On September 19, Jasper County Council will hold a public hearing for the rezonings in the Euhaw District. We strongly encourage you to attend the meeting and give comments in support of these robust rural zoning standards proposed for this important corridor.
Jasper County Council Public Hearing
Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Port Royal Sound Foundation
310 Okatie Highway, Okatie
Blessed with many natural resources, the Euhaw area includes land along scenic highway 462, and tributaries of the Broad River such as Euhaw and Hazzard Creeks that are part of the Port Royal Sound watershed. Click here for an interactive map.
The Euhaw District is home to large family properties, farms, forests, and incredible cultural resources including Old House, Honey Hill, and family cemeteries. Incompatible development threatens these natural and cultural resources and rural quality of life. Jasper’s moratorium allowed for a pause so that development didn’t run rampant all over Jasper County, but we need to improve the development code now that is has expired!
Bolstering the County’s zoning by adding RP-10 and Village Commercial transects will preserve Jasper County’s heritage for future generations to enjoy–preventing suburban sprawl and allowing families to continue to thrive on their land. We are counting on your support at the public hearing on Thursday to help ensure these critical code updates are implemented. Help get RP-1o and VC zoning across the finish line!
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Can’t attend the meeting in person? You may email written public comments to comments@jaspercountysc.gov by 1:00 PM on Wednesday. Below are a few talking points to help you get started.
Key Talking Points:
- From 2020-2022, Jasper County’s population grew 11%, making it the state’s fastest-growing county. While growth can be beneficial, when it is rapid and in the wrong locations, it can make our communities unrecognizable.
- Properties less than then 10 acres are exempt from the RP-10 zoning. This means about 4,000 parcels will not be reclassified as RP-10. The new standards only apply to a couple hundred of the larger tracts within the Euhaw District boundaries—not all of Jasper County.
- Jasper County has a family estate exemption which should be applied to the Euhaw District. Giving long-time families an exemption would allow them flexibility to build more homes on family lands, and keep lands in the family’s name.
- The Port Royal Sound is a world-class estuary, unique for its depth, big tides, high salinity, and over 200,000 acres of salt marsh. Safeguarding its tributaries will ensure this priceless resource is not harmed by runoff from rooftops and pavement.
- Too many docks on small tidal creeks encroach on shared public resources that we all cherish. A proliferation of docks can obstruct boating access and shade out the marsh. Limiting subdivisions along the waterways will keep our waters healthy and navigable.
- The rezoning will allow existing rural communities to continue to thrive. Prohibiting industrial and other intense development means clean air and water for everyone.
- Hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation are an important part of our coastal heritage. Keeping large tracts intact will preserve wildlife corridors and allow us to pass on our outdoor traditions to the next generation.