Development News for Fountain Inn, South Carolina

Fountain Inn Council Postpones Decision on New Apartment Buildings

The City Council approved on first and final reading a major change to an existing Flexible Review District (FRD) for SP 2026-01. This change allows for the combination of the subject property with an adjacent parcel, enabling the construction of two new apartment buildings on the combined site. The project includes one two-story building with six one-bedroom units and one three-story building with 12 two-bedroom units, totaling 18 new units. A total of 41 parking spaces will be provided, with access internal to the existing Levita development and no new access onto Speedway Drive. The Planning Commission voted 5-0 in favor, with no public opposition. Councilmember Don expressed hesitation regarding the parcel's inclusion in multi-family development, but clarification was provided that the overall plan development, originally adopted in the early 90s and later separated into FRDs, encompassed this parcel for residential use. The current owner acquired the parcel recently and is adding these buildings to the existing Levita apartment complex. The motion to approve was initially seconded, but Councilmember Don moved to postpone the item to the June meeting for further clarification on the various planned development and FRD classifications, which was seconded and approved.

Fountain Inn Approves Rezoning for Multi-Occupant Salon on Fairview Street

The City Council considered and approved on first reading a rezoning ordinance for approximately 0.51 acres at 701 Fairview Street. The property is rezoned from GR1 General Residential 1 District to C2 Commercial District. The intended use is a multi-occupant salon. The Planning Commission voted unanimously in favor on April 16th, with no public opposition. Staff noted that multiple adjacent properties are already zoned C2, including a chiropractor's office, and that the rezoning aligns with the comprehensive plan.

Fountain Inn City Council Approves FY2026-2027 Budget on First Reading

The City Council reviewed and approved on first reading the ordinance adopting the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027. The budget is balanced, maintains the current property tax millage of 68.7 mils, and includes minor adjustments to the general fund fee schedule. Highlights include a 3% cost of living adjustment for eligible employees, the addition of one new position in the natural gas department, and changes to overtime and holiday pay for police and fire departments. The budget also incorporates updates to the compensation and classification study, the strategic plan, and a sewer rate study. It includes funding for the completion of the Wall and Jones Street parking lot and Phase 1 of PD Terry City Park improvements using recreation impact fees, which will involve redoing existing tennis courts with new lighting and fencing. There is no budgeted use of fund balances. The public works fee is adjusted to $239 annually, making the solid waste department self-sufficient for the first time. Sewer rates will see a slight increase due to billing partner costs, and natural gas rates will increase to fund infrastructure upgrades. The total authorized expenditures across all funds for FY27 are $40,255,597.