Florence, South Carolina

Business Development Committee

The Florence Business Development Committee will convene to approve prior minutes and receive an update on Urban Square from Styx Co. The meeting includes a general discussion on business development needs and will consider recommending actions to City Council.

• Approval of June 25, 2026 minutes
• Monthly Urban Square update by Styx Co
• Discussion of business development needs
• Consideration of recommendations to City Council

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will hold public hearings and vote on two variance requests. One seeks relief from residential parking requirements at 1032 Middleton Street. The other requests variances from minimum lot area and width to create a new lot behind 1300 and 1304 West Palmetto Street.

• Public hearing on variance BZA-2026-13 from parking requirements at 1032 Middleton Street (NC-6.1 district)
• Public hearing on variance BZA-2026-14 from minimum lot area and width to create a lot behind 1300 and 1304 West Palmetto Street (NC-15 district)
• Approval of minutes from June 25, 2026 regular meeting

Business Development Committee

Business Development Committee

Parks and Beautification Commission

City Council

Planning Commission

The Florence Planning Commission will hold public hearings on several zoning changes. Items include a request to rezone five parcels on Kuker Street from CR to CBD. Additional proposals seek new zoning designations for parcels on Ascot Drive, Stratton Drive, and eighteen parcels on North Aiken Drive, some pending annexation.

• PC-2026-22 – Rezone five parcels at 206, 208, 210, 211, and 212 Kuker Street from CR to CBD
• PC-2026-23 – Zone parcel at 2711 Ascot Drive as NC-15, pending annexation
• PC-2026-24 – Zone parcel on Stratton Drive as NC-6.3, pending annexation
• PC-2026-25 – Rezone eighteen parcels on North Aiken Drive from NC-6.2 to CG

Design Review Board

The Design Review Board will meet to consider a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness. The board is deciding whether to approve exterior renovations for a property in the D-4 Timrod Park Overlay District.

• DRB-2026-12: Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior renovations at 509 West Pine Street

Business Development Committee

Business Development Committee

Business Development Committee

Board of Zoning Appeals

Parks and Beautification Commission

Planning Commission

Design Review Board

City Council

City Council

Business Development Committee

Board of Zoning Appeals

Business Development Committee

Business Development Committee

Parks and Beautification Commission

Public Safety Citizen Review Board

City Council

City Council

Planning Commission

Design Review Board

Business Development Committee

Board of Zoning Appeals

Business Development Committee

Business Development Committee

Parks and Beautification Commission

City Council

City Council

Planning Commission

Design Review Board

Business Development Committee

Business Development Committee

Business Development Committee

Board of Zoning Appeals

Parks and Beautification Commission

Planning Commission

Design Review Board

City Council

Business Development Committee

Board of Zoning Appeals

Business Development Committee

Business Development Committee

Public Safety Citizen Review Board

Parks and Beautification Commission

City Council

Planning Commission

Design Review Board

Business Development Committee

Business Development Committee

Business Development Committee

Board of Zoning Appeals

Parks and Beautification Commission

City Council

Planning Commission

Design Review Board

Business Development Committee

Business Development Committee

Business Development Committee

Board of Zoning Appeals

Parks and Beautification Commission

City Council

Design Review Board

Business Development Committee

Business Development Committee

Business Development Committee

Parks and Beautification Commission

Public Safety Citizen Review Board

City Council

Business Development Committee

Business Development Committee

Business Development Committee

Parks and Beautification Commission

City Council

Parks and Beautification Commission

City Council

City Council

City Council

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider three requests regarding property subdivisions and commercial easements. These actions involve specific parcels on South Coit Street, West Palmetto Street, and Stokes Road.

• PC-2026-19: Commercial easement for subdivision at 513 South Coit Street
• PC-2026-20: Commercial easement for subdivision at 2925 West Palmetto Street
• PC-2026-21: Sketch plan review for subdivision along Stokes Road

City Council

The Florence City Council will hold its regular meeting on July 13, 2026. The agenda includes second readings for zoning changes and first readings for ordinances extending a lease with Pee Dee Healthy Start, Inc. and rezoning a property on South Homestead Drive.

