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Planning Commission

Regular Meeting

Fort Mill, SC · July 21, 2020

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MINUTES TOWN OF FORT MILL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING July 21, 2020 Virtual Meeting Live Viewing Online: Request Access by emailing before 5:00 pm on Tuesday, July 21st, 2020 to Penelope G. Karagounis, Planning Director at pkaragounis@fortmillsc.gov Public Access by Phone: Dial (toll free) 1-877-309-2073 and use access code 136-060-525 AGENDA 6:30 PM Present: James Traynor, Hynek Lettang, Matthew Lucarelli, Dan Stout, Chris Wolfe, Planning Director Penelope Karagounis, and Senior Planner Alex Moore Guests: Philip Hayes (Land Development Resources), Nick Bushon (Design Resource Group), Nicole Gaunt (Citizen) and Jamie Rose (Citizen) Absent: Andy Agrawal and Ben Hudgins Chairman Traynor called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Chairman Traynor gave opportunity to the Planning Commission to review and comment on the May 19th, 2020 meeting minutes as presented within the meeting packet. There being no discussion, Chairman Traynor asked for a motion to approve the minutes. Chris Wolfe made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. Hynek Lettang seconded the motion. By a vote of 5-0, the Planning Commission approved the May 19th, 2020 meeting minutes. Chairman Traynor gave opportunity to the Planning Commission to review and comment on the June 16th, 2020 meeting minutes as presented within the meeting packet. There being no discussion, Chairman Traynor asked for a motion to approve the minutes. Chris Wolfe made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. Hynek Lettang seconded the motion. By a vote of 5-0, the Planning Commission approved the June 16th, 2020 meeting minutes. Chairman Traynor then invited the respective guests attending the meeting virtually to introduce themselves: • Jamie Rose – 811 Savannah Place Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29715 Planning Director Penelope Karagounis then introduced the applicant for the new business item on the agenda along with his design professional: • Philip Hayes of Land Development Resources 1 • Nick Bushon of Design Resource Group NEW BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Sketch Plan: West Hensley Road Subdivision Senior Planner Moore introduced the subdivision sketch plan for the proposed project on W. Hensley Road. The property is located on the north side of W. Hensley Road. It is located ± 548 feet from N. Doby’s Bridge Road and ± 1,770 feet from Fort Mill Parkway. Moore stated that the property consists of ± 8.2 acres and is currently comprised of 4 parcels of property. The adjacent zoning districts include R-15 (Town of Fort Mill), RC-I (York County), and RD-I (York County). The sketch plan review is the first of several review stages in the Town of Fort Mill process. In addition to the sketch plan, these include the preliminary plat review, civil construction plan review, and final plat review. With the sketch plan review, we are looking at the basic components of this project. The entirety of this project area is zoned R-5. It should be noted that the R-5 zoning designation is a legacy district. This means that no such new district can be added to the official zoning map. Also, the boundaries of an existing legacy district cannot be expanded. The minimum allowed lot size within this proposed project is 5,000 square feet. An exterior buffer, 35’ in width, is required along the perimeter of this project. The applicant does have the option, per the zoning ordinance, of reducing this buffer by 25% provided that a 6-foot tall opaque wall in constructed upon the project boundary, adjacent to the area which is reduced. Moore then noted that while the minimum 20% open space requirement is met, we would like to see such areas “amenitized”. This could include a usable trail-system within the buffer areas connecting to an exercise area in the vicinity of the pond. Any tree on the property that is 30” or greater in diameter at 4.5’ from the ground will need to either be saved or mitigated. Such a tree can be mitigated with two, like-species, 3” caliper trees. So, this plan indicates 24 single-family lots for an overall project density of 2.92 DU/AC. The R-5 Zoning District allows a max density of 3 DU/AC. It is anticipated that this will be an age-restricted residential subdivision. Our Zoning Ordinance requires a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) when a project is expected to generate 400 daily trips or 100 or more peak-hour trips. So, with this project we instead have a Transportation Technical Memorandum (TTM) because the projected trips fall below this. This is summarized in Table 1 within the TTM and indicates that the site is expected to generate 280 daily trips, along with 22 AM Peak Hour Trips and 26 PM Peak Hour Trips. Moore then briefly discussed the likely outcomes of the project if it became age restricted. This could have the potential of a 42% overall reduction from that at 162 daily trips, along 2 with 14 AM peak trips, and 16 PM trips. The TTM did note the existence of driveways near the proposed project. SCDOT is aware of this as well. However, they seem to be generally amenable to the project if the existing 12’ wide access easement to the west of the project is removed. Moore then opened the floor to questions. Planning Commission member Chris Wolfe questioned the validity of the R-5 zoning designation for the project area. He noted his belief that the Town’s intention was to eliminate R-5 zoning. Planning Director Penelope Karagounis clarified that the project area was indeed R-5 and thus, it was considered a legacy zoning district. This means that in the Town of Fort Mill, existing R-5 zoning