Lexington County Council’s move to put restrictions on new apartment complexes and multi-family housing projects received widespread support at a public hearing held Nov. 15.

Proposed new amendments to the county’s ordinances governing housing developments would cap new apartment complexes to no more than 200 units. The changes would also require a three-mile separation between multi-family housing projects. Buffers would be required to make sure housing projects are separated enough for green space.

The new regulations would additinally address street access directives to apartment complexes. Residential development with 200 or more dwelling units must provide two unimpeded street access points to the development, as well as adding address requirements for “tiny homes,” structures that are 400 square feet or less. Those new “tiny home” regulations would apply the same rules applicable to mobile homes.

Lexington County Director of Community Development Robbie Derrick noted that the housing and “tiny home”-specific amendments could eventually be pulled together in larger documents, with other proposed changes, with those fully fleshed-out documents also potentially getting a public hearing down the line.

Newly elected Lexington Town Council Member Will Allen was among the residents who voiced strong support for the regulations.

“There is a huge undercurrent of support” for the restrictions, he said.

Chapin resident Liesha Huffstetler said limiting apartment complexes to 200 units is sensible. She also voiced support for “screening” regulations in the new restrictions, which would provide green space and buffers surrounding housing projects.

Some residents simply voiced a “thank you” to the council during the hearing.

While voicing support for the regulations, some residents said more needs to be done to assure citizens that the emergency response needed from law enforcement, firefighters and EMS teams is adequate. One resident complained that it took hours for police to respond to a break-in at her home.

Increased staffing for the police department has been a priority for the town of Irmo during the past several months.The town has increased the salaries and upgraded benefits in an effort to retain personnel.

County Council didn’t hear any opposition to the new regulations plan at the public hearing. But the county did invite residents to send electronic communications expressing positive and negative opinions.

In an interview with the Chronicle after the hearing, Council Vice Chair Darrell Hudson said the new regulations are not ready for final approval. He said the council will continue to review the amendments and make adjustments. He said an official adoption of the new rules will take a few more weeks.