• Bill No. 2026-25: Second reading to rezone 901 Rose Street from NC-6.1 to NC-6.2
• Bill No. 2026-17: First reading to extend the lease agreement with Pee Dee Healthy Start, Inc.
• Bill No. 2026-27: First reading to rezone 107 South Homestead Drive from NC-6.1 to CR
• Resolution No. 2026-32: Proclaiming August 2-8, 2026 as National Health Center Week
• Executive Session: Discussion regarding the noise ordinance and proposed Economic Development Project

Design Review Board

The Design Review Board will hold public hearings and consider two Certificate of Appropriateness requests: one to construct an event space at 124 West Evans Street (H-1 Historic District) and another to demolish a building at 314 Warley Street (D-4 Timrod Park Overlay District). The board will also approve minutes from the April 15, 2026 meeting.

• Certificate of Appropriateness for event space construction at 124 West Evans Street (DRB-2026-10)
• Certificate of Appropriateness for demolition of building at 314 Warley Street (DRB-2026-11)
• Public hearings for both projects
• Approval of minutes from April 15, 2026 regular meeting

Public Safety Citizen Review Board

The Florence Public Safety Citizen Review Board will hold a regular meeting with a single substantive item: a hearing that may be conducted in executive session. The agenda is otherwise procedural, including approval of previous meeting minutes.

• Hearing (may be held in Executive Session)

Business Development Committee

The committee will receive a monthly update from Styx Co regarding the Urban Square. Members will also discuss Levy Park and general business development needs for the City of Florence.

• Monthly Urban Square update by Styx Co
• Discussion regarding Levy Park
• General business development needs and considerations for the City of Florence

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider three variance requests for properties in Florence. The body will decide on requests for a minimum lot size at 3801 Breckridge Circle and two requests for accessory structure setbacks at 1767 Marsh Avenue and 4021 West Eagle Street.

• BZA-2026-10: Variance for minimum lot size at 3801 Breckridge Circle (NC-15)
• BZA-2026-11: Variance for accessory structure setbacks at 1767 Marsh Avenue (NC-15)
• BZA-2026-12: Variance for accessory structure setbacks at 4021 West Eagle Street (RG-2)
• Approval of minutes from the May 28, 2026 regular meeting
• Next meeting scheduled for July 23, 2026

Business Development Committee

The committee will meet to conduct general discussions regarding community development efforts for the City of Florence. The agenda includes updates on house demolitions and a report from Building Florence Together - CDC.

• Update on house demolition
• Update from Building Florence Together - CDC

The committee reviewed progress on neighborhood revitalization and community development projects. Updates included the upcoming sale of a home at 412 S. Gaillard Street and a scheduled re-bid for four new homes in the E. Pine Street and Gaillard Street area.

• Approved May 27, 2026, meeting minutes

Business Development Committee

The Florence Finance, Audit & Budget Committee will meet to approve minutes from May 27, 2026, and discuss a procurement policy regarding local vendor preference. The meeting also includes a monthly financial report and general discussion on the city's financial needs.

• Approval of May 27, 2026 minutes
• Discussion on local vendor preference procurement policy
• Monthly financial report (information only)
• General discussion on city financial needs

City Council

Florence City Council holds a special meeting for the second reading of Bill No. 2026-26, an ordinance to amend the city budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. This is the only substantive item on the agenda.

• Second reading of Bill No. 2026-26: ordinance to amend the FY 2026-2027 budget

City Council

This special meeting of Florence City Council includes the first reading of Bill No. 2026-26, an ordinance to amend the city budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. Council will then enter executive session to receive legal advice regarding the bill, with possible action afterward.

• First reading of Bill No. 2026-26 — budget amendment ordinance for FY 2026-2027
• Executive session for legal advice on the budget amendment

Planning Commission

The Florence Planning Commission will consider a request to rezone a property on South Homestead Drive and review a sketch plan for townhomes on East Howe Springs Road.