districts cannot be expanded and that new R-5 zoning districts cannot be created. Chris Wolfe noted that the existing R-5 zoning was still problematic due to it being the basis of the current proposal, which in his view, resulted in a project with little benefit to the town or to its future residents. His general feeling was that the sketch plan communicated a desire for maximized density while delivering negligible benefits due to a lack of usable open space. Chairman Traynor echoed Planning Commissioner Wolfe’s thoughts on the plan. Philip Hayes, the applicant, then interjected that it was his intent to include usable open space within the project. Mr. Hayes stated that the project would indeed be age restricted to facilitate the large demand for such housing within this real estate market. Returning to the subject of open space, Mr. Hayes noted the existing pond on the property as illustrated on the submitted sketch plan. He stated that behind the pond and in within this general section of the project that a small community amenity would be constructed. This would likely include a gazebo, a firepit, an area for grilling out, picnic tables/benches, along with a walking trail from this section of the project, along the existing creek, back toward the front of the property. Here there might be some type of secondary amenity near the mail kiosk. Chairman Traynor noted that this proposal sounded interesting and stated that the subsequent preliminary plan would allow for these ideas be fleshed out and revealed in more detail. Chairman Traynor noted to the guests attending the virtual meeting that the preliminary plat would come back before Planning Commission at another public meeting. Planning Commission member Matthew Lucarelli then spoke on the project. He noted that generally he was in favor of such use-by-right development as had been presented on the sketch plan. It meets the intent of the zoning ordinance. However, Mr. Lucarelli also stated that there should be a measure of care taken by the developer on this project. Specifically, Mr. Lucarelli 3 noted that the plan left the impression of maximum lot-yield rather than designing with the existing natural elements of the property in mind. In this regard, he noted that lot number 7 as indicated on the sketch plan, if removed, would add a great deal of open space character within the project. Planning Commissioner Hynek Lettang agreed with Mr. Lucarelli and noted that this was a great suggestion and that he would support such a proposal to use the area comprising lot 7 as open space. Planning Director Penelope Karagounis then stated that before one of the citizen guests spoke, she would like to give all the Planning Commissioners an opportunity to speak and ask questions. Chairman Traynor then asked Planning Commission members if they had any further questions or comments on the sketch plan as presented. Planning Commission member Chris Wolfe then asked Senior Planner Alex Moore if he had been able to have preliminary discussion with the fire marshal on the ability of emergency vehicles to maneuver in and out of the project. Moore stated that there had been no comments generated by the fire marshal on the cul-de- sacs. Additionally, he noted that the cul-de-sacs as presented represented the standard town approved design. He recommended that the applicant include an exhibit in the preliminary plat- set illustrating that emergency vehicles can navigate the cul-de-sacs as designed. Chairman Traynor then asked if there would be landscaping material within the center of the cul-de-sacs. Mr. Hayes responded that the center of the cul-de-sacs would be landscaped. Planning Commission member Dan Stout then asked what the distance was between lot number 7 and the existing pond as shown on the sketch plan. Mr. Hayes noted that the pond was a natural pond that was essentially fed via runoff from the site. He stated that he was not sure at this juncture how this would continue, whether by an artificial water source or by natural flow. Senior Planner Moore then stated that the distance from the pond to lot 7 was approximately nine feet at the shortest point. Planning Commissioner Chris Wolfe then asked Moore about the requirement of sidewalk within the project and if these were located within the right-of-way. Moore stated that sidewalks were shown on both sides of the internal streets as required and that the sidewalks were principally located within the right-of-way except for within the cul- de-sacs. He noted that those portions of the sidewalk located on private lots would require an easement. 4 Planning Commissioner Hynek Lettang then asked what the proposed price point for the homes would be. Mr. Hayes said that he had not established who the builder would be but estimated that the price point would be $350,000 to $375,000. Planning Commission member Matthew Lucarelli then asked about the existing 12’ wide access easement located near the proposed ingress/egress point at W. Hensley Road as denoted on the sketch plan. He expressed concern to Senior Planner Moore about potential conflicts with the main project drive. Moore stated that he believed that planning staff would prefer for this 12’ wide access easement to be removed. He then asked Mr. Hayes if this would be possible. Mr. Hayes stated that they could potentially relocate the driveway from the current location and connect it perpendicularly into the main project road. Planning Commission member Matthew Lucarelli clarified that his preference would be for this portion of the driveway to be eliminated rather than having in connect back into the main project road as Mr. Hayes described. Moore asked Mr. Hayes if he could pursue the elimination of this portion of the existing, circular drive. Mr. Hayes stated that he would indeed pursue this. Chairman