PRAR Local Government Watch: What REALTORS® Need to Know This Week
York, Lancaster & Chester Counties
This week’s headlines: Lancaster County’s development ordinance advances toward final approval, Chester County prepares to consider zoning changes affecting thousands of acres, York County’s Silfab zoning dispute enters a new legal phase, and affordable housing proposals and infrastructure investments continue moving through local government.
Local government decisions continue to influence housing availability, development opportunities, property rights, infrastructure, and the cost of real estate throughout our region.
The past week brought several confirmed actions, while important zoning hearings and County Council meetings are scheduled for October 19–20.
As always, PRAR is separating confirmed actions from proposals and upcoming decisions so REALTORS® understand what has changed, what is still being considered, and why these issues matter to their businesses and clients.
Information current as of Monday morning, October 19, 2026.
CONFIRMED ACTIONS: WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK
Lancaster County Advances Unified Development Ordinance to Final Reading
Lancaster County’s comprehensive rewrite of its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) moved another step forward on October 12.
County Council voted 6-0 to approve second reading of Ordinance 2026-2059, which would replace the County’s existing development regulations.
The proposed ordinance addresses zoning, housing types, subdivisions, development standards, infrastructure requirements, and other land-use regulations.
During the meeting, a representative of the Manufactured Housing Institute of South Carolina raised concerns about proposed restrictions involving manufactured homes and replacement homes in certain zoning districts.
Those concerns remain part of the public discussion; they do not establish that the proposed ordinance violates state law.
Final reading is scheduled for October 26 at 6:00 p.m. The ordinance has not yet been adopted. WRHI
Why It Matters to REALTORS®
Few local regulations affect more aspects of real estate than a Unified Development Ordinance.
The proposed changes could influence housing choices, permitted land uses, subdivision development, density, infrastructure requirements, development costs, and private property rights.
The discussion surrounding manufactured housing is particularly relevant to housing affordability and property-use options.
For REALTORS® working with landowners, builders, investors, or clients purchasing property with development potential, understanding the adopted ordinance will be important.
What Happens Next: Lancaster County Council is scheduled to consider third and final reading on October 26.
Member Resource: Review Lancaster County’s Proposed UDO and Meeting Schedule
Lancaster City Advances Affordable Housing Proposal
Lancaster City Council gave first-reading approval October 13 to a rezoning request that would allow a proposed 12-unit affordable apartment development at 273 Dixon Road.
The approximately 1.03-acre property would be rezoned to Multifamily Residential.
According to information presented to Council, the proposed development would include 12 three-bedroom apartments in a two-story building, with an estimated project cost of $3 million.
The developer indicated that rents would be income-based and would not exceed the applicable HUD fair market rent referenced in the proposal.
The project remains subject to additional approvals, including second reading scheduled for October 27.
Council also received information about approximately $2.8 million in state appropriations supporting public projects, including the Lindsay Pettus Greenway and the redevelopment of the historic Ellen Dean Hotel. WRHI
Why It Matters to REALTORS®
Housing affordability and housing choice remain important issues throughout the PRAR region.
Smaller multifamily developments can provide additional rental housing opportunities, particularly when affordability restrictions are part of the project.
The Ellen Dean Hotel redevelopment also demonstrates how historic preservation and adaptive reuse can contribute to downtown housing and commercial activity.
The planned $11.5 million redevelopment would create 18 market-rate apartments along with ground-floor office and retail space. Financing and construction are not yet complete. WRHI
What Happens Next: The Dixon Road rezoning and two related annexation ordinances are scheduled to return to Lancaster City Council for second reading October 27.
York County and Silfab Solar File New Lawsuits Concerning Fort Mill Zoning Dispute
A closely followed York County land-use dispute entered another legal phase last week.
On October 16, York County and Silfab Solar filed separate declaratory-judgment lawsuits concerning the company’s manufacturing facility at 7149 Logistics Lane near Fort Mill.
The dispute involves whether a previous Board of Zoning Appeals interpretation concerning solar panel manufacturing in a Light Industrial zoning district applies to a facility that received County approvals before that interpretation.
Silfab argues that its prior approvals and vested rights permit its operations. York County is asking the court to clarify the legal effect of the zoning decision on those previously issued approvals.
