WHAT’S GOING ON IN JASPER COUNTY?

Nearly two years ago, Jasper County Council enacted a 9-month moratorium on development in an area along Highway 462. This bought time to protect the 4,400-acre Gregorie Neck property (pictured below!) at the headwaters of the Port Royal Sound, marking a monumental conservation win. The county’s moratorium, which was twice extended, also provided a window to craft new zoning regulations known as Rural Preservation-10 (RP-10) along Coosaw Scenic Highway within the “Euhaw District” area. The County Council needs to have two more readings to implement RP-10. Supporting these zoning changes is necessary to ensure Jasper County’s rural lands are safeguarded from sprawling development.

Rural Preservation-10 zoning will: Maintain rural character and activities like farming, forestry and hunting. Allow a density of 1 unit per 10 acres, supporting large lots and a rural character. Make conservation of land more likely despite rapid growth.

It’s no secret that Jasper County is growing. Jasper County was the 3rd fastest growing county in the U.S. from July 2023 to July 2024. The county added 1,976 residents over 12 months, raising the population to 35,618. Now is the time to share your support for RP-10 so unchecked growth does not damage natural resources, overburden infrastructure, or harm the quality of life in rural Jasper County. Contact your County Council to express support for RP-10 today!

Need more help understanding what all the RP-10 rezoning means?  Will this affect you?

HERE IS A LIST OF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND A HANDY MAP THAT MAY HELP.

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QUESTION:  Does the new zoning apply to the entire county?  

ANSWER:  No, it does not.  The rezoning only applies to the area labeled “Euhaw District”.  See our helpful map.  

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QUESTION: Why is the overlay being placed on this part of the county?  

ANSWER:  This part of the county is considered “critical land”. This is because this land follows a very important natural resource, the Port Royal Sound.  The Port Royal Sound begins at the Coosawhatchie River and stretches all the way down to the Bailey’s Loop/Low Bottom area.  This area has been identified as “critical land” and it is important that it be kept rural for many reasons, water quality being the main one!

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QUESTION:  I own less than 10 acres, what does this mean for me? 

ANSWER:  The new zoning will not affect parcels that are less than 10 acres.  Current zoning calls for 1 home per 1 acre and that will remain the same for parcels under 10 acres.  

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QUESTION: What does RP-10 mean?  

ANSWER:  RP stands for Rural Preservation.  The 10 stands for 10 acres.  The new zoning in the Euhaw District would change the zoning from 1 house on 1 acre to 1 house on 10 acres.  

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QUESTION: We own family or ancestral land?  Does this apply to us too?   

ANSWER:  There is a family estate exemption on all family land that has been owned by a family for over 30 years.   If you qualify, your zoning will remain 1 house per 1 acre.  

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QUESTION: What does Village Commercial or VC mean?  

ANSWER:  Currently most commercial zoning in the Euhaw District is zoned Community Commercial.  This new term Village Commercial would still allow for commercial business, but on a smaller scale and in designated hamlet areas.  Buildings being 2500 square feet or less.  Cooler’s Grocery (Exxon) is 1000 square feet for a frame of reference.  It would keep the industry smaller and more in line with rural living.  Think churches, seafood and farm stands, family-owned gas stations, etc.  

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QUESTION: How long has the County been working on this?  Is this costing money?         

ANSWER:  The County staff has been working on the rezoning and comp plan update for two years.  The county hired a consultant who has worked diligently alongside staff to reach a resolution with rezoning and growth in Jasper as part of the revised comp plan.  If the RP-10 zoning doesn’t pass, this process starts all over and the county will be forced to use taxpayer dollars to continue this process.    

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QUESTION: When will there be a public hearing?       

ANSWER:  Good question!  A public hearing isn’t scheduled currently.  But you may attend any council meeting.  Jasper County Council meets every first and third Monday of every month.