Traynor then asked about the potential cost of the planned low-pressure sewer system for this project. Mr. Hayes stated that there would be an additional cost of $7,500 per lot for this system. Chairman Traynor also noted that there would typically be an annual maintenance fee for this type of system. Mr. Hayes concurred and noted that the maintenance fee would be part of the HOA payment on the part of homeowners. Additionally, Mr. Hayes stated that his development group had pioneered the use of this type of system within York County in the Lake Wylie area. He went on to explain that with low pressure sewer systems there is typically an annual inspection and annual maintenance. The HOA would be responsible for ensuring these are done. Planning Commissioner Dan Stout noted that within his development, he has a grinder pump system. However, with his system, it is up to the individual homeowner to schedule inspection and maintenance rather than the HOA. Chairman Traynor noted his preference for HOA purview of this system. Planning Commissioner Chris Wolfe then reiterated his desire for this project to lessen its density and upgrade open space components. 5 Chairman Traynor agreed and stated his desire that the project be adequately buffered with appropriate landscaping. Mr. Hayes then stated that prior to preliminary plat submittal that they will complete a tree survey of the project site. The survey will delineate those specimens that need to be either saved or mitigated. He noted that this exercise will also identify the existing vegetation that may be used toward achieving the required landscaping within the perimeter buffer. Chairman Traynor then asked Mr. Hayes if perimeter fencing would be comprised of masonry material as noted within the meeting packet. Mr. Hayes responded that for the fencing that they would meet the required opacity per the zoning ordinance. Senior Planner Moore then noted that Mr. Hayes had indicated in a previous response to comments from town staff that the perimeter wall would be masonry. Mr. Hayes responded that he would need to investigate this further and that perhaps he might not use a wall but rather use only landscaping materials within the buffer. He stated that this would be clarified with his preliminary plat submittal. Chairman Traynor then stated that if there were no more questions from commission members, that he would now turn the floor over to meeting guests to ask questions. Jamie Rose then asked about the need for this project to tie into adjoining neighborhoods for water, sewer, or retention ponds. Senior Planner Moore stated that there would not be any off-site retention ponds for this project. He then asked Mr. Hayes if his team had determined if they would need to tie into utilities within adjacent neighborhoods. Mr. Hayes said it was his intent to only tie into a low-pressure sewer system owned by the town. Chairman Traynor then asked if the town had any water and sewer in this vicinity. Nick Bushon of Design Resource Group then note that there did indeed exist town utilities in the project vicinity. He stated that they had received utility as-builts on the adjacent street to possibly tie into. However, the topography of the property, in that everything flows north to south, did not lend itself to easily tying to existing utilities in the adjacent neighborhood to the east. Chairman Traynor then asked if commission members had any further questions about the sketch plan as presented. There being no further questions, Chairman Traynor asked Planning Director Penelope Karagounis how the commission’s action on the sketch plan should be stated considering the concerns raised within the meeting. He further indicated that an approval of the sketch would in no way obligate the Planning Commission to approve the subsequent preliminary plat. 6 Planning Director Karagounis concurred with Chairman Traynor and reiterated that Planning Commission would be seeing a much more detailed preliminary plat that should be addressing the stated concerns. There being no other questions or comments, Chairman Traynor entertained a motion from Planning Commission members. Planning Commission member Matthew Lucarelli noted again that the sketch plan complied from a “by-right” standpoint with the R-5 zoning designation. He then prefaced his desire to make a motion to approve the sketch plan with a request that Planning Commission work with Mr. Hayes as a team to determine the best possible solutions to the questions raised at the meeting which included concerns with adequate open space, the existence of the ancillary 12’ driveway from the Snead property, adequate landscaping, etc. Chairman Traynor concurred with the sentiment as stated by Planning Commissioner Lucarelli. He also noted that the project as presented was a use-by-right but also reiterated that important questions and concerns had been raised by Planning Commission. He stated that he saw this as simply and opportunity for the developer to move forward and come up with answers. Senior Planner Moore then noted that there would be a 30-day review of the initial preliminary plat submittal by the town and that staff would not bring the project back to Planning Commission until it was corrected. Planning Commissioner Matthew Lucarelli then made a motion to approve the sketch plan with notation of deficiencies as previously stated, which would be addressed at preliminary plat submittal. Planning Commissioner Dan Stout seconded the motion. The Planning Commission then voted 5-0 to approve the sketch plan as noted within the motion. Mr. Hayes then expressed his thanks to Planning Commission. Chairman Traynor then formally welcomed Planning Commissioner Dan Stout to the board as this was his first meeting. Planning Commissioner Stout stated that he was glad to be involved. There being no other business, Chairman Traynor adjourned the meeting at 7:32 PM. Respectfully submitted Alex J. Moore, AICP Senior Planner August 5th, 2020 7

