Horry County Infrastructure & Regulation Committee Meeting - April 14, 2026

The Infrastructure & Regulation Committee convened at 9:00 AM on April 14, 2026, in the Horry County Government & Justice Center. The meeting, chaired by Al Allen, covered a wide range of topics including departmental recognitions, code enforcement updates, funding transfers for capital projects, leases, zoning text amendments, and development impact fees. Public input addressed the Solid Waste Authority's landfill expansion and proposed data center regulations.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda contents and the minutes from the February 10, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Amelia Woods (personal capacity, former teacher, member of multiple organizations) expressed concerns about the Solid Waste Authority's process for wetland filling permits. She argued that the authority has historically presented alternatives (e.g., transfer stations) in formal plans, but those alternatives are now missing from the current budget. She urged the committee to hold a workshop with broader stakeholder participation, including the South Carolina Environmental Law Project.
• Matt Charowski (resident) opposed the proposed data center zoning amendments, stating that setbacks of 200 feet for buildings and 300 feet for equipment are insufficient based on local experiences with industrial uses near homes. He cited noise, dust, and water quality impacts, and recommended increasing setbacks, enforcing noise limits, and protecting water resources.
• Renee Ruff (resident) warned against repeating incompatible zoning patterns, comparing data centers to industrial plants placed near homes. She questioned the benefits of data centers to ratepayers, the risk of water and energy strain, and demanded that billion-dollar companies pay for their own infrastructure without burdening the public.

Discussion Items

• Recognitions: Ray Dunham, Parks & Recreation Director, recognized Nicole Herrera for earning the Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) designation from the National Recreation and Parks Association.
• Code Enforcement Department Overview: Tommy Smith, Code Enforcement Director, presented a department overview. The department has 72 employees (75% certified), performed 123,360 inspections in 2025 (a 10% decrease from 2024), and processed over 17,000 permits (5% decrease). He highlighted a new EPL software system launching June 2, 2026, that will allow digital submissions and inspections. The department also manages the county's floodplain and abatement programs.

Resolutions

• Goretown Fire Project (Resolution R-26-XX) : Jamie Norman requested a $300,000 budget increase (from $2,576,000 to $2,876,000) to cover higher-than-expected bids. Funding will come from interest income on GO 2022A bonds. The committee approved an amendment to reflect the additional source and then approved the amended resolution unanimously.
• Aynor Recreation Center Project (Resolution R-26-XX) : Norman requested a $3,500,000 budget increase (from $11,000,000 to $14,500,000) due to scope changes (added fields, lighting, concessions, walking trail). Funding sources include interest income ($415,000), recreation CIP contingency ($500,000), Sunday alcohol sales revenue ($735,000), and general CIP contingency ($1,850,000). The committee approved an amendment to specify the sources and then approved the amended resolution unanimously.

Ordinances

• Lease with SC Department of Natural Resources (Ordinance B-26-XX) : County Attorney Randy Haldi presented a 5-year lease renewal for 3,450 sq. ft. in the old Aynor Fire Station at $14/sq. ft. ($48,300 annually). The committee approved unanimously.
• Airport Terminal Lease Agreements (Ordinance C-26-XX) : Ryan Betcher, Airport Director, presented month-to-month leases for four aeronautical operators (TVPX Trust, Falcon Flight Academy, Blue Horizon Aviation, Leadership in Flight Training Academy) for office/storage space at MYR and CRE. Annual rates: $36/sq. ft. at MYR, $26.81/sq. ft. at CRE. The committee approved unanimously after discussion about flight training activity, with assurances that the operators are small and the leases can be terminated with 30 days' notice.
• Data Centers Zoning Amendment (Ordinance D-26-XX) : Heather Davis presented a text amendment to define data centers and set standards (max 80,000 sq. ft. in LI/MA1; 200,000 sq. ft. in MA2/MA3/HI; special exception required above 200,000 sq. ft.; 200-ft. setback from residential buildings, 300-ft. for equipment). After significant discussion about water usage, power demand, quality-of-life concerns, and proximity to residential areas, the committee voted to table the ordinance for further study. An executive session was held (no votes taken) prior to the motion to table.
• Passenger and Product Transportation District (PA1) Amendment (Ordinance E-26-XX) : Stevie Brown proposed allowing accessory outdoor storage and adding uses (linen supply, trade shops, warehouse, bulk landscape supplier, gas stations). The committee approved unanimously.
• Commercial Centers – Vehicle/Equipment Sales (Ordinance F-26-XX) : Brown presented an amendment to allow sale/rental/lease of vehicles and equipment in commercial centers where both uses are permitted, with minimum 5,000 sq. ft. display area and separate parking. The committee approved unanimously.
• Zoning Map Amendments (Ordinance G-26-XX) : Brown clarified that map amendments may be initiated by the Planning Commission, County Council, Zoning Administrator, or Planning Director, restoring language removed in 2020. The committee approved unanimously.
• Development Impact Fees Update (Ordinance 30-2026) : Rajiv Myana presented updated fees based on a new study (Option A = maximum, Option B = moderate reductions, Option C = further reductions, Option TS = high recreation/waste). After discussion, the committee voted to send the ordinance to full council as a whole for discussion, with the understanding that the TS option (previously voted on at first reading) remains the current recommendation. Staff supported options B or C for commercial relief, but committee members emphasized the need for park funding.

Key Outcomes

• Approved funding transfers of $300,000 for Goretown Fire Station and $3,500,000 for Aynor Recreation Center.
• Approved lease renewals with SC DNR (5 years) and four airport tenants (month-to-month).
• Approved zoning text amendments for PA1 district, commercial centers, and zoning map initiation.
• Tabled the data center ordinance for further study on impacts to water, power, and neighborhoods.
• Recommended sending the impact fee ordinance to full council with the TS option (maximizes recreation and waste fees) for final decision.
• Next meeting scheduled for June 10, 2026, at 9:00 AM.