Greenville Ag Zoning District

In 2021, Upstate Forever supported a successful citizen-led movement urging Greenville County Council to establishing an important new tool to preserve farmland — an Agricultural Preservation Zoning District ("Ag Zoning District"). 

Ag Zoning Districts serve as a tool to preserve prime farmland and ensure that future development does not negatively impact the livelihoods of local farmers, nor the economic viability of their farms. They establish a voluntary option for property owners to pursue zoning their land, if they so choose — they do NOT enact or change zoning anywhere in the county. 

A citizen-led effort from the start, the Ag Zoning District ordinance was informed by farmers and residents living in the county's most rural areas — in other words, those impacted most. Despite the fact that the ordinance simply established a new voluntary tool for preservation, the issue became contentious, and the ordinance was in danger of failing. However, many dedicated residents came out in full force to support Greenville's farms. Hundreds of citizens signed petitions, made calls, and attended meetings urging the district's adoption. Thanks to their efforts, Greenville County Council unanimously approved the new Ag Zoning District in November of 2021. 

Now that the Ag Zoning District has been established, interested landowners can pursue zoning their property for agricultural use. We are grateful to the residents, businesses, advocacy groups, and County Council members who made this success possible!