The filings follow earlier court proceedings concerning the property’s permitted industrial uses.
The new lawsuits have been filed, but no final ruling in either declaratory-judgment action has been issued. Fort Mill Sun
Why It Matters to REALTORS®
This case raises questions about how zoning interpretations interact with previously issued approvals and development rights.
For REALTORS®, particularly those involved in commercial and industrial transactions, zoning verification is an important part of property due diligence.
A property’s zoning classification, permitted uses, existing approvals, and conditions attached to development can all affect its potential use.
The case also demonstrates why members should distinguish between a zoning interpretation, an existing permit, and a final judicial determination.
What Happens Next: The court proceedings will determine the disputed legal questions. PRAR will continue following documented decisions as they become available.
UPCOMING DECISIONS & ISSUES TO WATCH
Chester County: Major Zoning Changes Affecting More Than 4,000 Acres Head to Public Hearing
One of this week’s most substantial land-use discussions will occur in Chester County.
The Chester County Planning Commission meets Tuesday, October 20, at 6:00 p.m., with multiple rezoning requests and a proposed zoning ordinance amendment on its agenda.
The County is proposing to rezone four properties in the Richburg area, totaling approximately 4,168 acres, from the I-77 Economic Development District to Rural Two zoning.
The properties are located along or near Mountain Gap Road, Old Mill Road, and Peden Bridge Road.
The County is also proposing to remove the I-77 Economic Development District classification from its zoning ordinance.
Additional proposals include changing approximately 726 acres from General Industrial to Limited Industrial zoning and rezoning two properties totaling approximately 42 acres near J.A. Cochran Bypass to General Residential.
These are proposed zoning changes. No final rezoning or ordinance adoption has occurred through the scheduled Planning Commission hearing. Chester County
Why It Matters to REALTORS®
These proposed changes could significantly alter the range of permitted uses for affected properties.
A change from an economic-development district to rural zoning may affect future development opportunities, permissible uses, and the regulatory requirements applicable to land.
Similarly, changing industrial classifications may alter the types of businesses or industrial activities permitted on a property.
The residential rezoning requests also warrant attention because zoning classifications can influence future housing options and development feasibility.
For REALTORS® representing landowners, commercial clients, developers, or investors, understanding the existing and proposed zoning classifications is particularly important.
What Happens Next: The Planning Commission will review the proposals October 20. Its recommendations are not the same as final County Council approval.
Member Resource: View the October 20 Chester County Planning Commission Agenda
Chester County Council: Industrial Rezonings, Road Improvements and Wastewater Property on Tonight’s Agenda
Chester County Council meets tonight, October 19, at 6:00 p.m.
Several items on the official agenda have direct real estate implications.
Council is scheduled to consider third reading of an amended industrial rezoning involving approximately 103 acres at 1328 Cedarhurst Road. The request would establish General Industrial zoning on approximately five acres while placing the remaining approximately 98 acres within Restricted Industrial zoning.
Additional second-reading requests include two properties on Lancaster Highway near Fort Lawn, totaling approximately 161 acres, proposed for Limited Industrial and Restricted Industrial classifications.
Council is also scheduled to review recommendations for roads to be paved using 2027 annual C-Funds.
Another agenda item involves an ordinance authorizing the potential conveyance of approximately 2.76 acres at Lancaster Highway and Ballymena Road to the Chester Sewer District, which operates as Chester County Wastewater Recovery.
These are scheduled Council considerations—not confirmed approvals as of publication. Chester County
Why It Matters to REALTORS®
Industrial development, transportation improvements, and wastewater infrastructure are closely connected.
Land-use decisions can influence employment locations, traffic patterns, infrastructure capacity, and surrounding development opportunities.
For REALTORS®, understanding where these investments and zoning changes are being considered provides useful context when working with property owners, businesses, and investors.
Member Resource: Review the October 19 Chester County Council Agenda
York County: School Impact Fees and Development Costs Remain Under Review
York County continues evaluating potential changes affecting the cost of new residential development.
The York County Planning Commission’s October 12 agenda included a report from York School District One concerning a proposed impact fee on new residential development.
