Elliott Promises Reduced Residential Density in Murrells Inlet

Murrells Inlet

Georgetown County Council Member Clint Elliott says work will continue to cut density in Murrells Inlet, following the newly-adopted future land use plan. Speakig at the District 1 drop-in, Elliott explained that the aim is for the future residential density in the area to be cut in half once the zoning code is updated and implements the plan’s goals.

“The problem with Murrells Inlet, the whole Waccamaw Neck, is it was zoned a long time ago for things we don’t want,” Elliott indicated. “We need to down-zone, and we’re probably going to get sued. That’s the hole we’re in.”

Criticisms and Plans

Last month, Elliott voted with the 5-2 majority to adopt the land use element of the county’s comprehensive plan over objections from citizens groups and residents who believe it will increase residential density.

A drop-in event, attracting around 15 people at the Murrells Inlet Community Center, provided an opportunity for community members to address their concerns. Responding to their arguments, Elliott stated that their figures were flawed. “They were putting houses every place you could,” he said. “That’s how they’re skewing the numbers.”

Data from the consultants that put together the land use plan estimated that the updated plan envisions about 10% more dwellings once Waccamaw Neck is fully developed than the previous plan. However, it would reduce the number of dwellings allowed by the county’s current zoning. The county’s budget this year includes $200,000 to rewrite the zoning ordinance, determining what can actually be built on property.

Future Changes

The county will continue to fine-tune future land use maps, with the Planning Commission due to consider Elliott’s request to change the designation for 76 acres at the intersection of Bypass 17 and Highway 707 from “commercial mixed use” to “commercial corridor.” The change would reduce residential units from eight to twelve per acre to two to six.

There are also plans to modify the “general residential” zoning category to limit the maximum number of units allowed for a multi-family project from 16 to 12 units an acre. Moreover, Elliott hopes to speak with owners of the few large tracts around Murrells Inlet that are still available for development about voluntarily adjusting their zoning to a lower density.

Addressing Frustrations

Elliott sympathizes with residents who are frustrated at high residential density, but counters the idea of creating a new town between Brookgreen Gardens and DeBordieu. He also considers the calls for a building moratorium unrealistic.

“We can’t tell someone as a property owner, ‘you can’t build on your property,’” Elliott added. Traffic concerns raised during the meeting were addressed as a concern for the state Department of Transportation, though Elliott continually urged the agency to reduce speed limits on Highway 17 to slow traffic.

Impact of Solar Farms

Bill Hills, a former District 1 council seat candidate, raised concerns about the effects of developing solar farms on the country’s economy and job market. Hills warned that converting a 4,000-acre tract containing three million pines into a solar farm could remove $300 million in fibre sales from the economy over the farm’s 35-year lifespan, along with jobs and related spending.

In response, Elliott acknowledged the concern, stating that a request to expand the under-construction 200 megawatt facility by 1,000 acres, adding another 50 megawatts, would be a hard sell for him. However, he was more optimistic about a proposed 5,000-acre solar farm in the Plantersville area, citing its community benefits and job training component.

With this new land use plan in place, Elliott and his fellow council members hope to make a positive change in the community, balancing development needs with the preservation of the characteristics that make Murrells Inlet such an attractive place to live.