Page 111 - Florence County, SC Florence County 2032: Connecting Our Past, Defining Our Future
P. 111
Existing County | Land Use
This designation consists of lands that are often sparsely developed, with many agricultural activity and/or very
low-density residential as the primary uses along with more natural areas. Variable character areas have:
• Wide open landscapes, with minimal sense of enclosure and views to the horizon unbroken by buildings in
most places.
• Scattered residential development on relatively large acreages, resulting in very high open space ratios and
very low site coverage.
• Typically no centralized water or sanitary sewer service available. Also much greater reliance on natural
drainage systems, except where altered significantly by agricultural operations or regional storm water
management projects and/or infrastructure.
• The opportunity for appropriately scaled development that fits within the framework of surrounding zoning
and land use in Florence County.
This category provides its residents with choices away from a more developed setting. Some of the County's
jurisdictions have limited rural character areas within their city limits, except in areas that have been annexed for
eventual development or that are not suitable for future development. Other municipalities within the County
may choose to intentionally preserve rural character through the protections afforded by agricultural
zoning. However the vast majority of agricultural and rural property lies within the County. Floodplain areas may
also retain their rural character over the long term given their unsuitability for any intensive land development.
This designation is also for areas that have limited development activity other than large-lot residential. Such areas
provide a transition between the County's rural areas and more urbanized in-town development patterns and
intensities.
Variable character is very prevalent in Florence County, with the one example being an area of homes off N.
Ebenezer Road (seen below). The extent of separation and vegetation between many of these dwellings is a
hallmark of Estate character. Pockets of Variable character are also seen throughout southern Florence County,
where housing densities are lower in general.
Florence County, SC | Comprehensive Plan pg. 110