Notice is hereby given of a public hearing to be conducted by the City of Camden Planning Commission in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1000 Lyttleton Street, Camden, South Carolina on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 6:15 PM for the purpose of obtaining public comments concerning rezoning of the following property:
402 Bishopville Highway – Tax Map Number C286-00-00-019
The request is to rezone property from R-15 to R-E. Documentation regarding this request is available for public review at City Hall.
• Amendments to Sections 157.094(B)(12) and 157.095(B)(9) to remove slab on grade foundations as an allowable foundation type for residential units
Copies of the proposed ordinance amendments and rezoning request documentation are available for public review at the Planning & Development Department at City Hall or in the agenda packet posted here. Anyone having questions about the rezoning, needing assistance due to sight impairment hearing impairment, or disability should contact Shawn Putnam at 432-2421 prior to the date of the meeting so that arrangements can be made to provide the specific assistance required.
Another public hearing will be conducted by the Planning Commission in the Council Chambers on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 6:15 PM for the purpose of obtaining public comments concerning rezoning of the following property:
2200 Carter Street – Tax Map Number C270-00-00-013
The request is to rezone property from R-15 to RE. Documentation regarding this request is currently available for public review at City Hall, and will be made available online in the coming days.
Public Encouraged to Line Route and Honor Fallen Heroes
Kershaw County, SC – September 4, 2025– Firefighters from the Lugoff and Camden Fire Departments will lead a Walk of Remembrance on Thursday, September 11th, 2025, marking the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. First responders from across Kershaw County will walk five miles from Camden Fire Station I at City Hall to Lugoff Fire Station, 892 Highway 1 South.
This marks the fifth annual Walk of Remembrance, a tradition begun in 2020 by Firefighter Dejuan Warren when pandemic restrictions canceled other 9/11 events. Participants this year include members of: Camden Fire Department, Camden Police Department, Kershaw County Detention, Kershaw County Dispatch, Kershaw County EMS, Kershaw County Fire Services, Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office, and Lugoff Fire Department.
“Walking together each year reminds us that remembrance is not just about honoring the past, but about inspiring our community to stand united in courage and service,” said Camden Fire Chief Eddie Gardner. “We encourage everyone to come out, line the route, and show support for those honoring the heroes of 9/11.” While the walk is led by first responders, the public is invited to line Highway 1 South, wave flags, and cheer on participants as a tribute to the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to honor the bravery of first responders. Residents are encouraged to bring American flags and patriotic displays along the route.
For more information, contact: Dawn-Marie Johnson, Public Information Officer Email: djohnson@camdensc.org Phone: 803-243-5204
The City of Camden is actively seeking applicants for the newly established Camden Public Art Committee, created as a cornerstone initiative of the public art policy recently approved by City Council.
Under the terms of the approved policy, the Camden Public Art Committee is comprised of seven members, each appointed by City Council to serve two-year terms with the opportunity for renewal, not to exceed three consecutive terms. City Council reserves the authority to designate the Committee Chair from among the appointed members. The committee is looking for representatives from the following groups:
• Arts Leadership: The Director or designated representative from the Arts Center of Kershaw County • Creative Professionals: Active members of Camden’s art community, encompassing artists, gallery owners, art dealers, and cultural industry professionals • Community Advocates: Engaged citizens and business owners from the City of Camden and surrounding unincorporated areas who reflect our community’s rich diversity and share a genuine passion for public art • Philanthropic Partners: Individuals with demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships with donors and supporters who share our vision for public art excellence
This exciting opportunity offers committee members the chance to shape Camden’s cultural landscape while fostering community engagement through meaningful public art initiatives.
How to Apply: Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit Boards and Commissions – Experience Camden, South Carolina to download and submit their application online. Applications are also available for pickup at City Hall’s Finance Department, located at 1000 Lyttleton Street.
Join us in creating a more vibrant, culturally enriched Camden through the transformative power of public art.
Camden Invites Community to Trees4SC! Open House to Shape Urban Forest Future
Public Input Sought on Community Tree Canopy Plan and Urban Forest Initiative
August 21, 2025 – CAMDEN, SC – The City of Camden, in partnership with Green Infrastructure Center, Inc. (GIC), invites residents to attend a community open house on September 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Revolutionary War Visitor Center, located at 212 Broad Street, Camden, SC 29020.
The Trees4SC! initiative represents months of collaborative work between City of Camden staff, community stakeholders, and GIC staff to assess the community’s tree canopy, develop comprehensive mapping, and review existing ordinances. City officials are now ready to present their plan for Camden’s urban forest and seek valuable community input.
