Fort Mill Council Considers Comprehensive Zoning Overhaul, Including Data Center Classifications

The Fort Mill Town Council is set to hold a crucial meeting on Monday, September 14, 2026, where a complete overhaul of the town's land-use laws will be a primary agenda item. The proposed legislation, Ordinance 2026, introduced by Chris Pettit, seeks to repeal existing zoning rules and replace them with a 253-page regulatory framework. This new framework updates definitions for various land uses, explicitly including classifications for retail, wholesale, and hyperscale data centers.

A significant aspect of Ordinance 2026 is its invocation of South Carolina's Pending Ordinance Doctrine, a legal principle derived from Sherman v. Reavis. This invocation will immediately halt the issuance of any building or land-use permits that conflict with the proposed zoning updates while the ordinance is under the council's consideration. The town aims to modernize standards, streamline administrative processes, ensure alignment with state and federal laws, and provide enhanced clarity for residents, property owners, and developers.

The zoning reform will undergo a formal public hearing before the council proceeds with a vote on its first reading. Additionally, the council will address the proposed Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Budget and Millage Rate, presented by Town Manager Cary Vargo and Finance Director Eric Davis, along with a budget amendment for the current fiscal year. The agenda also includes discussions on amending compensation for elected officials and formally adopting a refreshed Mission, Vision, and Values statement presented by Council Director of Communications Gordon Burnette.