Union County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Union County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Data Centers and Cryptomining Regulations
The board will consider a text amendment to the Development Ordinance that would set rules for where and how data centers and cryptomining operations can operate in Union County. As these facilities look for places to build across the region, this decision could shape what kinds of large industrial tech operations are allowed near residential areas.
Minor Subdivision Definition and Applicability
The county is looking at tightening rules on land splits by changing how many lots you can carve out before triggering heavy county review. Right now, cutting up to eight lots is considered a minor subdivision with minimal hassle, but commissioners want to drop that to four lots to help slow down farmland loss and manage rural traffic.
Light Industrial Rezoning along U.S. 601
Randall York requested a rezoning of 26 acres along U.S. 601 from RA-40 to Light Industrial after withdrawing a previous heavy industrial proposal. The applicant intends to use the site to store equipment and build a workshop, while addressing existing code issues on the property.
Variance Request for Undersized Residential Lot on Richardson Road
Augustine Properties requested a variance to build a single-family home on a half-acre lot that was previously split without going through formal subdivision approval. Neighbors and board members raised concerns that granting the variance would violate lot size rules and set a precedent for higher density or future subdivision of surrounding farmland.
York Heavy Industrial Rezoning Request
An applicant requested a straight rezoning of 26 acres along US 601 from residential-agricultural to heavy industrial. Neighbors and planning staff highlighted severe code enforcement concerns, unpermitted dumping, and environmental encroachment into flood zones.
Claude Austin Road Variance Request
A property owner requested a lot size variance after state road right-of-way expansions left their front parcel slightly below minimum area requirements, preventing them from replacing an aging family manufactured home.
Beulah Church Road Commercial Operating Hours
A developer requested longer operating hours (6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.) for an approved shopping center parcel at Beulah Church and Waxhaw Indian Trail roads. Nearby homeowners expressed worries about early morning noise, lighting, and increased traffic from potential tenants like coffee shops and clinics. The board recommended approval after adding strict rules for solid sound-barrier walls and daytime-only dumpster pickup.
House of Pearls Residential Recovery Facility Rezoning
The House of Pearls is seeking a conditional rezoning on Camden Road to build a faith-based residential drug rehabilitation campus for up to 80 women. Supporters and graduates shared powerful personal testimony about how the program saves lives from addiction, while the board evaluated land use consistency and master plan development standards.
McAlister Rezoning Petition (RZ-2026-004)
An applicant requested to rezone an 10.8-acre property on Pageland Highway from Highway Corridor to Light Industrial to make the property more marketable for future commercial or industrial uses.