City of Myrtle Beach responds to recent news coverage about "Swingers' Club"
Regarding recent news coverage about a zoning text amendment request (what's being termed a swingers' club), here's some additional facts…
In local government, requests for all zoning text amendments are first heard by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission is comprised of volunteers who serve on the board, not city personnel. The board heard the request this week and will have a public hearing regarding the request at the next Planning Commission meeting. Once t...he Planning Commission votes, the subject will then go to City Council for consideration.
This is the same process for any and all requests. For example, if an individual wanted to request a zoning change to allow a dog-walking business in an area where that business activity was not currently allowed, the same process would occur.
However, any requests under consideration should not be viewed as an endorsement by the city. Simply hearing a request does not make it a city-supported goal. Instead, local government is obligated to hear any and all requests. The process is a good one, and means fair and equal treatment for all who wish to make any zoning code changes of any kind.