EASLEY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Easley city leaders remain divided on how best to manage future growth.
On Monday, City Council approved the first reading of a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The vote was not unanimous.
Councilwoman Denis Davidson (Ward 2) said UDO originated in response to rapid growth. Davidson explained that more than 200 acres of land were annexed into the city, and over 2,000 housing units approved between 2020 and 2023.
“We cannot slow growth,” Davidson said. “We can do smart growth. We can do better growth.”
She said the UDO significantly reduces the number of lots allowed on one acre of land.
“[For one zoning area], you’re talking about a 50% difference,” Davidson said. “So there have been changes with density.”
Along with Davidson, Councilman Dr. David Ray Jones (Ward 4) also voted in favor of the UDO at Monday night’s meeting.
“We’ve gone through it very in-depth the last eight to 10 months, and it was ready,” said Jones. “I feel great about it. Easley’s a great town. The secret’s out—everybody is coming here.”
Mayor Lisa Talbert also provided the following statement on the city’s UDO:
“I am extremely excited for the future of the City of Easley with the adoption of a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Many dedicated individuals have poured their time, thought, research, and passion into this effort, and I am deeply grateful for their work.
I want to thank our steering and stakeholder committee members, who worked closely with our third-party consultant, beginning in June 2024, as well as the residents who attended public open houses in October last year and shared their input.
Our Planning Commission began reviewing the project in February 2025, preparing it for the council’s legislative decision, and after months of meetings and discussion, we are proud to present a document that provides a responsible path to manage Easley’s growth while protecting what makes our community unique.
I would also like to thank Rico Giani, and MRB Group for their extensive research and detailed work, along with our City Administrator, Planning Department Director, City Planner, and Building Official and his team for the dedication they brought to the process.
There have been questions about density, and it’s important to remember that this issue was already addressed in August of 2023, when the City Council reduced the residential densities by more than 40% across several zoning districts. The UDO was not intended as another round of cuts. Its purpose is broader: to replace decades of patchwork ordinances, strengthen clarity and enforceability, address infrastructure needs, and provide a framework for long-term balanced growth.
This new ordinance gives us a clear guide for Easley’s future-one that will help us grow responsibly, preserve the character of our community, and keep the heart of what makes Easley a place we are proud to call home. I am honored to have been a part of this valuable journey.”
But other leaders say the UDO isn’t ready to implement.
‘I’m not against growth. I want managed growth," said Councilwoman Donna Rainey (Ward 3). “And that includes not only how these subdivisions are dense—it also includes our water, our power, our sewer, our schools. And none of that is being addressed.”
Rainey, one of the two councilors who voted against the UDO, said the city didn’t have enough workshops to address everyone’s concerns. Davidson countered the city held at least eight public input meetings.
Rainey would like the city to extend its moratorium on new developments and fears when it expires in November, Easley won’t be ready for more growth.
“I have a list [of] people who have contacted me,“ said Rainey. ”It’s probably several hundred acres of land people are going to request annexation [for]."
Davidson noted there’s no guarantee the city will get enough votes to extend the moratorium.
“If we don’t pass this UDO, all of this reverts back to the previous [land regulations], which are severely outdated,” she said.
Rainey said she’s not budging on her stance.
“I will continue to vote no,” she said. “Unless, something changes between then and now, and we have discussions.”
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