Page 143 - Florence County, SC Florence County 2032: Connecting Our Past, Defining Our Future

Future County | Land Use and Growth

• Variable character areas have wide open spaces and a mixture of commercial and residential uses. This area
makes up the majority of the undeveloped areas of the county as well as areas that are transitioning into
more developed areas. Zoning Districts appropriate in the Variable Development District Future Land Use
Category include B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, R1, R3, R3A, RU-1, RU-1A, RU-2, and PD. However, to clarify that
certain areas of the County are prescribed for a more intense land use than others, there are two Variable
Development Districts, which include:
o Variable Development District 1: B1, B2, B3, RU-1, RU-1A, R1, R3, R3A, PD: This generally focuses on
the first 500 feet from urban corridors and and the majority of the Rural land in Florence County. For
parcels that are greater than 500 feet deep, the entirety of the parcel could be developed in the
preferred zoning district if approved by Council when rezoning. Overall, this area will include most
areas within ½ mile from Suburban or Urban categories.
o Variable Development District 2: B5, B6, RU-1, RU-1A, RU-2, and PD: This area is specified in Florence
County as specifically for industrial parks and growth as well as large lot residential development. This
is also a district option for Rural land.
• Suburban character areas have noticeably less intensive use of land than Urban areas, with open and green
spaces balancing – or, in estate sized areas, exceeding – the extent of land covered by structures and paved
surfaces. Zoning Districts appropriate in the Suburban District Future Land Use Category include R1, R2, R3,
R3A, B1, and PD.
• Urban character areas exhibit the greatest pedestrian orientation, through a more compact scale and
“architectural enclosure” of streets by buildings situated close to front property lines and sidewalks. Within
the Urban class, auto urban character areas are a particular planning challenge as they are designed mainly
to accommodate automobile circulation and parking. This is the main type of Urban development in Florence
County. The extent of land cover by buildings and paved surfaces is similar to Urban areas, but often without
a pedestrian orientation as in traditional downtowns. This is especially true where development is spread
“activity
centers” that enable multi-purpose trips and walking or biking between destinations. Zoning Districts within
Florence County appropriate in the Urban District Future Land Use Category include B1, B2, B3, R3A, R4, R5,
R5A, and PD.
• Much like Urban character areas, Downtown character areas are categorized by development very close to

or within the proximity of a municipal downtown. As Florence County does Land Use planning for several
municipalities therein, including the Downtown Development District Future Land Use Category is necessary
with the allowed zonings of B4 and PD.

Florence County, SC | Comprehensive Plan pg. 142