Concerns over the neighborhood amenity zoning district led Georgetown County planners to delay a decision last week. Both residents and representatives agreed the proposed rules need changes to protect local golf courses.
Ongoing Concerns Over Neighborhood Amenity Zoning District
The neighborhood amenity zoning district would apply to Founders Club and Litchfield Country Club golf courses.
Tom Stickler, president of the Hagley Estates Property Owners Association, said the plan needs to better restrict future residential development. Stephen Goldfinch, representing the course owners, said the density limit is too strict.
Founders Group owns the two courses and Indian Wells in Horry County, which have remained vacant after a failed redevelopment attempt.
Currently, the Founders and Litchfield courses are zoned for residential use, with a minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet. Other courses nearby have stricter protections through planned development zones.
The proposed zoning would allow recreational uses while limiting residential development to one home per five acres. Any new lots must also have frontage on existing public roads.
Goldfinch said Founders Group mainly cares about Founders Club, not Litchfield. He noted the Highway 17 frontage could allow limited commercial use.
Stickler questioned claims that the Founders Club is losing money, saying the course stays busy. He also stressed that Hagley’s deed restrictions prevent lot size reductions or boundary changes without a waiver.
He added that state law prevents zoning changes that conflict with deed restrictions. Goldfinch argued that a 2006 declaration removed strict golf course use requirements. Both agreed that the zoning language needs more clarity. Stickler said any allowance for new lots could encourage unwanted development.
At the public hearing, most residents opposed residential use. They urged the county to adopt stricter protections against redevelopment. Goldfinch suggested direct talks with residents to find a compromise.
Next Steps for the Neighborhood Amenity Zoning District
The Georgetown County Council will consider the zoning issue in May. Cindy Person, representing Keep It Green Advocacy, said no further talks with Goldfinch have occurred since the meeting.
Robin Agnew, president of Litchfield Country Club’s Property Owners Association, said Goldfinch also did not reach out to their group. The association has not taken a position yet. Agnew said the zoning would offer more protection than current rules but warned that banning all uses could backfire.
Person emphasized that Indian Wells remains a cautionary example. She said residents worry that Founders Group could leave the courses vacant again.