What Attendees Can Expect:
View comprehensive community tree maps showing current canopy coverage
Provide feedback on urban forestry initiatives
Help decide optimal locations for new tree plantings
Enter a free tree raffle for residents
Enjoy complimentary food and beverages
“We are excited to have been chosen as one of the communities to participate in the Trees4SC! program,” says Community Development Coordinator Kat Spadacenta. “This community open house is an important next step in the program, and we are hoping to engage as many residents and civic groups that we can to provide input on where trees are most needed in the City of Camden.”
The urban forest plan aims to enhance Camden’s environmental sustainability, improve air quality, provide natural cooling, and increase property values while preserving the city’s historic charm.
Tree planting campaigns will be launched in the community in November, and the City is looking to engage residents in learning about the benefits of trees and proper tree care during that time as well. Trees will be distributed by GIC to be planted within the City of Camden.
Can’t Attend but Want to Participate?
Residents unable to attend the meeting can still contribute by scanning the QR code on event materials or click on this link Camden Trees Community Survey to access an online survey about the community’s trees and urban forest priorities.
For More Information:
Marsha Potter Community Forestry Planner mpotter@gicinc.org 434-996-1378
Tom Knowles Community Forester tknowles@gicinc.org 434-995-8576
The Trees4SC! Open House is free and open to all City of Camden residents. Light refreshments will be provided.
About Trees4SC!: The Green Infrastructure Center (GIC) and the South Carolina Forestry Commission’s Urban and Community Forestry Program have joined forces to champion urban forestry initiatives across South Carolina through a new program called Trees4SC! With funding from the USDA Forest Service, courtesy of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), three cities, including Camden, Dillon, and Walterboro, were selected to receive support for this second round of funding to plan for and plant trees over the next two years, beginning in 2025.
Your New Ride Around Town: King Haigler Express is Here!
Free bus service now connecting Camden’s key destinations! Camden residents, get ready for a new way to get around town! As of Monday, August 4th, the King Haigler Express is rolling through our community, offering free weekday bus service that connects you to the places you need to go most.
What You Need to Know The King Haigler Express runs Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., following a continuous loop route with convenient stops throughout Camden. The service is completely free during this pilot program, and the buses are fully accessible for all riders.
Where Can You Go? The route covers practically everything you need for daily life.
Shopping & Errands: Food Lion, Walmart, Piggly Wiggly, CVS, Walgreens at DeKalb, Belk at Springdale Plaza, and Ollie’s at Camden Square
Healthcare: MUSC Health at Haile St., MUSC Women’s Health at DeKalb St., Community Medical Clinic, Fresenius Dialysis, and Kershaw County Mental Health at Liberty Hill Rd.
Government & Community Services: City Hall, Kershaw County Government Center, United Way, Camden Post Office, Camden Library
Recreation: Boykin Park and Monument Square
Try It Out – It’s Free! Since this is a pilot program, your feedback matters. The City of Camden and the Santee-Wateree Regional Transportation Authority want to hear from you about how this service works for your needs.
“This pilot program reflects our commitment to providing practical solutions that support Camden’s future, improve quality of life, and ensure everyone has access to the places that matter most,” said Councilman William Wilkes. Whether you need to pick up groceries, visit the doctor, handle business at City Hall, or just explore downtown, the King Haigler Express offers a reliable, safe way to get there without needing a car.
The City of Camden is currently under a residential development moratorium that will expire on September 30, 2025.
The ordinance regarding the moratorium, which was approved by City Council states in Section 1: “The City Council has determined to consider certain amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Use Code regarding the approval of new major subdivisions and multi-family developments within the City. The City Council has determined that amendments may be necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare of the City and its citizens due to (i) the possible environmental impact of these types of development, particularly the protection of wetlands, forests, wildlife and aquatic life, and the retention of open space; (ii) the increased demand that developments of these types place on existing City road and utility infrastructure and the increased cost to improve, extend, or increase the capacity of such infrastructure to support such development; and (iii) the need to ensure that provisions of the Land Use Code regarding development of these types are aligned with the goals, objectives and strategies of the Comprehensive Plan regarding historic and cultural qualities of the City and its community.”
It further directed staff and the Planning Commission as follows: “During the pendency of the moratoriums enacted hereby, City staff and the Planning Commission shall proceed expeditiously to study, prepare, and make recommendations concerning amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Code consistent with the findings in Section 1 of this Ordinance.”
Based on direction from City Council, staff and planning consultants determined that revisions were warranted to the housing and land use elements of the comprehensive plan. Drafts of these two elements are completed and scheduled to be reviewed by the Planning Commission on August 26 at 6:15 PM. City Council will hold a public hearing on the draft elements at their meeting on September 2, 2025 at 5: 30 PM. Copies of the draft elements may be accessed with the links below.
