Consultant Could Help County on Development Revisions

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson County Council in a special Wednesday meeting heard a presentation from Code Wright Planners on the potential for that firm to work with the county on revising development standards for new home construction and subdivisions.

Code Wright has worked with multiple counties and towns in North and South Carolina - including Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, Mills River, Weldon in North Carolina - to overhaul and clarify development standards. Their customization of unified development ordinances and zoning codes includes simplifying the language, more graphically driven design, an intuitive document structure that is easy to understand and continuous improvement.

Several council members had questions for Code Wrighter’s Chad Meadows, who presented his case for how he might help the county.

“We’re working hard to put methods in place to encourage good quality development,” said Councilwoman Cindy Wilson. “If we continue our work will it be incorporated with your work?”

Wilson also asked Meadows if he had looked at the grading and development in the area annexed by the City of Anderson on Midway Road.

Meadows said that while developers may have had reasons for what they did on some of those properties, such “grading and that kind of development has a negative impact on the community.”

Other council members expressed similar concerns on customization countywide.

Council Vice Chairman Brett Sanders was assured the consultants would take into account the needs of individual districts.

Council Chairman Tommy Dunn clarified for Meadows Anderson County’s requirements for zoning and zoning requests.

Meadows said that his firm could help any group of citizens who made such a request prepare for potential zoning.

Council is expected to consider the proposal by Code Wright over the next couple of weeks. If council moves ahead, a request for cost estimates will be the next move.