Greenville County Council Advances Ordinance for Telecommunications Facility Placement

Greenville Spartanburg Asheville Anderson, SC, August 19, 2026 —

Greenville County Council has taken a significant step forward with an ordinance designed to regulate the placement of telecommunications facilities, including cell towers, in the county’s unincorporated areas.

The proposed ordinance, which has garnered public support, aims to establish clear guidelines for the siting of these facilities. Key provisions within the ordinance focus on ensuring that telecommunications infrastructure is integrated thoughtfully into the community landscape. These include the establishment of required buffer zones around residential structures and educational institutions to minimize potential impacts on nearby residents and students.

Furthermore, the ordinance mandates the screening of equipment, a measure intended to improve the aesthetic integration of cell towers and related infrastructure. To address concerns about light pollution and its impact on the surrounding environment and residents, the proposed regulations also include restrictions on night lighting for these facilities.

The advancement of this ordinance signifies a proactive approach by the Greenville County Council to manage the development of telecommunications infrastructure while balancing community interests and technological needs. The inclusion of public support suggests a community consensus on the need for such regulations.

The next steps for the ordinance were not detailed in the provided summary. However, its progression through the council indicates a move towards formal adoption and implementation of these new placement guidelines for telecommunications facilities in unincorporated areas of Greenville County.

Story summarized from the original created by Jay King on greenvillejournal.com, see more information here.

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