Growing up I was a part time resident in beautiful Horry County for 30 years and now a full time resident, I've witnessed firsthand the transformation of our landscape, the surge in population, and the sprawl of new residential developments.

While change is inevitable and growth often brings opportunity, I believe that the rate and scale at which development is occurring in our cherished community is alarming, and it demands our immediate attention.

We are at a critical crossroads where the decision to prioritize responsible growth can protect the very essence of what makes Horry County unique. Rapid, unchecked residential development is straining our infrastructure — our roads are congested, schools are overcrowded, and our once pristine natural habitats are threatened.

Statistics from the recent county planning reports indicate that population growth has surged by over 10% in the past five years. This trajectory, if unmoderated, is unsustainable for our local resources. Moreover, a study by the Urban Land Institute suggests that without a strategic pause to reevaluate and plan, we risk irreversible damage to our local ecosystems and a decline in quality of life for all residents.

I am calling upon the Horry County Council to implement a temporary moratorium on major residential developments. This pause would allow us to reassess our growth strategy, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and ensure that any future developments align with our long-term community goals. It is imperative that we give ourselves the time and space to thoughtfully plan.

The adoption of a moratorium would not be a halt on progress but a crucial step in ensuring that our growth is sustainable, equitable, and preserves the qualities that draw people to Horry County in the first place. By taking action now, we can forge a path forward that benefits both current and future generations.

Please, join me in urging the Horry County Council to act responsibly and protect our community by signing this petition. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a balanced future for Horry County.

 

petition:

 

PETITION TO THE HORRY COUNTY COUNCIL REQUESTING THE ADOPTION OF A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON CERTAIN MAJOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT APPROVALS

WHEREAS, Horry County is among the fastest-growing counties in South Carolina, experiencing substantial population growth and development at a pace that has exceeded the County’s ability to provide adequate public infrastructure and essential governmental services;

WHEREAS, pursuant to the South Carolina Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act (S.C. Code Ann. §§ 6-29-310 et seq.) and the South Carolina Local Government Comprehensive Planning Act, Horry County has both the authority and the responsibility to regulate land use in a manner that promotes the public health, safety, morals, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare of its citizens;

WHEREAS, Horry County Council possesses zoning, subdivision, and land development authority under South Carolina law to ensure that growth occurs in an orderly, fiscally responsible, and sustainable manner;

WHEREAS, continued approval of large-scale residential developments without corresponding improvements to transportation, schools, drainage systems, utilities, emergency services, and environmental protections threatens the public health, safety, and welfare of current and future residents;

WHEREAS, existing infrastructure in many areas of Horry County has not kept pace with approved residential growth, resulting in:

Increased traffic congestion and roadway safety concerns;
School overcrowding;
Flooding and stormwater management deficiencies;
Increased demand on law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency medical services;
Environmental degradation, including the loss of wetlands, forests, and agricultural lands;
Increased fiscal burdens upon existing taxpayers.
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the undersigned citizens and property owners of Horry County, respectfully petition the Horry County Council to:

1. Adopt a Temporary Development Moratorium

Enact an ordinance imposing a temporary moratorium on the approval of:

Major residential subdivisions;
Planned Development Districts (PDDs);
Large-scale residential rezonings;
Planned unit developments that substantially increase residential density.
2. Duration

Maintain the moratorium for a period not to exceed ten (10) years, or until the County Council determines through objective findings that:

Transportation infrastructure adequately serves projected growth;
Public schools have sufficient capacity;
Stormwater and flood mitigation standards have been updated and implemented;
Water and sewer infrastructure can accommodate future demand;
Emergency services maintain acceptable response times;
The Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations have been comprehensively updated.
3. Exemptions

This moratorium shall not apply to:

Previously approved developments with vested rights under South Carolina law;
Single-family homes constructed on existing legal lots;
Affordable housing projects specifically approved by County Council;
Public infrastructure projects.
4. Planning Requirements

During the moratorium, Horry County shall:

Conduct an updated countywide infrastructure capacity study;
Complete traffic impact analyses for all major growth corridors;
Review floodplain management and stormwater regulations;
Update the Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map;
Revise impact fee schedules where authorized;
Conduct meaningful public hearings throughout all areas of the County.
5. Public Purpose

This petition is submitted for the legitimate governmental purposes of protecting:

Public health;
Public safety;
Property rights;
Environmental resources;
Fiscal responsibility;
The constitutional authority of local government to plan for orderly growth.
REQUEST FOR ACTION

We respectfully request that the Horry County Council place this matter on a public agenda, conduct public hearings, direct the County Attorney to draft an appropriate ordinance, and consider adoption of a temporary development moratorium consistent with South Carolina law.