• Rezoning request for 107 South Homestead Drive (NC-6.1 to CR)
• Sketch plan review for Howe Springs Townhomes at 235 East Howe Springs Road

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget. Members are considering ordinances to adopt the new budget, amend the current budget, and authorize water and sewer system revenue borrowing. The meeting also includes several property rezoning and conveyance requests.

• Public hearing on the City of Florence Fiscal Year budget 2026-2027
• Bill No. 2026-20: Rezoning property on Stokes Road from CG to RG-3
• Bill No. 2026-21: Annexation and zoning of 0.13 acre lot adjacent to 1057 Grove Boulevard
• Bill No. 2026-24: Authorization of water and sewer system revenue borrowing and State Revolving Fund loan
• Bill No. 2026-25: Rezoning 901 Rose Street from NC-6.1 to NC-6.2

Parks and Beautification Commission

The Florence Parks and Beautification Commission will hear presentations including a Tree City Growth Award from the SC Forestry Commission, and requests for events at Dr. Iola Jones Park, Levy Park, Timrod Park, and Veteran's Park. Committee reports cover tree removal, annual plan, by-laws, Arbor Day, and trails. The meeting also includes an executive session to discuss contractual arrangements related to appearances and requests.

• Tree City Growth Award presentation by Frank Waite (SC Forestry Commission Urban Forester)
• Dr. Iola Jones Park event request by Carolyn Mitchell
• Levy Park event request by Ervin Brown
• Timrod Park Picnic Shelter request by Lorenzo Owens
• Veteran's Park request by Brandi Johnson

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will review a public request to vary the size requirement for an accessory structure at 1505 Madison Avenue, located in the NC-15 zoning district. The request is identified as BZA-2026-09 and references Florence County Tax Map Number 90035-12-006. The meeting also includes routine approval of the April 23 minutes and adjourns.

• Variance request (BZA-2026-09) for accessory structure size at 1505 Madison Avenue, NC-15 district

The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a request for a size variance for an accessory structure at 1505 Madison Avenue. The decision allows the applicant to build a larger building than currently permitted by the Unified Development Ordinance due to the lot's specific size and conditions.

• Approved April 23, 2026 minutes (6-0)
• Approved accessory structure variance at 1505 Madison Avenue (6-0)

Business Development Committee

The Finance, Audit & Budget Committee will discuss the city's procurement policy regarding local vendor preference. It will receive the monthly financial report, which is for information only. The committee will hold a general discussion on the city's financial needs and considerations. An executive session is scheduled to discuss two contractual matters referenced under code 60-4-70(a)(2).

• Procurement policy discussion – local vendor preference
• Monthly financial report (information only)
• General discussion on city financial needs and considerations
• Executive session to discuss contractual matter (code 60-4-70(a)(2)) – item a
• Executive session to discuss contractual matter (code 60-4-70(a)(2)) – item b

Business Development Committee

The committee will meet to discuss community development efforts and plan a meeting with non-profit organizations to strengthen the community. The agenda also includes updates on house demolitions and a report from Building Florence Together - CDC.

• Discussion on planning a meeting with non-profit organizations
• Update on house demolition
• Update from Building Florence Together - CDC

The committee approved the minutes from the April 29, 2026, meeting. Members agreed to prepare a resolution recognizing National Homeownership Month for the next City Council meeting. Discussions included nonprofit collaboration and updates on property acquisitions.

• Approved April 29, 2026, meeting minutes
• Agreed to prepare a resolution for National Homeownership Month

Business Development Committee

The Florence Business Development Committee will discuss a monthly Urban Square update from Styx Co and consider a Rail Crossing Elimination Grant. The committee may also take action to recommend items to City Council during general discussion on business development needs.

• Monthly Urban Square update by Styx Co
• Rail Crossing Elimination Grant discussion
• General discussion on business development needs and considerations for the City of Florence
• Approval of minutes from April 16, 2026
• Action may be taken to recommend to City Council

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings and vote on two rezoning requests: one for a 5-acre parcel on Dexter Drive from NC-15 to NC-6.1, and another for a property at 901 Rose Street from NC-6.1 to NC-6.2. Commissioners will also review a sketch plan for Wild Bird Run Phase 8 on Alligator Road.

