Page 5 - Florence County, SC Florence County 2032: Connecting Our Past, Defining Our Future

Existing County | Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Purpose

This report provides background information about Florence County as it is today. This information is presented
in topic areas relevant to a refreshed new Comprehensive Plan for Florence County's physical growth
and development. This report also highlights key planning considerations for the years ahead, which will set the
stage for the Future County portion of the Comprehensive Plan in terms of community needs and desires for the
next decade. The content of this Existing Florence County report is based on initial background studies to date
by the Florence County's community planning consultant, Kendig Keast Collaborative, as well as
leadership and community input received to this point.

Benefits

A comprehensive plan is a long-range, community-
driven policy document that lays the groundwork Building on Past Plans
for how the County can take charge of, invest in, Previous planning guidance for the County prior to this
and realize its future over the next 10 years and Comprehensive Plan:
beyond. Florence County's previous update to the
Comprehensive Plan was completed in 2017. In the ▪ 2017 Comprehensive Plan
ensuing years, Florence County has continued to ▪ 2040 FLATS Long Range Plan
plan, including working diligently on the FLATS 2040 ▪ Other Planning documents and guidance
Long Range Transportation Plan, placing the County
in an excellent position to create a new Comprehensive Plan. Keeping a Comprehensive Plan current is not only
state law, but also a planning best practice. It ensures the Plan reflects the newest emerging issues and
opportunities.
Comprehensive Plans:

• Provide public officials with a greater understanding of existing conditions in their community, and the larger
trends and forces that are impacting growth and development;
• Provide a long-term outlook at the potential implications of land use, infrastructure, and other decisions;
• Establish priorities for implementation strategies and actions to achieve preferred outcomes;

• Place communities in more favorable positions when pursuing and securing grants and capital partnerships;
• Offer an opportunity for constructive and meaningful public input, education, and engagement through a
variety of forums, including one-on-one meetings, focus groups, town hall meetings, and community
workshops;
• Provide policy guidance and a legally defensible basis for effective and implementable land development

regulations;

Florence County, SC | Comprehensive Plan pg. 4