Agenda

TOWN OF FORT MILL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING July 21, 2020 6:30 PM Live Viewing Online: Request Access by emailing before 5:00 pm on Tuesday, July 21st, 2020 to Penelope G. Karagounis, Planning Director at pkaragounis@fortmillsc.gov Public Access by Phone: Dial (toll free) 1-877-309-2073 and use access code 136-060-525 AGENDA 1. Regular Meeting: May 19, 2020 [Pages 2-6] 2. Regular Meeting: June 16, 2020 [Pages 7-7] NEW BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Sketch Plan: West Hensley Road Subdivision [Pages 8-17] Request from Philip Hayes to review a sketch plan for a proposed subdivision on West Hensley Road. ADJOURN The following press was notified of the meeting by email or fax in accordance of the Freedom of Information Act: The Herald; CN2; WRHI; Fort Mill Times and WBTV. The agenda was also posted at the entrance to Town Hall the required length of time and on the Town website. The Town of Fort Mill is committed to assuring accessibility with reasonable accommodation, of Town services and facilities for all individuals, in compliance with federal law. Please contact the Town Manager’s Office at 803-547 2116 if you need assistance. 1 MINUTES TOWN OF FORT MILL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING May 19, 2020 112 Confederate Street 6:30 PM Present: James Traynor, Tom Petty, Hynek Lettang, Matthew Lucarelli, Chris Wolfe, Ben Hudgins, Planning Director Penelope Karagounis, and Planner Alex Moore Guests: Faye Lindsay and Brandon Colberg Chairman Traynor called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Chairman Traynor mentioned that on page 2 of the meeting minutes a phrase was written twice and needed to delete it. Planning Director Karagounis noted the change. After discussion and with no further questions or comments the Chairman asked for a motion. Mr. Wolfe made a motion to approve the minutes from April 21, 2020 Planning Commission meeting with the above change. Mr. Lucarrelli seconded the motion. The minutes were approved by a vote of 6-0. NEW BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Text Amendment: Lot Variance Request: Senior Planner Moore introduced a subdivision variance request from Ms. Faye Lindsay, owner of 137 Forrest Street and Mr. Brandon Colberg, owner of 311 Confederate Street. Both properties are zoned R-15, single-family residential. The minimum lot size for this zoning district is 15,000 square feet. Moore noted that the specific request was to convey a portion of the legally non-conforming parcel at 311 Confederate Street to the parcel located at 137 Forrest Street. The area of conveyance was proposed to be approximately 1,290 square feet. The current lot sizes included 9,583 square feet at 311 Confederate Street and 24,394 square feet at 137 Forrest Street. Upon conveyance, the parcel at 311 Confederate Street would consist of ±8,293 square feet and the parcel at 137 Forrest Street would then consist of ±25,684 square feet. The parcel at 311 Confederate Street contains a legally, non-conforming duplex. Senior Planner Moore noted that York County land records indicated that the duplex has been in existence since at least 1947. Thus, it was constructed well before The Town of Fort Mill established zoning in 1969. In addition to the duplex use being nonconforming, the existing side-setbacks are also nonconforming, with approximately 4.77 feet and 8.75 feet respectively being observed via GIS measurement. Moore then presented the existing and proposed setback configuration for the duplex at 311 Confederate Street. The only setback proposed for change would be the rear. This setback would 2 be approximately 38.47 feet after conveyance, thus still exceeding the minimum required R-15 rear setback of 35 feet. Senior Planner Moore then presented the specific findings required for granting a variance from the Town of Fort Mill subdivision ordinance: Sec. 32-11. Variance. Whenever the tract to be subdivided is of such unusual size or shape or is surrounded by such development or unusual conditions that the strict application of the requirements contained in the chapter would result in substantial hardship or inequity, the planning commission may vary or modify, except as otherwise indicated, requirements of design, but not of procedure or improvements, so that the subdivider may develop his property in a reasonable manner, but so, at the same time, the public welfare is protected and the general intent and spirit of this chapter is preserved. Such modification may be granted upon written request of the subdivider stating the reasons for each modification and may be waived by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the membership of the planning commission. Additionally, Moore noted that Planning Commission could place conditions on a subdivision variance as granted: Sec. 32-12. Conditions of Modification. In granting variations and modifications, the planning commission may require such conditions as will, in its judgment, secure substantially the objectives of the standards or requirements so varied or modified. Subsequently, Senior Planner Moore presented the Planning Staff recommendation on the variance request: The regulations which apply to the R-15 District are designed to encourage the formation and continuance of a stable, healthy environment for one-family dwellings situated on lots of at least 15,000 square feet, and to discourage any encroachment by commercial, industrial, or other uses capable of adversely affecting the residential character of the district. The applicant does not face a substantial hardship or inequity in being required to adhere to the current subdivision ordinance. Conversely, though this proposal does not bring the parcel at 311 Confederate Street into conformity, the conveyance does not endanger the public welfare. The existing residential character of the neighborhood will remain intact. Thus, the general intent and spirit of the subdivision ordinance is upheld. Therefore, Planning Staff recommends that this application for a lot variance be approved, with the condition that a minimum rear-setback of 35 feet be maintained for the lot at 311 Confederate Street. However, this request is ultimately at the discretion of the Planning Commission. Senior Planner Moore opened the meeting up to questions from the applicants and Planning Commissioners. 