Protect Our Rural Community

In October 2024, more than 153 residents and supporters signed a petition opposing a proposed residential development on Bull Swamp Road. While that proposal involved a different applicant, it demonstrated the community's long-standing commitment to preserving the rural character of this area.

Today, another rezoning request has been submitted for property on Bull Swamp Road. Once again, residents are asking Orangeburg County officials to carefully consider the long-term impacts this rezoning could have on our roads, infrastructure, agricultural land, environment, and quality of life.

Oscar Nelson has submitted a request to rezone Tax Map Number (TMS) 0093-00-01-003.000, located on Bull Swamp Road, North, SC 29112, from FA (Forest Agriculture) to RC (Rural Community) to allow for a proposed residential development.

We respectfully ask the Orangeburg County Planning Commission and County Council to deny this rezoning request and preserve the character of this area.

Why We Oppose This Rezoning

Protect Agricultural and Forest Land
The property is currently zoned Forest Agriculture for a reason. This designation helps preserve farmland, timberland, wildlife habitat, and the rural landscape that defines this part of Orangeburg County.

Maintain the Rural Character of Bull Swamp Road
Residents chose to live in this area because of its quiet, low-density, rural setting. Rezoning this property could permanently change the character of our community.

Traffic and Road Safety
Bull Swamp Road is a two-lane rural roadway that was not designed to support significant residential growth. Additional traffic could create safety concerns for residents, school buses, emergency responders, and agricultural equipment.

Infrastructure Concerns
New development places additional demands on roads, drainage, emergency services, utilities, and schools. Before approving any rezoning, the county should ensure that adequate infrastructure exists to support future growth.

Environmental Stewardship
Development of this property could impact natural habitats, stormwater drainage, wetlands, and the overall environmental health of the surrounding area.

Respect Existing Land Use
The current Forest Agriculture zoning reflects the long-standing use and vision for this area. Rezoning should only occur when it clearly serves the public interest—not simply to increase development potential.

Our Request

We ask the Orangeburg County Planning Commission and Orangeburg County Council to:

• Deny the request to rezone TMS 0093-00-01-003.000 from FA (Forest Agriculture) to RC (Rural Community).
• Preserve the rural character of Bull Swamp Road.
• Protect the agricultural and natural resources that make this community unique.
• Ensure any future development is consistent with the county's long-term planning goals and the interests of current residents.

If you believe Bull Swamp Road should remain a rural community and that thoughtful planning matters, please sign this petition and share it with your neighbors.

Together, we can help preserve the future of Bull Swamp Road.