Florence County Planning Commission
The Florence County Planning Commission is a key governmental entity dedicated to fostering sustainable growth and development within Florence County, South Carolina. Established to oversee land use, zoning, and community development, the commission plays a vital role in shaping the region’s residential and commercial landscape. Over recent years, the commission has facilitated substantial housing expansion, approving multiple new subdivisions and residential projects to meet the rising demand for housing. Notably, their recent initiatives include plans for 714 new homes across several developments, which are part of a broader strategy to support economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents. Committed to community enhancement, the commission collaborates with local authorities and transportation departments to ensure sustainable and well-planned expansion.
News Summary
The Florence County Planning Commission has unanimously approved plans for new residential developments that will add 714 homes to the local housing inventory. This includes a new 49-home subdivision in West Florence and modifications to an existing plan on Old Marion Highway, reducing homes from 935 to 665. The developments aim to meet the growing housing demand and will see improvements to local road networks to facilitate the increase in traffic. Overall, these projects signify significant growth in Florence’s housing market.
Florence, South Carolina – The Florence County Planning Commission has recently approved plans for new residential developments that will expand the housing inventory in the area by a total of 714 homes. This significant step follows a unanimous decision by the commission during its June meeting, where two key subdivision plans were greenlit.
The first subdivision entails the creation of a new 49-home development situated in West Florence. Located at the intersection of North Ebenezer Road and South Wessex Drive, this project is roughly a five-minute drive from the bustling Magnolia Mall. Spanning an area of 46.08 acres, less than half of this land (approximately 22 acres) will be designated for residential lots. The residential lots are expected to mirror the sizes of those found within the nearby Wessex subdivision, with widths varying between 50 to 60 feet. A noteworthy aspect of the design includes a variance approved for a hammerhead cul-de-sac layout in compliance with fire code requirements, departing from the traditional cul-de-sac design.
Additionally, the commission has approved modifications to a previously sanctioned subdivision on Old Marion Highway and East Palmetto Street. This plan has seen a reduction in the number of homes from 935 to 665. Similar to the new West Florence development, this project will also require a few procedural steps before construction can commence. Both subdivisions together mark a crucial development milestone within Florence County.
A comprehensive traffic study was submitted alongside these development proposals, indicating a need for improvements to local road networks, especially starting from the ninth phase of the West Florence project. These improvements will be coordinated with the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
These recent developments in Florence County come on the heels of five other subdivision approvals made earlier in 2025. This includes plans for 195 new homes in Quinby, which received approval in January near an electric vehicle battery plant, and an expansion of the Cedar Crest subdivision that will add 82 new homes as approved in February. In January, over 600 new homes across two different subdivisions were also sanctioned by the city of Florence Planning Commission.
The surge in home construction is significant, as Florence’s home inventory has seen an astounding increase of 88.1% in January compared to the same period last year. The new subdivisions are anticipated to cater to a diverse range of housing needs, appealing to various income levels and backgrounds. This rapid growth in housing is being driven by underlying economic projects in the vicinity of Florence County, indicating a broader trend towards expansion and development.
As the approved subdivisions move towards completion through 19 planned phases, the Florence County Planning Commission’s recent actions signal a commitment to accommodate the increasing demand for residential properties in the region. Once the final procedural requirements are satisfied, these developments are expected to offer not only new housing options but also an economic boost to the local community.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Florence County New Homes
- Wikipedia: Florence, South Carolina
- Wilco Sun: Florence Tackles Infrastructure Needs
- Google Search: Florence South Carolina development
- Post and Courier: 82 New Homes Expansion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florence, South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.