3 Mr. Brandon Colberg, the owner of the property at 311 Confederate Street and one of the applicants, asked about the minimum rear-yard setback of 35.’ Moore then noted that the prepared exhibit within the packet indicated that there would be approximately 38’ from the existing duplex to the rear property line after the conveyance to the adjacent property at 137 Forrest Street. Mr. Colberg then asked how the rear-yard setback would be measured in relation to a hypothetical uncovered deck. Senior Planner Moore stated that the minimum 35’ rear-yard setback would be measured from the uncovered deck. However, subsequent to the meeting, Planning Staff determined that in the instance of an uncovered deck, the minimum rear-yard setback would be 5’ rather than 35.’ Senior Planner Moore promptly called Mr. Colberg to inform him that an uncovered deck could be a minimum of 5’ from the rear property line rather than a minimum of 35’. Planning Commissioner Chris Wolfe then asked Senior Planner Moore about the variance request regarding who would be the appropriate applicant, and who applied for the variance. Ms. Faye Lindsay responded that she applied for the variance. Mr. Wolfe indicated that he believed that Mr. Colberg should be the applicant for the variance since the request specifically involved his property. Ms. Lindsay responded that she and Mr. Colberg had agreed to the variance application after she had reached out to Mr. Colberg about selling a portion of his property. Ms. Lindsay then indicated that she then sent in the letter requesting the variance. Mr. Colberg then responded and affirmed what Ms. Lindsay stated and noted that she had taken the lead on submitting the application materials. Planning Commissioner Ben Hudgins then asked what the motivation behind the variance request was. Ms. Lindsay responded that she simply wanted more of a rectangular rear yard that could be fenced in. She stated that she had no intent to sell or develop the property after purchasing this additional property to be conveyed. Planning Commission Chairman James Traynor then asked Planning Staff if anything could happen on these lots that is different than is currently allowed, assuming the variance and subsequent property conveyance took place. Specifically, Mr. Traynor was inquiring about the nature of the existing non-conformity at 311 Confederate Street. Senior Planner Moore responded that if the variance were approved that the duplex at 311 Confederate Street would remain legally, non-conforming. He also noted that the single-family residence at 137 Forrest Street must remain as single-family only. 4 Chairman Traynor then stated that he did not have any issues with the proposal, but also noted that a survey needed to be prepared to accomplish the conveyance. Ms. Lindsay responded that she wanted to ensure that the variance would be granted before hiring a surveyor to prepare the survey for review and approval by the Town of Fort Mill. Planning Commissioner Hynek Lettang stated that he agreed with Ms. Lindsay’s desire to correct the geometry of her lot and additionally noted that it was a reasonable request in his opinion. Mr. Lettang stated that he had no issues with proposal as long as Mr. Colberg agreed. Chairman Traynor asked if the surrounding properties were all zoned R-15. Senior Planner Moore noted that the surrounding properties were indeed all R-15. Planning Commissioner Hudgins asked about the zoning of the properties on the other side of Forrest Street adjacent to the Fort Mill Church of God. Senior Planner Moore stated that these respective properties are also zoned R-15. Chairman Traynor reiterated that the Planning Board anticipated there would be no subsequent rezoning requests resulting from the variance. Senior Planner Moore stated that there were no plans to his knowledge for this. Moore additionally noted that such a request would not receive a favorable recommendation. Ms. Lindsay interjected that she had no desire to make a rezoning request. Ms. Lindsay reiterated that her only desire was to create a uniform property and yard. Chairman Traynor then stated that this request seemed to be reasonable and inconsequential in nature. Planning Commissioner Hudgins echoed Chairman Traynor’s sentiment. Chairman Traynor then offered the opportunity for Planning Commissioners to make a motion if there were no further comments. Planning Commissioner Lettang made a motion to approve the variance request as submitted which would result in the continuance of a non-conforming lot and a conforming lot that will remain conforming provided that there is commercial agreement between the buyer and seller of the property in question. Senior Planner Moore thanked Planning Commissioner Lettang for the motion and noted that Planning Staff had also recommended that a minimum rear yard of 35’ be maintained on the parcel at 311 Confederate Street. 