Residents of Greenville, South Carolina have expressed varied responses to proposed zoning changes, especially those related to environmental protections and neighborhood development.
One significant zoning amendment approved unanimously by the Greenville County Planning Commission involves strengthening protections for Paris Mountain, classified as an Environmentally Sensitive District (ESD-PM). This amendment clarifies permitted uses to better protect the mountain from structures or easements that could cause environmental damage. The approval followed earlier amendments with similar intent, reflecting community support for conservation efforts in environmentally sensitive areas.
In other rezoning cases, there were mixed responses:
The proposal to rezone a suburban residential area to agricultural preservation was unanimously denied, indicating residents’ preference to maintain current land use rather than converting to agriculture.
Conversely, rezoning requests to create mixed employment centers and multifamily residential districts in neighborhoods like Pleasant Valley and Parker were unanimously approved, suggesting support for diversified land uses and development that could stimulate local economy and housing availability.
Public hearings for other rezonings, such as requests to convert lots for residential or commercial uses, saw some residents voicing support citing alignment with neighborhood character and master plans, while others raised concerns about how changes might impact infrastructure and neighborhood safety.
Overall, Greenville residents seem to embrace zoning amendments that protect natural resources and align with comprehensive planning goals, but are cautious about changes that might disrupt established community patterns or increase density without corresponding infrastructure support. These insights come from recent planning commission meetings and public hearing discussions held in 2025, which reflect a community engaged in balancing growth with preservation.
SOURCES
[1](https://greenvillejournal.com/community/greenville-county-planners-ok-amendments-to-paris-mountain-zoning-ordinance/)
[2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1RJo3S–Hg)
[3](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cG7jf85MrWM)
[4](https://www.greenvillesc.gov/182/Zoning-Development-Code)
[5](https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/politics/2025/09/03/paris-mountain-conservation-greenville-county-council-zoning-development-ordinance/85947842007/)
