Posted on October 29, 2025
York County Council approved second reading Jan. 21 for rezoning case 24‑59 (tax map 56100022) to change a 1.47‑acre parcel from RMX‑20 to LI (light industrial) to allow marine construction and dredging operations. The council attached a condition requiring a deed restriction to limit incompatible uses — commissioners specified examples such as manufacturing, gas stations and car washes — and directed that draft language be provided before the third reading. The motion passed 7–0.
The rezoning followed public comments from multiple lakefront residents asking the county to allow operations that could maintain lake access and water depth. Ray Weber, chairman of the Lake Wylie Marine Commission, described an invasive species (described in the record as “Lingbia”) and said treatment and ongoing dredging will be needed; he and other residents said existing marine construction businesses are limited and local owners have sought a local base for dredging and related marine services. Residents Laurie Lucky and Bob Lucky described navigability and silt problems that have affected boat access and urged approval of a business that would provide dredging services in the area.
Staff reported that several businesses hold South Carolina licenses to perform marine construction and dredging, including the applicant, and that neighbors have requested dredging services. Planning staff and the planning commission had recommended denial on comprehensive‑plan grounds (planning staff noted the county future‑land‑use map designates the area as neighborhood residential). During debate, several council members said they supported a deed restriction to limit long‑term incompatible uses while allowing a small‑scale marine construction/dredging use that property owners say is necessary to maintain lakefront property values and access.
Council approved second reading with a deed‑restriction condition and the item will return with draft language for the final reading; staff indicated the applicant intends to purchase the parcel.