5 Planning Commissioner Lettang agreed to include this within his motion to approve the variance request. Chairman Traynor interjected that there needed to be a survey prepared to actuate the conveyance of property. Senior Planner Moore stated that this would indeed need to be done. Planning Commissioner Tom Petty seconded the motion. Chairman Traynor then asked if there were any other questions or comments. There being none, Chairman Traynor started the roll call vote. This resulted in the subdivision variance request passing by a vote of 6-0. The applicants thanked the Planning Commission members for the consideration of the request. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION 1. Planning Commission Appointments Planning Director Karagounis mentioned that Chris Wolfe and Hynek Lettang were reappointed by the Town Council to serve another term (3 years). Their term will expire on April 24, 2023. We look forward to continue working with the Commissioners on the Planning Commission. Planning Director Karagounis reminded the Planning Commission the responsibility and duties for the Planning Commission. Chairman Traynor also mentioned the policy of recusing yourself from an item discussion during a Planning Commission if you have a conflict of interest with a particular case. Planning Director Karagounis mentioned to the Planning Commissioners that she has the recusal form with her, and they can email her a request if needed since we are conducting the Planning Commission meeting virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:00 PM. Respectfully submitted, Penelope G. Karagounis, MA Planning Director June 25, 2020 6 MINUTES TOWN OF FORT MILL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING June 16, 2020 112 Confederate Street 6:00 PM Present: James Traynor, Tom Petty, Hynek Lettang, Andy Agrawal, Chris Wolfe, Ben Hudgins, Planning Director Penelope Karagounis, Planner Alex Moore and Planner Zach Driggers Chairman Traynor called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION 1. Recognition of Service: Planning Commissioner Tom Petty Planning Director Karagounis recognized Planning Commissioner, Tom Petty of 14 years of service. He has resigned from his position because he will be moving from the Town of Fort Mill. Planning Commissioners and staff recognized him for his professionalism and expertise he served on the Planning Commission. Everyone will miss his expertise on the Planning Commission, and we all wished him well in his future endeavor. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:11 PM. Respectfully submitted, Penelope G. Karagounis, MA Planning Director June 25, 2020 7 Meeting Information Meeting Type Planning Commission Meeting Date July 21st, 2020 Request Summary Action (Old Bus.) X Action (New Bus.) Info/Discussion Request Type Public Hearing Executive Session Other Case Summary Annexation Rezoning Text Amendment Case Type Subdivision Plat X Appearance Review Other (Sketch Plan) Property Information Applicant Design Resource Group (DRG) for Land Investment Resources Property Owners Teresa Patterson Weyeneth and Patricia C. Patterson Property Location W. Hensley Road Tax Map Number 020-11-01-195 020-11-01-196 020-11-01-197 020-11-01-198 Acreage ± 8.2 acres Current Zoning R-5 Existing Use Vacant Title Request from Design Resource Group (DRG) submitted on behalf of Land Investment Resources to review and approve a sketch plan for a proposed single-family detached project consisting of ± 8.2 acres located on W. Hensley Road within the Town of Fort Mill. 8 Background Information Site This subdivision is proposed to include 24 single-family lots on ± 8.2 acres Characteristics on the north side of W. Hensley Road. The property contains approximately 150 linear feet of road frontage on W. Hensley Road and is located ± 548’ from N. Doby’s Bridge Road and ± 1,770’ from the Fort Mill Parkway. The property abuts the existing Savannah Place residential subdivision to the east. ZONING SUMMARY The property is currently zoned R-5. The use, development and dimensional requirements are as follows: • Proposed Use: Single-Family, detached residential • Min. Lot Area: 5,000 square foot minimum lot size • Min. Lot Width: 50 feet • Front Setback: 10 feet • Side Setback: 5 feet • Side Corner Setback: 10 feet • Rear Setback: 15 feet • Max. Height: 35 feet • Min. Open Space: 20% gross • Buffer Requirement: 35-foot natural or replanted buffer along parcels zoned for residential use as required by development agreement. • Sidewalk Requirement: Sidewalks are required on both sides of all internal streets. Additionally, sidewalk will be required along W. Hensley Road, but must be located out of the right-of-way per SCDOT. 9 P R O JE C T H I S T OR Y It should be noted that the R-5 zoning designation for the properties which comprise the area for this project means that it is a “legacy district.” No new legacy districts will be added to the Official Zoning Map, nor shall any boundary of an existing legacy district be expanded. Planning Staff began engaging with the applicant in early May of this year on this proposed project. We worked through a couple of iterations with the developer and his design professionals to come up with a plan that would comply with the Town of Fort Mill R-5 zoning standards. Thus, the original schematic was amended to include sidewalks on both sides of all internal streets, open space, appropriate cul-de-sac and street design, and appropriate ADA ramp and mail kiosk placement. This sketch plan review is the first portion of the Town of Fort Mill process to grant subdivision approval. The overall Town of Fort Mill subdivision process is enumerated below: 1. SKETCH PLAN REVIEW Planning Commission action is required for sketch plan approval. The sketch plan review phase allows the applicant to become familiar with the town’s subdivision regulations. The sketch plan stage will also include a somewhat informal review of a concept plan. The concept plan will typically indicate the general layout of lots, street rights-of-way, open space, etc. 2. PRELIMINARY PLAT REVIEW Planning Commission action is also required for final preliminary plat approval. The preliminary plat will include more detailed site features including topography, streams, ponds, and any existing flood hazard areas. Additionally, more specific information on individual lots is generally provided, such as the proposed dimensions. Another important component includes street and right-of-way layout and dimensions. A cornerstone of the preliminary plat will also include the type, size, and placement of public improvements such as water and sewer infrastructure. 