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Proposed Laurens Land Use Information

Welcome to the Land Use update information page for the City of Laurens. This resource is designed to provide you with information to learn more about our updated Land Use Ordinance—an important part of Laurens' efforts to prepare for the future while preserving its unique identity and charm. 

 

The City of Laurens has worked diligently with the community to create an ordinance that reflects the needs, values, and vision of our community. This ordinance addresses key priorities such as meeting basic human needs, preserving Laurens’ distinctive character, ensuring sustainable growth, and promoting equity and accessibility for all residents.

On this page, you’ll find:

  • A Fact Sheet summarizing the ordinance and its main features.

  • Media updates - including the latest press releases with announcements and updates.

  • Key Statistics and Quotes highlighting the ordinance’s benefits and community input.

Chapter 44 of The Code of The Ordinances - 2025 Laurens Land Use Ordinance

​This ordinance is a roadmap for Laurens’ future, balancing growth and preservation to create a city where everyone can thrive. Explore the resources here to learn more about how the Land Use Ordinance supports smart growth, sustainability, and the qualities that make Laurens home.

 

We invite you to join us in this journey toward a vibrant, sustainable, and prosperous Laurens!

Links: 

Land Use Ordinance [Draft Jan 24 2025]

Zoning Map [Draft Jan 24 2025]

Historic Overlay District [Draft Jan 24 2025]

Community Character Overlay Districts [Jan 24 2025]

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Proposed Adoption Schedule: 

  • First Reading: January 28, 2025 5:30 PM City Council Meeting & Public Hearing

  • Second Reading: February 18, 2025 5:30 PM City Council Meeting​

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Download Land Use Ordinance

Town Halls Scheduled

Laurens City Council has scheduled two town hall meetings where residents can ask questions. 

  • Monday, February 3rd, at The Ridge (301 Exchange Rd, Laurens) at 5:30 PM

  • Tuesday, February 4th, at Lucas Avenue Baptist Church (101 Lucas Ave, Laurens) at 5:30 PM

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Walkable City Rules: 101 Steps to Making Better Places

"Walkability is good for business. A vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment attracts talent, residents, and investment."

Learn More About Laurens' Updated Land Use Ordinance  - Download the Fact Sheet

The downloadable fact sheet offers a clear, concise overview of the City of Laurens’ updated [proposed] Land Use Ordinance. It highlights the key elements that are shaping our city’s growth, from promoting walkable neighborhoods and preserving historic charm to supporting local businesses and protecting natural resources. Designed to be accessible and informative, the fact sheet outlines how the ordinance ensures balanced, sustainable development while addressing the essential needs of our community. Download it today to see how Laurens is planning for a future that respects its past.

“A walkable neighborhood fosters connection, belonging, and a stronger sense of community.

Download Fact Sheet

Media Information

Insights and Reflections: Statistics, Quotes, and 'Voices from Laurens' Past'

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How to use this Ordinance

The Laurens Zoning Ordinance is intended to facilitate the type of high-quality, vibrant, and sustainable development prescribed by the Laurens Comprehensive Plan . This Ordinance provides standards organized around the following areas:

  • The zoning map divides the City into zoning districts and any applicable overlay districts.

  • The zoning districts regulate the uses, building types, frontage types, building setbacks, number of buildings, landscape surface area, and other standards for a lot in Section 3.

  • The overlay districts may further regulate uses and require additional development standards in Section 4.

  • Use regulations cover the principal, accessory, and temporary uses permitted by zoning district, along with any additional regulations that may apply to a particular use in Section 5.

  • Building types contain the standards that apply to each type of building regulated by this Ordinance in Section 6.

  • Frontage types regulate the type of development along the street edge in Section 7.

  • Development standards in Sections 8 through 18 are organized around transitional features, streets and circulation, parking, open space, landscape, fences, walls, and screening, lighting, signs, utilities, natural resources, and historic resources.

  • The review bodies and their authority are outlined in Section 19.

  • The review and approval procedures for various development applications are found in Section 20.

  • Performance agreement and sureties provide assurance that approved site improvements are completed in Section 21.

  • Enforcement is described in Section 22.

  • Definitions and interpretations are found in Section 23.

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