Horry County Infrastructure & Regulation Committee Meeting

Date: October 14, 2025

The Infrastructure & Regulation Committee met to discuss several agenda items including a CRISI grant presentation for the R.J. Corman railroad, an update on the Myrtle Beach International Airport terminal expansion, progress on landscape buffer ordinance amendments, and multiple resolutions and ordinances. Public input was heard from a long-time resident regarding open space preservation. The committee voted on several ordinances and resolutions, while other items were held for further discussion.

Public Comments

• Millie (long-time resident, age 86) spoke passionately about the loss of open space in her subdivision (Well Run) due to a tax sale. She urged the county to protect open space in perpetuity, prevent developers from re-zoning it, and require tree preservation for hurricane breaks and environmental health. She also requested that the county consider taking ownership of such spaces to avoid future tax issues.

Discussion Items

• CRISI Presentation – R.J. Corman Railroad (Adam Boyles, Ed Quillens, Tyler)
  The railroad has grown from 68 carloads in 2016 to an estimated 8,000–9,000 carloads in 2025, removing approximately 32,000 trucks from Horry County roads. The presentation focused on a $16 million infrastructure improvement project for the county-owned portion of the line (milepost 336 to 342), including replacing 100-year-old 85-pound rail, upgrading crossings, and surfacing track. The project would be funded 70% federal (CRISI grant) and 30% local match, with the county asked to provide 50% of the match for the county portion (approximately $1.5 million). The committee requested more time to review and asked staff to explore grant opportunities with the state and other partners. No formal vote was taken.

• Status Update – MYR Terminal Expansion Project (Judi Olmstead)
  The terminal expansion is approximately four weeks from completion and three weeks ahead of schedule. Photos showed the wall of glass, electrochromic glazing, seating, and gate areas. The project is expected to have a $4.7 million budget savings, which the airport plans to use for renovating the ticketing-level restrooms and flooring (estimated $10 million total, with the balance from passenger facility charges). Spirit Airlines' uncertainty was noted, but the airport had its busiest August to date.

• Update on Landscape, Buffer, and Tree Preservation Ordinance Amendments (Stevie Brown)
  Staff has held two productive meetings with developers, engineers, realtors, and council members. Key points discussed: buffer width requirements, vegetation standards, and implementation. The ordinance will focus on major single-family developments. Two more meetings are planned, and the goal is to bring the ordinance to Planning Commission, INR, and Council for approval. The committee emphasized the importance of inviting all council members to participate in the discussions to avoid surprises.

Resolutions

• Resolution to Accept Roads into County Maintenance System
  The committee approved (motion and second) the acceptance of roads in Clear Pond Tract I, J, & K Phase 2, Eden Springs Phase 1, and Eden Springs Phase 2 into the county maintenance system. A brief discussion occurred about the financial burden of maintaining 1,500+ miles of roads, with staff noting that the county budget is approximately $300,000 per mile for resurfacing (every 20–25 years). The committee asked staff to research other counties' approaches to private roads.

• Resolution to Modify Hours of Operation at Solid Waste Convenience Centers
  Esther Murphy presented a proposal to close all centers at 5:30 PM (from the current 12-hour schedule) and to add Easter Sunday as a closed holiday. The proposal aimed to improve staffing and reduce out-of-county use. Committee members expressed concern about cutting off after-work access and suggested alternative hours (e.g., 7:30 AM or 8 AM to 6 PM). The motion was withdrawn, and the item will be brought back to the next INR meeting for further discussion.

Ordinances

• Ordinance Amending Articles II & XIV – Group Housing
  The ordinance clarifies group home definitions by creating four categories: group homes, community care facilities, halfway facilities, and inpatient drug/alcohol addiction treatment facilities. It also updates the definition of “family” to comply with the Fair Housing Act. The committee voted to move the ordinance forward (motion and second, all in favor).

• Ordinance Amending Article II – Permitted Uses in MA1 District
  This ordinance expands allowed uses in the Limited Manufacturing and Industrial (MA1) district to include repair services, gyms, laundromats, high-voltage retail, and gas stations. The committee voted to approve (motion and second, all in favor).

• Ordinance Amending Towing and Wrecker Services
  The ordinance creates a narrow exception for consensual towing (e.g., a car owner calling a tow truck to a repair shop), removing higher insurance requirements for non-rotational towing. It does not apply to non-consensual (predatory) towing. The committee voted to approve (motion and second, all in favor).

• Ordinance to Prohibit Camping on County Property, Amend Boat Landing Rules, and Enact Park Rules
  The ordinance prohibits camping on all county-owned property, bans alcohol consumption and open display at boat landings, restricts nighttime use, and requires pets on leashes no longer than seven feet in parks (with an amendment to allow designated areas for off-leash). The committee approved the amendment and then the ordinance as amended (motion and second, all in favor).

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Road acceptance for three subdivisions (Clear Pond, Eden Springs Phase 1 & 2).
• Approved: Group housing ordinance (clarifying definitions and fair housing compliance).
• Approved: MA1 district use expansion.
• Approved: Towing ordinance (consensual towing exemption).
• Approved: Camping and park rules ordinance (with amendment for designated off-leash areas).
• Deferred for further discussion: Solid waste center hours (to next INR meeting).
• No formal action: CRISI grant request; staff will explore funding options.
• Future action: Landscape buffer ordinance expected to be drafted after two more meetings.
• Directive: Staff and legal counsel to look into eliminating duplicative historical review processes for buildings within municipalities.