3. CIVIL CONSTRUCTION PLAN REVIEW This involves staff review by the Planning, Utilities, Stormwater, and Fire Departments. Planning Commission action is not required for final civil construction plan approval. The civil construction drawings build upon the preliminary plat with critical components including detailed engineering plans indicating the placement of utilities, street cross-sections, erosion control plans, stormwater control plans, street striping, signage, etc. 10 4. FINAL PLAT REVIEW Planning Commission action is required for final plat approval. The final plat includes precise drawings prepared by registered surveyors which fixes the locations and boundaries of lots and streets. Ultimately, these plats are recorded with the county land records division. Upon recordation of final plats, individual residential lots may be sold by the developer to builders or to individual homebuyers. Sketch Plan This sketch plan indicates a total of 24 single-family, detached lots on ± 8.2 Details acres for a proposed density of 2.96 dwelling units per acre. The maximum permitted density in the R-5 zoning district is 3 dwelling units per acre. Additionally, 20% of the gross acreage is required to be set aside as dedicated open space. The sketch plan indicates that the minimum amount of open space has been provided. A perimeter buffer, 35’ in width, is required for all new developments within R-5 zoning districts. The zoning ordinance requires that this buffer be a natural, undisturbed wooded area whenever possible. This buffer shall be allowed to count toward the minimum open space requirement. When there is no existing natural, undisturbed wooded area, a planted buffer shall be required. If a planted area is then implemented, it shall contain a minimum of 9 evergreen trees and 20 evergreen shrubs for each 100 linear feet of buffer area. There is an option to reduce the required 35’ buffer by 25% provided that a minimum 6’ tall opaque wall ins constructed upon the project boundary. The applicant intends to use this option on a portion of the project’s perimeter as indicated on the sketch plan. As noted within the Town of Fort Mill Zoning Ordinance, impacts on the existing transportation system are a very important consideration for our community when a development is proposed. Thus, a Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA) is a tool that the Town of Fort Mill has adopted to evaluate such impacts. The minimum threshold for requiring a TIA is 400 total trips or more in a 24-hour period, and/or 100 total trips during either the AM or PM peak hours. However, in this instance, the proposed W. Hensley Road project does not meet the minimum threshold numbers for requiring a TIA. When TIA thresholds are not reached, a Transportation Technical Memorandum (TTM) is required. Thus, Kimley-Horn, the Town’s traffic engineering consultant, was engaged to produce a TTM for this project. The completed TTM is attached to this report. 11 Alternatives 1. Approve the sketch plan as submitted. 2. Approve the sketch plan with modifications. 2. Do not approve the sketch plan. Staff Recommendation Staff recommends in favor of APPROVAL of the sketch plan for the proposed W. Hensley Road project. The next step is for the applicant to Recommendation submit the preliminary plat which must also be reviewed by Planning Commission. Name & Title Alex J. Moore, AICP – Senior Planner Department Planning Department Date of Request July 21st, 2020 Legislative History Planning Commission N/A Effective Date Upon approval Attachments • Vicinity Map • Transportation Technical Memorandum (TTM) • Project Narrative – Submitted by Applicant • Sketch Plan 12 V ICINITY M AP 13 TRANSPORTATION TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM 6-26-2020 June 26, 2020 TO : Penelope Karagounis Town of Fort Mill FRO M: Amy Massey, PE Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. SU B J ECT : H E N SL E Y RO A D R E SI DE N T IA L DE V E LO PM E NT TR I P G E N ER ATI O N AN D S IT E AC C E S S R E V I E W Kimley-Horn was retained to perform a Trip Generation analysis and site access review based on the site plan prepared by Design Resource Group (attached) and provided by the Town of Fort Mill. The resulting projected trips generated by the proposed development’s land use were compared with the Town of Fort Mill’s TIA Ordinance thresholds, along with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) standards, to determine whether a Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA) would be required. This memorandum also reviews the proposed site access along Hensley Road (S-212) in comparison to SCDOT minimum spacing standards. