Canebrake Civil

08/25/2026

"In the rush to accommodate demographic lurches, subdivision layout has been substituted for community design and shopping center trips for social interaction. In other words, community planners have been reacting to the frenzied pace of development, not managing or directing it. To a large extent, the talent of community planning has atrophied through disuse. We must begin again to think of our communities in terms of the human scale rather than the automobile scale. Attention to the time-distance relationship between our housing, employment, shopping, and recreation areas is critical if we are to achieve any realistic sense of community." (Community by Design, Hall & Porterfield, 2001)

08/12/2026

"While we recognize that it is not the role of municipal planners to plan individual properties, and it shouldn't be, it is their role to determine the areas of future growth and its intensity, timing, and sequence. Many comprehensive plans prepared by municipalities fail to provide a clear vision of a region and its ultimate physical organization. Too often, these plans are little more than a patchwork quilt of various zoning districts superimposed over a property line or tax map, offering few if any definitive conclusions and leaving one rather baffled about the vision of an area's development.
This intentional vagueness in comprehensive planning is a fallacy. If specific target plans are not developed for each geographically identifiable zone within a jurisdiction, then true planning has not taken place - only policy formulation. In addition, if these targets plans are not reinforced with specific graphic design guidelines that depict a preferred method or structure of development, then the same kinds of conventional scenarios with all of their accompanying pitfalls will result." (Community By Design, Hall & Porterfield, 2001)

08/06/2026

"Streets are not just for moving cars; their design must also support their role as public spaces. In addition to vehicular lanes, they must include sidewalks, trees, curbs, lighting, and other elements that collectively constitute the public streetscape. These deserve serious design attention, as they all contribute to the success of a place. Rather than establish a single standard, municipalities should require a full range of regionally appropriate streetscapes that correspond to the transect. Streetscape elements should vary from the urban center to the rural edge. Common errors to be avoided should include excessive lighting, unnecessarily fancy materials, sidewalk obstructions, and improperly located utility equipment. Materials that improve stormwater infiltration should be specified wherever appropriate." (The Smart Growth Manual, 2010)

08/05/2026

"Sense of place, the heart and soul of a community character and identity, can be achieved only through deliberate action in the planning process. True communities do not just occur; they are born of a vision.
Because of the increased awareness of environmental issues and the negative economic ramifications of uncontrolled growth, professional rivalry and political expediency have no place in this process.
If we want lasting changes in our towns and cities, it is everyone's responsibility, not just that of the design professionals. And community design is not the domain of a single professional group; it has to be a cooperative effort between the public and the private sectors if we really want to start making places better to live.
The rudimentary tools for this task are already in place in the form of an existing system of site plan, subdivision, and zoning regulations. However this system's flaws lie in the fact that it offers guidelines for solutions that are only minimally acceptable rather than requiring the very best.
Indeed, these regulations, in conjunction with the explosion of national commercial chain stores, have in essence created franchised cities and towns across America." (Community By Design, 2001)

02/17/2026

Our engineering team had a great time at the SCOWA - South Carolina Onsite Wastewater Association conference last week. Looking forward to continuing to provide efficient and smart on-site wastewater solutions to our clients across the state!

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08/01/2025

https://myclintonnews.com/stories/if-growth-continues-as-its-going-now,114158?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR5kC3jmlnVDOrEih4YJjkWMgkvcrLAC9Z-Ni4dqO9uiJRA-T_00Q6U_XE-Uzg_aem_2_bEb1LkiuFl8JKTXqeJ4w

The past few years have seen tremendous growth and from our perspective we expect it to continue. Being prepared and thinking through what that means will be critical as we look forward.

IF — and this is a big if — the amount of residential and business growth in Laurens County remains constant, a professional study shows that it will cost $334 Million just to keep up …

08/01/2025

Industrial development is about more than just building—it's about creating a foundation for long-term success that benefits the entire community. The potential of a piece of land to support sustainable, efficient, and profitable industrial operations is a key consideration in land evaluation. This process involves a detailed analysis of factors like physical suitability, including topography and soil stability, as well as the proximity to essential infrastructure. By fostering industrial growth, we create new job opportunities, stimulate economic activity, and help build a stronger, more prosperous local economy.

07/25/2025

Agricultural development is crucial for shaping the lands where we grow, harvest, and sustain our communities! It influences everything from fostering innovative farming practices and protecting vital natural resources, to developing a skilled agricultural workforce and ensuring long-term environmental health.

07/23/2025

Your input matters for Laurens County's growth! By learning about land development, you'll be better equipped to discuss your vision with council members and the community. It's vital to research and engage with your council to ensure our county grows with direct citizen involvement!

After spending 50 minutes in closed session, and taking no action, Laurens County Council on July 14 transacted items of business that included pausing for no more than 6 months the permitting of …

07/23/2025

We highly recommend attending this event to voice your thoughts, questions, and concerns regarding Land Use in Laurens County. It's a valuable opportunity for community input!

Discover how Laurens County is planning for future growth with a Land Use Task Force, focusing on zoning and community input for rural development.