• PC-2026-14: Rezone 5 acres on Dexter Drive from NC-15 to NC-6.1 (Florence County Tax Map 00150-01-004)
• PC-2026-15: Rezone property at 901 Rose Street from NC-6.1 to NC-6.2 (Tax Map 90114-13-004)
• PC-2026-16: Sketch plan review for Wild Bird Run Phase 8 on Alligator Road (Tax Map 00126-01-395)

The commission unanimously approved two zoning requests. First, it rezoned a 49‑acre parcel on Stokes Road from Commercial General to Residential General‑3 for single‑family homes (6‑0). Second, it approved a pending‑annexation PD zoning for a 0.13‑acre parcel near 1057 Grove Boulevard (6‑0). Both motions passed without opposition.

• Approved rezoning of Stokes Road parcel (CG to RG‑3) for single‑family homes (6‑0)
• Approved PD zoning, pending annexation, for 0.13‑acre parcel near 1057 Grove Blvd (6‑0)

City Council

The Florence City Council will hold public hearings on the FY 2026-2027 budget and on Community Development Block Grant funds. Second readings include annexations at 115 East Red Bud Lane and 875 Stratton Drive, and an ordinance to establish an Opioid Response Commission. First readings include a budget ordinance for FY 2026-2027 (Bill No. 2026-19) and several property transactions. Resolutions include a CDBG budget adoption, downtown redevelopment grants, and traffic calming on Cheves and Coit Streets.

• Public hearings on FY 2026-2027 budget and CDBG fund allocation
• Second reading to annex and zone 115 East Red Bud Lane (RG-3) and 875 Stratton Drive (RG-2)
• First reading of budget ordinance (Bill No. 2026-19) to raise revenue and adopt FY 2026-2027 budget
• First reading of series ordinance for water and sewer revenue borrowing and State Revolving Fund loan
• Resolutions to convey surplus properties to Florence Section National Council of Negro Women and to John and Candace Greenan

The council unanimously adopted several ordinances, including annexations and zoning for two properties, the creation of an Opioid Response Commission with defined member terms, and an amendment to the business license declining rate schedule. It also approved a $2 million appropriation for the Historic Carolina Theater renovation and adopted budget amendments for FY 2025‑2026. All votes were 7‑0 in favor.

• Adopted Bill 2026-11 to annex and zone RG-3 at 115 East Red Bud Lane (7-0)
• Adopted Bill 2026-12 to annex and zone RG-2 at 875 Stratton Drive (7-0)
• Adopted Bill 2026-13 establishing Opioid Response Commission (7-0)
• Amended Bill 2026-13 to set three‑year terms for two members and two‑year terms for others (7-0)
• Adopted Bill 2026-14 amending declining business license rate schedule (7-0)
• Adopted Bill 2026-15 amending FY 2025‑2026 budget (7-0)
• Passed Bill 2026-18 appropriating $2 million for Historic Carolina Theater renovation (7-0)

Parks and Beautification Commission

The commission will meet to discuss event requests for Levy Park, Dr. Iola Jones Park, and Mordecai C. Johnson Community. Members will also receive reports on the Tree City Growth Award and various park oversight updates.

• Event requests for Levy Park, Dr. Iola Jones Park, and Mordecai C. Johnson Community
• Tree City Growth Award report from Adam Swindler
• Committee reports on tree removal, program development, and the annual plan
• Updates on Florence Trails and Arbor Day
• Oversight reports for multiple city parks including Rail Trail and Jeffries Creek Park

The commission adopted a new requirement that anyone requesting a park event must attend the commission meeting, adding the language to the application form. Several community events were approved unanimously, including Betsy Hoyle’s May 2 garden cleanup and Adonikam Hudson’s May 2 gospel event. Two events were deferred to staff discretion or a later meeting, also unanimously. Membership was confirmed as full and a new veteran‑park committee member was added.