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed development consists of 24 single family homes located along the north side of Hensley Road between N Dobys Bridge Road and Savannah Place Drive in Fort Mill, South Carolina. The development would be expected to be completed within the 2022-2023 horizon. The most recent (2019) average daily traffic (ADT) volume on Hensley Road is 1,050 vehicles per day according to available SCDOT on-line count data. Hensley Road is a two-lane undivided roadway classified by SCDOT as a major collector and has a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour. SITE ACCESS REVIEW Based on the site plan, a full-movement driveway is proposed along Hensley Road approximately 600 feet east of N Dobys Bridge Road and 650 feet west of Savannah Place Drive. There is an existing driveway serving the property. The proposed access appears to align with an existing driveway. The SCDOT Access and Roadside Management Standards (ARMS) Manual requires a minimum driveway spacing of 125 feet on roadways with less than 2,000 vehicles per day and a posted speed limit of 35 mph. As noted above, the proposed full-movement driveway is located more than 125 feet from the adjacent streets. There are also individual driveways adjacent to and across from the proposed full-movement driveway located approximately: • 110 feet to the east (adjacent to the proposed driveway) • 50 feet to the west (adjacent to the proposed driveway) • 125 feet to the east (across from the proposed driveway) • 90 feet to the west (across from the proposed driveway) kimley-horn.com 200 South Tryon Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203 704 333 5131 14 Page 2 It should be noted that a portion of the adjacent residential driveway west of the proposed site access appears to be located within the boundaries of the proposed site, as shown in the attached site plan and the images below. This driveway is referenced on the site plan as a 12-foot access easement. Given the proximity of the existing driveway to the proposed site access and that a portion of the existing driveway is located within the proposed site, the eastern portion of the existing loop driveway may need to be removed while maintaining the western portion. The western portion of the loop driveway is located approximately 225 feet from the proposed access. TRIP GENERATION ANALYSIS The traffic generation potential of the proposed development was determined using the trip generation data published in Trip Generation (Institute of Transportation Engineers, 10th Edition). Land use code 210 (Single-Family Detached) was used to calculate the site trips. Table 1 summarizes the projected trip generation for the proposed development. Table 1 - Trip Generation AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour Land Use Intensity Daily Total In Out Total In Out Single-Family Homes 24 DU 280 22 6 16 26 16 10 SCDOT ARMS requires a TIA to be conducted for any site that is expected to generate 100 or more peak-hour trips, and the Town of Fort Mill TIA Ordinance requires a TIA to be conducted for any site that is expected to generate 400 daily trips or 100 peak-hour trips. As shown in Table 1, the proposed development is projected to generate 280 daily trips, 22 AM peak hour trips, and 26 PM peak hour trips which is below the identified thresholds for both agencies; therefore, a TIA is not warranted based on trip generation. Please contact me with questions. Cc: SCDOT- Allison Love and David Gamble Attachment: Site plan kimley-horn.com 200 South Tryon Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203 704 333 5131 15 June 4, 2020 Penelope Karagounis and Alex Moore Town of Fort Mill - Planning Department 200 Tom Hall St. Fort Mill, SC 29715 Re: Hensley Road – Sketch Plan Submittal (Land Investment Resources) Penelope/Alex, The following documents are for the Hensley Road – Sketch Plan submittal made by Land Investment Resources. This submittal is a follow-up to our pre-submittal meeting with Fort Mill staff on 05/08/20 and our continued coordination to establish site requirements. The proposed site is approximately 8.20 Acres with existing R-5 zoning located on the north side of Hensley Road (West of the Hensley Road and Savannah Place Drive intersection). This sketch plan proposes 24 total single-family detached lots (2.96 DUA) and will meet the R-5 lot standards of the Fort Mill Zoning Ordinance. Internal streets are proposed to be private with a public access easement showing a typical width of 50’ which includes a 6’ planter strip and 5’ sidewalk on each side of all streets. 35’ minimum width perimeter buffers are applied to all property boundary edges with the option to reduce by 25% (8.75’) when a screen wall is provided. Cul-de-sacs meeting the minimum Fort Mill fire truck movements have been incorporated to the two dead end areas that exceed 150’ in length. The following documents are included with this submittal for review: Quantity Description 1 Cover Letter Narrative (Transmittal) 5 Sketch Plan – Hard Copies (24”x36”) 1 Check for Fees ($250) We will send an electronic pdf version of the plan submittal via email. Please contact us if you have any questions or require additional information for review. Sincerely, Nick Bushon, PLA Principal cc: Land Investment Resources – Philip Hayes 16 LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE CIVIL ENGINEERING TRANSPORTATION PLANNING O 2459 Wilkinson Blvd, Ste 200 Charlotte, NC 28208 0 P 704.343.0608 63 N W www.drgrp.com T OU RIP-RAP R RIT AG EC 62 0 630 HE 620 N VA 62 0 SA HP NA 630 LAC ED RIV E SKETCH PLAN 0 630 63 0 64 LAND INVESTMENT RESOURCES 630 HENSLEY ROAD 0 64 FORT MILL, SOUTH CAROLINA 640 3440 TORINGDON WAY 640 CHARLOTTE, NC 28277 0 65 650 0 64 650 ER TOW 7 640 #49 650 SKETCH PLAN ER TOW 8 #49 N 25 0 25 50 SCALE: 1" = 50' PROJECT #: 579-014 DRAWN BY: WSM CHECKED BY: NB ) #242 JUNE 2, 2020 34' Y . HW 68' D ( S.CR. /W REVISIONS: OA LIC EY R ER TOW00 PUB #5 SL IDE 66' W HEN ER TOW01 #5 Copyright © 2020 Design Resource Group, PA This plan or drawing and any accompanying documents or calculations are the property of Design Resource Group, PA; and are intended solely for the use of the recipient noted. No third party use or modification is permitted without written authorization. 1-1 17

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