The meeting also included rezoning requests involving property on Ridley Street in Rock Hill and Bethel School Road in the Clover area.
The impact-fee item was part of the Planning Commission’s scheduled review. A final fee adoption has not been verified. MyTownView
York County Council’s next meeting is scheduled for October 19 at 6:00 p.m. at the Government Center in York. Specific decisions should be confirmed through the County’s official meeting records. York County Clerk’s Portal
Why It Matters to REALTORS®
School impact fees are intended to help address school-facility needs associated with residential growth.
However, development fees also become part of the costs considered by builders and developers when determining the financial feasibility of new housing.
For REALTORS®, understanding which fees apply, how they are calculated, and when new rates become effective can be important when discussing land development and new construction with clients.
What Happens Next: PRAR will continue following the proposed school impact fee and any subsequent County Council consideration.
Lancaster County: EMS Station Costs Highlight Infrastructure Funding Challenges
Lancaster County is also reviewing how to fund two planned emergency medical service stations.
During the October 12 Council meeting, officials reported that construction bids for proposed stations in Heath Springs and Van Wyck total approximately $7.8 million.
Available capital-project funding totals approximately $3.6 million, leaving a projected funding gap of about $4.2 million.
County staff received informal direction to explore options for completing both facilities and is expected to return with a funding proposal.
No final funding solution was adopted during that discussion. WRHI
Why It Matters to REALTORS®
Public-safety facilities are part of the infrastructure needed to serve growing communities.
As development expands, local governments must evaluate the costs associated with emergency services, roads, utilities, schools, and other public facilities.
Those decisions can influence government budgets, long-term capital planning, and the cost of accommodating future growth.
For REALTORS®, infrastructure funding remains an important component of understanding the broader housing and development environment.
York County: I-77 Lane Closures Scheduled Through October 22
The South Carolina Department of Transportation announced additional bridge repair work affecting Interstate 77 in York County.
Beginning October 18, the two right northbound lanes between mile markers 81 and 82, near Cherry Road, were scheduled to close for bridge deck repairs.
The closures are expected to remain in place through Thursday, October 22.
Additional construction and roadway improvements continue throughout the I-77 corridor. SCDOT
Why It Matters to REALTORS®
Transportation improvements and construction activity can influence accessibility, commute times, property showings, business activity, and development patterns.
Members working with clients in the affected areas should be aware of the temporary closures and verify current traffic conditions when scheduling appointments.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: LAND USE AND INFRASTRUCTURE CONTINUE TO SHAPE OUR REGION
This week’s developments reinforce an important connection across York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties.
The future of housing depends on more than the number of homes being built.
It is also influenced by zoning regulations, infrastructure availability, public services, development costs, and the rules governing how property may be used.
Lancaster County is approaching a final decision on its development ordinance while considering new housing and public infrastructure.
Chester County is evaluating substantial changes to industrial, rural, and residential zoning.
York County continues reviewing development-related costs and navigating questions involving previously approved industrial uses.
These decisions can affect housing availability, development opportunities, business investment, property ownership, and future community growth.
Understanding the issues before final decisions are made helps REALTORS® stay informed about the local conditions affecting real estate.
THE BOTTOM LINE FOR PRAR MEMBERS
Real estate is local, and decisions made by local governments can have lasting implications for our communities.
This week’s update includes both confirmed developments and important proposals that have not yet received final approval.
Lancaster County’s UDO has passed second reading, but final consideration remains ahead. Lancaster City has advanced a proposed affordable housing rezoning. York County’s Silfab dispute has entered new legal proceedings. Chester County has significant zoning proposals scheduled for public review.
PRAR will continue monitoring local government throughout York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties, focusing on housing supply and affordability, private property rights, zoning and land use, infrastructure, taxation, development costs, and economic growth.
Our goal is to help members understand what has changed, what is being proposed, and why it matters to your business, your clients, and the communities you serve.
Real estate is local. Your REALTOR® Association is paying attention.
PRAR Local Government Watch is provided for general member awareness. Proposed ordinances, rezonings, development applications, fees, and meeting schedules may change throughout the public process. Members should verify property-specific zoning, taxation, permitting, and development requirements directly with the appropriate jurisdiction.