000
GAMAC 25-26 Season Promotion $1,500
Garrison Arena Advertising Arena Marketing $6,000
Garrison Arena Expo Expo Center Marketing $6,000
Honea Path Fall Festival $7,000
Honea Path Independence Day $7,900
Honea Path Spring Bluegrass Festival $6,600
Honea Path Watkins Center $1,431.15
Honea Path Welcome Rack $1,400
Iva Community Rec. Dixie Youth Softball Tournament $20,000
Lake Hartwell Country Marketing $10,000
Main Street Program of Anderson Car Show $7,500
Main Street Program of Anderson Regional Promotion $5,000
Market Theatre Margaritaville Musical @ Green Pond $12,500
Mill Town Players Season Promotions $3,200
Pendleton Historic Foundation Marketing $3,500
SC Jersey Cattle Assoc. Cattle Show $3,500
Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail Marketing $750
Williamston (Town) Freedom Festival $4,000
Williamston Spring Water Committee Christmas Festival $800
Williamston Spring Water Committee Spring Water Festival $2,000
