City of Greenville tree ordinance advances — without infill exemption — and other news to celebrate

We're celebrating several local land planning and policy successes this week! Read on for status updates on the City of Greenville's proposed tree ordinance, GVL2040, Transforming Greer 2030 and more.

Greenville City Council rejects infill exemption, advances revised tree ordinance

Huge thanks to all who joined us in calling for Greenville City Council to reject an exemption for minor subdivisions in the revised tree ordinance that advanced at first reading on Monday, January 11. By rejecting the exemption, Greenville City Council preserved the integrity of the proposed ordinance and respected its intent and the extensive community engagement process that informed its development.

Now, we invite you to join us in expressing appreciation to City Council for their wisdom in rejecting that exemption — and request their continued support at second reading on Monday, January 25. Click here to find your representatives on City Council.

Although City Council did not identify a mechanism to mitigate financial impacts of the ordinance for affordable housing developers, providers, and residents, we remain hopeful that Council will address this issue moving forward. We will continue to advocate for a solution in coordination with our partners at Impact Greenville.

City Council also voted on Monday to approve a resolution to adopt in principle the Swamp Rabbit Trail Extension Master Plan and Design Guidelines. Developed by Stantec and in tandem with GVL2040, the master plan and design guidelines will help shape future development adjacent to the 4.5 mile planned trail extension from Cleveland Park to CU-ICAR.

Transforming Greer 2030 adopted!

Congrats to the City of Greer! Transforming Greer 2030, the City's new comprehensive plan, was formally adopted in a unanimous vote by Greer City Council following a public hearing at second and final reading last night.

In a proactive step in early December, Greer City Council approved a contract with Kimley-Horn, a well known planning and design consulting firm, to facilitate an 18-24 month process to align the City's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) with Transforming Greer 2030. Kudos to Greer's forward thinking staff and officials for these early steps to expedite implementation. We'll monitor progress and share opportunities for public participation in the UDO update as the process unfolds in 2021-22.

GVL2040 advances toward adoption

In a Special Called City of Greenville Planning Commission Meeting yesterday that included a public hearing on the GVL2040 comp plan, the commission voted unanimously to recommend GVL2040 to Greenville City Council for adoption.

Next up along GVL2040's path to adoption? A City Council public hearing is scheduled at 5:30 pm on Monday, January 25. Formal adoption is anticipated in February. We look forward to presenting comments on January 25 in support of GVL2040's adoption and implementation!

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