Planning & Zoning Committee Meeting May 26, 2026

The York County SC Planning & Zoning Committee met on May 26, 2026, to discuss several zoning and planning matters with a focus on data center standards, townhome rezonings, and industrial use classifications. The committee approved a motion to recommend a 9-month extension for further work on data center ordinance refinements, including noise and generator use regulations. They received updates on the phased rezoning of existing townhomes to RMX6 districts, emphasizing no new construction but proper zoning alignment to aid refinancing and ownership transitions. A significant portion of the meeting addressed proposed amendments to industrial zoning uses, including adding building material stores, vehicle repair, and boat/RV storage to the Industrial District (ID), which the committee voted to forward to the planning commission for text amendment consideration. Additionally, the committee reviewed the potential adoption of North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes into zoning definitions to clarify industrial use terms, improve code clarity, and reduce ambiguity for developers and staff. The committee requested more time and a clearer scope to evaluate these proposed changes, deferring further discussion to the next meeting. The Newport area small area plan was also presented, outlining a 10-12 month timeline for completion pending budget approval, with coordination planned between multiple committees and local jurisdictions. No direct contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this meeting, but budget appropriations for planning staff and project funding were noted as pending.