Spartanburg County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Spartanburg County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Joint industrial park agreements with Cherokee and Union counties
A slate of ordinances would create, amend, or dissolve joint industrial park agreements with Cherokee and Union counties — adding and removing Spartanburg property from shared parks used for economic development deals.
Automatic License Plate Reader restrictions
An ordinance would limit who can use automatic license plate readers and how the data they collect can be used, with penalties for violations — a privacy-versus-policing question.
Wrecker service and towing rule overhaul
Chapter 82 would be amended to revise the Sheriff's Office wrecker rotation list, wrecker operating requirements, and rules for nonconsensual towing from private property.
Woodruff-Roebuck Water District bonds and service area
The water district would be authorized to enlarge its service area and issue up to $20 million in general obligation bonds to fund water infrastructure.
Roadside parking ban in unincorporated areas
First reading passed of an ordinance banning parking, stopping and standing along certain county roads — a safety measure that will affect drivers and residents along the designated roads once finalized.
Police Chief Appointment
Spartanburg has a new police chief: Art Littlejohn was just sworn in. If you care about public safety and how the department runs, he’s now the person to watch.
Setback Variance Request at 1401 Asheville Highway
Gustavo Martinez and Elda Cruz are requesting a 28-foot variance to reduce the front setback from 50 feet to 22 feet at 751 New Cut Road in Una.
Commercial and industrial site plans (Ironbay Garage Units, Overhill Warehouses, Shoppes at Turkey Creek)
Three major land development applications were scheduled for action: a retail preliminary plat and two site plans for garage/warehouse uses. Their outcomes affect commercial and industrial growth in Districts 2, 3 and 6.
Unpermitted church construction resolved through variances
A Forest Hill Road church built additions without permits and got caught by county code enforcement in 2025. Instead of tearing buildings down or moving them, the church sought setback variances, which the board granted unanimously. Neighbors in the industrial/commercial area raised no objections.
NorthMark Strategies Project Information
The committee received an informational briefing regarding the NorthMark Strategies Project proposed at 4000 S. Pine Street. No formal decisions or votes were scheduled for this briefing.
Joint Government Center Construction
Spartanburg just hoisted the final beam onto its brand-new joint government center. This shared space is designed to make local services way easier and faster to access for everyone living in the area.
Homeless Shelter
Spartanburg is exploring the creation of a new low-barrier homeless shelter to provide immediate resources and housing support for individuals currently living without shelter. This initiative aims to address chronic unsheltered homelessness by expanding city-backed services.
Unpermitted Signage Notice of Violation Appeal
A Landrum property owner appealed a county violation notice for putting up commercial advertising signs without getting the required zoning permits. The board upheld the violation, noting that signs need permits and must follow spacing rules.
Residential Setback Variances for Cowpens Corner Lot
A property owner requested three setback variances to build a single-family home on a tiny, legacy corner lot in Cowpens. Because the lot touches two streets, standard setbacks left almost no room to build, so the board approved the reductions.
Variance Request for 107 Yellow Lane Lot Frontage
A variance request to reduce the minimum lot frontage requirement under the subdivision regulations for 107 Yellow Lane in Greer.
Cotton Owens Drive Flex Development Site Plan
Review of a major site plan for Cotton Owens Drive Flex Development in Council District 3.
Copper Line Townes Preliminary Plat
Review of a major preliminary plat for Copper Line Townes in Council District 6 under the Unified Land Management Ordinance.
Animal Services and Trap-Neuter-Return Program
Public commenters raised concerns regarding the suspension and funding of the Trap-Neuter-Return feral cat program and animal overpopulation. Council clarified that TNR funding will continue and additional animal services funding is under review.
Historic Preservation
A local group wants to rebuild the old clock tower at the Spartanburg County courthouse, which would noticeably change the downtown skyline. It's a big nostalgia play that could shake up the area's visual vibe.
Government Closures
Local government offices and schools across Spartanburg County are shutting down today because of incoming severe weather, so definitely double-check before you head out. Stay safe and avoid making unnecessary trips while the storm passes.
Municipal Scam Investigation
Spartanburg County is investigating a financial scam that targeted the city of Inman, highlighting major security gaps in local government funds. This cyber threat is a wake-up call for how easily municipal money can be compromised.
Public Building Design
Spartanburg's new joint city and county complex has finished its design phase and is officially moving into construction. This big project brings local government operations together under one roof, making it easier for residents to handle city and county business in one spot.
Stadium Development
Spartanburg is getting a brand-new minor league baseball stadium and team. Expect a totally fresh entertainment option downtown, but also brace for some new traffic headaches on game nights.
Cybersecurity Breach
Spartanburg County got hit by a ransomware attack that's slowing down local government services and raising privacy concerns. If you deal with county offices, you might hit some frustrating delays while they sort this out.