Cayce City Council has approved 6-month moratorium on residential subdivisions.

The moratorium includes applications and the administrative processing for new large-scale multi-family residences of 15 or more.

These include rental or owner-occupied apartments or condominiums) complexes of more than 4 living units.

Similar moratoriums are being considered in fast-growing areas such as Clemson and elsewhere.

"City leaders along with our Cayce residents and business owners have been clear about the importance of smart growth for the future of our city," said Cayce spokeswoman Ashley Hunter. 

She pointed out that the city has replaced 75% of its water lines. 

But builders are not pleased with the moratorium. 

Earl McLeod, executive director of the Building Industry Association of Central South Carolina said "The BIA questions why a moratorium is necessary. According to information collected by Central Midlands Council of Governments, there were 3 building permits for single family dwellings issued in Cayce in 2018."

Hunter said: "Even though we have had few residential permits over the last couple of years, we recognize that Cayce is a desirable place to build because of the low cost of living, our central location to transportation and recreational hubs, as well as being the only full-service city in Lexington County. 

"In the past 5 years we have enjoyed working with developers on residential projects like Indigo at Brickworks, Congaree Bluff, Advenir at One Eleven, Otarre Pointe and Concord Park." 

She said the moratorium allows the city "to study growth, identify infrastructure needs and gain valuable public input, as well as adding to our modern, business-friendly policies."

But McLeod says this is not a good economic development move.

"The business community needs dependable policies to expand and grow. It is important to understand retail and commercial businesses do not locate in areas without  residential roof tops," he said. 

"The BIA would hope that city council will consider the long range impact of a moratorium which could extend well beyond 180 days and reconsider the need for a moratorium." 

Hunter said the city respects the builders' position but the moratorium will be short and beneficial. 

"We always have and will continue to value the role of developers," said Hunter. "Taking a brief pause to study and implement smart growth policies for our community adds to that value. 

"These policies will guide Cayce to grow the right way, making us an even more desirable place to invest. 

"The results of this housing study will provide valuable information that our residents have asked for and information that will be beneficial to businesses and economic development.”