• Require event applicants to attend commission meeting before approval (unanimous)
• Approve Betsy Hoyle garden event for May 2 (unanimous)
• Approve Adonikam Hudson gospel event for May 2 (unanimous)
• Defer Shanequa Joe event to staff discretion (unanimous)
• Defer Michael Zimmerman event to next meeting (unanimous)
• Approve additional dates for Betsy Hoyle events (unanimous)
• Add Pastor Martin Quick as veteran‑park committee member (unanimous)
• Confirm commission membership is full (unanimous)

Finance, Audit & Budget Committee

The committee will discuss a budget amendment for the Historic Carolina Theatre renovation project, as well as community programs, the overall budget, and interstate and street lights. An executive session for a contractual matter is also scheduled. The committee may make a recommendation to City Council.

• Budget amendment for Historic Carolina Theatre Renovation Project
• Discussion on interstate and street lights
• Community programs discussion
• Executive session for contractual matter under S.C. Code 30-4-70(a)(2)

City Council

The City Council is meeting for a budget work session. No specific budget items or figures are listed on the agenda.

• Budget work session

The council adopted the proposed FY 2026‑27 budget totaling $157,995,410. A $0.75 increase in the stormwater fee per Equivalent Residential Unit was approved to sustain the Stormwater Utility Enterprise Fund. Various water and sewer projects were outlined, but no votes were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved FY 2026‑27 total budget of $157,995,410
• Approved $0.75 stormwater fee increase per ERU
• Adopted merit increase of 2% for employees meeting expectations
• Adopted additional 2% merit increase for employees exceeding expectations
• Adopted 2.7% cost‑of‑living increase effective Jan 1 2027
• Projected $5,000,000 Freedom Boulevard water line extension funded
• Outlined $29,431,900 Water & Sewer Construction Fund projects
• Outlined $658,790 Stormwater Construction Fund projects

Community Development Committee

The committee will meet to discuss general community development efforts. The agenda includes updates on house demolition, water improvements, and the Affordable Housing Ad Hoc Committee.

• Update on the Affordable Housing Ad Hoc Committee
• Update on house demolition
• Update on marketing water improvements
• Update from Building Florence Together - CDC

The committee approved the minutes from the February 25, 2026 meeting. No other formal actions were taken; members received updates on affordable‑housing planning, eminent‑domain proceedings, water‑infrastructure communication, and recent housing projects. The meeting was adjourned at 3:42 p.m.

• Approved February 25, 2026 meeting minutes (motion passed)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing to discuss a request for variances. The board is deciding whether to allow exceptions to minimum lot width and area requirements to create three new lots.

• BZA-2026-08: Variance request for 900 Rose Street in the NC-6.2 zoning district

The Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved the January 22, 2026 meeting minutes (6‑0). It then approved a variance request to create three new lots from two oversized lots on Hondros Circle in the NC‑15 district, passing 5‑0 with one member abstaining. The meeting was adjourned unanimously (6‑0).

• Approved Jan 22, 2026 minutes (6‑0)
• Approved variance for Hondros Circle lot width (5‑0, 1 abstain)
• Adjourned meeting (6‑0)

City/County Conference Committee

The Florence City/County Conference Committee will discuss several joint initiatives, including the City-County Memorial Stadium Commission, CPSTIII projects, and Jeffries Creek matters. Members will also consider potential future partnerships between the city and county. No decisions are recorded in the agenda; items are for discussion only.

• City-County Memorial Stadium Commission
• City of Florence CPSTIII Projects
• Jeffries Creek
• General discussion on potential City/County Partnerships

Business Development Committee

The committee will receive a monthly update from Styx Co regarding the Urban Square. Members will also hold a general discussion on business development needs and considerations for the City of Florence.

• Monthly Urban Square update by Styx Co
• General discussion on business development needs

Design Review Board

The Florence Design Review Board will hold a public hearing and consider two Certificates of Appropriateness: one to demolish a structure at 711 Brogdon Street and another to remove trees and renovate a building at 510 West Evans Street. The board will also approve minutes from the March 11 meeting.

• DRB-2026-08: Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish 711 Brogdon Street
• DRB-2026-09: Certificate of Appropriateness to remove trees and renovate building at 510 West Evans Street

The board unanimously approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for internally illuminated monument and wall signs at 726 South Irby Street, pending final wall‑color approval. It also unanimously approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for vinyl siding at 308 McLeod Street. Both motions passed with a 7‑0 vote.

• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for monument and wall signs at 726 South Irby St (7-0, pending final wall color)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for vinyl siding at 308 McLeod St (7-0)

Planning Commission

The Florence Planning Commission will hold public hearings on three rezoning applications. One request seeks to change a 49‑acre parcel on Stokes Road from CG to RG‑3. Another seeks PD zoning for a 0.13‑acre parcel adjacent to 1057 Grove Boulevard, pending annexation. A third seeks NC‑6.3 zoning for 3434 James Turner Road, also pending annexation.

• PC-2026-11: Rezone 49‑acre parcel on Stokes Road from CG to RG‑3
• PC-2026-12: Zone 0.13‑acre parcel adjacent to 1057 Grove Boulevard as PD, pending annexation
• PC-2026-13: Zone 3434 James Turner Road as NC‑6.3, pending annexation

The commission unanimously approved the February 10 minutes. It also approved a request to zone the 115 East Red Bud Lane parcel as RG‑3 and a request to zone the 875 Stratton Drive parcel as RG‑2, both pending annexation. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved February 10 minutes (6-0)
• Approved RG‑3 zoning for 115 East Red Bud Lane (6-0)
• Approved RG‑2 zoning for 875 Stratton Drive (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

City Council

The Florence City Council will consider a series of ordinances, including annexations, zoning changes, and amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance. It will also vote on the creation of a new Convention and Visitors Commission and an Opioid Response Commission, as well as updates to business license fees and the city budget. Several resolutions will authorize loan assistance for drinking‑water and sewer projects. An executive session will follow to discuss legal advice on pending contractual matters.

• Bill No. 2026-10 – ordinance to create the Florence City‑County Convention and Visitors Commission
• Bill No. 2026-13 – ordinance to establish an Opioid Response Commission
• Bill No. 2026-14 – ordinance to amend the declining rate schedule for business licenses effective Jan 1 2027
• Resolution No. 2026-22 – acceptance of State Revolving Fund loan assistance for a PFAS study under the Drinking Water Project
• Resolution No. 2026-23 – acceptance of State Revolving Fund loan assistance for the Jeffries Creek Sewer Phase I project

The Florence City Council voted 7-0 to adopt Bill 2026-07, annexing and zoning the 2511 Ascot Drive property as NC-15. It also adopted Bill 2026-08, annexing and zoning the 2710 Trotter Road property as NC-15. In a separate unanimous vote, the council created the Florence City‑County Convention and Visitors Commission through Bill 2026-10.

• Adopted Bill 2026-07 to annex and zone NC-15 at 2511 Ascot Drive (7-0)
• Adopted Bill 2026-08 to annex and zone NC-15 at 2710 Trotter Road (7-0)
• Adopted Bill 2026-10 to create the Florence City‑County Convention and Visitors Commission (7-0)
• Adopted minutes of the March 9, 2026 regular meeting (6-0)

Public Safety Citizen Review Board

The board will meet to approve previous minutes and introduce new members. The agenda includes general discussion regarding the Public Safety Citizen Review Board.

• Approval of January 8, 2026 meeting minutes
• Introduction of new members

Parks and Beautification Commission

The commission will discuss community events at Mordecai C. Johnson and Carolina Bank Stadium. Members will provide reports on the annual plan, by-laws, and various city parks. An executive session is scheduled to discuss proposed contractual arrangements.

• Mordecai C. Johnson Community Event requests
• Carolina Bank Stadium request
• Tree removal request
• Arbor Day planning
• Florence Trails report

General

The Community Development Committee approved the minutes from the January 28 meeting. Members voted to direct staff to plan public‑input events in local barbershops and beauty salons. The committee also approved the makeup of a new Affordable Housing Ad Hoc Committee. No other decisions were made.

• Approval of February 25 meeting minutes
• Motion directing staff to plan outreach events in selected barbershops and beauty salons
• Approval of the Affordable Housing Ad Hoc Committee members from housing authority, Realtors, builders, a developer, city staff, and two community members