Greenville Development Code

City Releases Draft Code

Public Input Welcomed as City Aims to Protect Neighborhoods and Define Development Zones

More than a year in the making, the City’s new Development Code puts the vision of the GVL2040 comprehensive plan into action - protecting neighborhoods while providing a consistent framework for growth and economic vitality in the city of Greenville.

"This is the first draft of the code," said Assistant City Manager and certified professional planner Shannon Lavrin. "We are looking forward to working with the community to receive feedback and suggestions for improvement."

The new code expands single-family zoning districts and creates transitions where neighborhoods border commercial districts. Secondary residential dwelling units - like carriage houses and garage apartments - will be allowed and can improve housing affordability, while short-term rentals will be restricted to downtown or commercial districts.

Other benefits for residents include provisions to reduce front-yard parking, protect heritage trees, reduce stormwater runoff and lower light pollution from commercial areas.

Existing businesses will not be required to make any adjustments and may continue to operate as is. New businesses will find fewer zoning barriers and an easy-to-understand regulatory document filled with examples and illustrations. Residential developers will be able to add height or density in exchange for affordability.

The win for citizens AND developers is predictability. Residents will know exactly what is allowed on any property, reducing unexpected surprises. The new zoning map shows locations where mixed-use urban centers can grow outside of downtown and where residential neighborhoods will be preserved. Mobility, with an emphasis on improving walkability, will provide safe connections between urban centers.

Over the coming months, City staff will be presenting the new code and providing numerous opportunities for the community to offer feedback. The Planning Commission will review the draft and hold public hearings on February 28 and March 1 before deliberating on March 16. It is anticipated that City Council will consider the code in the spring of 2023.

Welcome to GVL 2040 in Action.

Code Documents

View the draft Development Code (PDF)
View the draft Zoning Map (PDF)
View the draft Downtown Design Guidelines Map (PDF)

FIND PROPERTY ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS

Enter an address on the Interactive Zoning Map to find the current and proposed zoning under the draft code.

Comment on the Code:
Email: devcode@publicinput.com
Call or text: 864-232-CARE (2273)

Please note:
The Development Code and the Zoning Map has been submitted to the City of Greenville by its consultant, czbLLC, as DRAFT WORK PRODUCTS for public review and feedback. They are not intended to be 100% complete. Some images and links will be finalized following the public review period. Additionally, some of the information contained in the documents may be revised before final consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council in the coming months.

Development Code Informational Sessions

Join us for coffee and one-on-one conversation with city staff and consultants to learn more about how Greenville will grow. Or, drop in for our evening Open House meetings, to view concepts and provide feedback. The the new draft zoning map and development code will be available next week, January 25-26, along with multiple opportunities to connect and see how we are putting GVL2040 in action.

Coffee with the Code
Conversational Sessions with the Project Team
8 to 11 a.m. | Wednesday, January 25 and Thursday, January 26
Prisma Health Welcome Center at Unity Park, 111 Welborn Street

Evening Office Hours
Drop-In Open House Sessions
5 to 7 p.m. | Wednesday, January 25 and Thursday, January 26
Greenville Convention Center, 1 Exposition Drive

The draft development code and map will be available on the City website before the sessions, along with the opportunity to provide feedback electronically.

The Planning Commission will review the draft code in late February, hold a public hearing and make a recommendation to City Council.

If adopted, the new code will:

implement GVL2040, the City’s comprehensive plan,
promote an urban form that will integrate new development in a balanced manner, and
protect and preserve the character of existing neighborhoods.

Request a Group Meeting

There will be additional opportunities to provide feedback throughout the month of February. City staff is also available to meet with local business and community groups that are interested in learning more about the new code. To schedule a presentation for your group, contact skey@greenvillesc.gov.

Code Connection: ONLINE PROJECT UPDATES

The City is hosting monthly online events, where the project team will provide updates and answer community members' questions. The sessions are held on the second Wednesday of each month.