Planning Commission
Regular MeetingFort Mill, SC · August 17, 2021
Minutes
MINUTES
TOWN OF FORT MILL
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
August 17, 2021
112 Confederate Street
6:30 PM
Present: James Traynor, Dan Stout, Hynek Lettang, Chris Wolfe, Ben Hudgins, Matthew
Lucarelli, Planning Director Penelope Karagounis, Planner Nick Cauthen
Absent: Andy Agrawal
Guests: See Attached Sign-in Sheet
Chairman James Traynor called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
Mr. Wolfe made a motion to approve the minutes from the July 20, 2021 meeting as submitted. Mr.
Stout seconded the motion. The minutes were approved by a vote of 6-0.
NEW BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Commercial Review Appearance: Arden Mill Commercial West
Mr. Cauthen provided a brief overview of the request, the purpose of which was to
review and consider granting commercial appearance review approval for three proposed
buildings. The Planning Department recommended approval of the request, contingent
upon staff being able to approve minor adjustments. Staff also noted the exact use of
each building has not been determined but will include a mix of restaurants, offices, and
retail.
The applicant presented material samples and described the new proposed building
materials. The Commission and staff also noted that mirrored glass is not permitted in the
Corridor Overlay District.
Mr. Hudgins noted his concern about the amount of impervious surface on the site. The
applicant stated the buffer areas decrease the amount of impervious area and the
developer wanted hardscape in between buildings to allow for outdoor seating and/or
congregating.
Mr. Wolfe asked about the parking requirements for the site. Staff noted the parking
requirements met the Town’s Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Wolfe discussed the possible need
for revising the Town’s parking requirements considering multiple developments across
Town seem to have issues during peak times. Mr. Lettang disagreed stating the Town
promotes walkability and he does not think the Town needs to require large parking lots
that will sit empty an overwhelming majority of the time.
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Mr. Lucarelli agreed with Mr. Lettang regarding the parking and stated he liked the
materials presented for the building. Mr. Lucarelli also recommended adding a sidewalk
connection between the Parkway path and the front of the proposed development.
Mr. Wolfe asked if the sidewalk along the Parkway for the project was in an easement
since it was out of the right-of-way per the plan set. Staff noted they would look into the
specifics of the multi-use path in regard to the Arden Mill MXU.
Mr. Stout asked about the TIA for the project. Staff noted the Arden Mill TIA was updated
to reflect the proposed uses and the traffic counts decreased from the original proposal.
Mr. Stout asked about the proposed lighting of the property in respect to how it would
potentially affect the neighbors. The applicant stated those plans have not been finalized
but the project would comply with all Town ordinances.
After no further questions or comments Chairman Traynor asked for a motion.
Mr. Wolfe made a motion to grant commercial appearance review approval with the
condition for staff to have the ability to approve minor modifications to the site plan and
elevations if needed. Mr. Hudgins seconded the motion and added an amendment to
limit the amount of impervious surface associated with the project where possible. Mr.
Lucarelli added an amendment to consider sidewalk connections from the Parkway to the
front of the development. Mr. Wolfe and Mr. Hudgins agreed to the amendments. The
motion was approved by a vote of 6-0.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 pm.
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Agenda
TOWN OF FORT MILL
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
August 17, 2021
112 Confederate Street
6:30 PM
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Regular Meeting: July 20, 2021 [Pages 2-11]
NEW BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Commercial Review Appearance: Raghunadha Kotha [Pages 12- 20]
Request from Raghunadha Kotha to grant commercial appearance review approval for three
commercial buildings located at 5523 Arden Mill Drive.
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.
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MINUTES
TOWN OF FORT MILL
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
July 20, 2021
112 Confederate Street
6:30 PM
Live Viewing Online: Request Access by emailing before 5:00 pm on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 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 226-332-805
Present: James Traynor, Dan Stout, Hynek Lettang, Chris Wolfe, Ben Hudgins, Planning Director
Penelope Karagounis, Senior Planner Alex Moore, Planner II Nick Cauthen, Tom
Arcoria (Applicant), Shawn Mottern (LS3P), Walter McNeil (SC Hondros); Daniel Hines
(Bohler), Shannen Thompson (Land Design) and Kevin Roth (Empire Homes).
Absent: Matt Lucarelli and Andy Agrawal
Chairman James Traynor called the Planning Commission meeting to order at 6:30 pm on
Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Chairman Traynor gave opportunity to the Planning Commission to
review and comment on the June 15, 2021 meeting minutes. Chairman Traynor asked to add
explanation that he abstained from the vote on the new street names for the Springfield
community. Commissioner Lettang mentioned to correct his name in one of the paragraphs
that mentioned his last name as Hynek instead of Lettang. Commissioner Wolfe made a motion
to approve the minutes with the conditions and Commissioner Stout seconded the motion. The
minutes for June 15, 2021 were approved with conditions by a vote of 5-0. Commissioner
Lucarelli and Commissioner Agrawal were absent.
NEW BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Commercial Review Appearance: SC Hondros and Associates
Mr. Cauthen provided a brief overview of the request, the purpose of which was to
review and consider granting commercial appearance review approval for a proposed
landscape supply company. The Planning Department recommended approval of the
request, contingent upon staff being able to approve minor adjustments. Staff also noted
the plans had been updated since the previous request that was deferred by the
Commission in May of 2021 due to a lack in quality of building materials.
The applicant presented material samples and described the new proposed building
materials. Mr. Wolfe asked if the windows were faux in the rear and the applicant said all
the windows are real.
Mr. Wolfe stated the new proposed building materials are much improved and exactly
what the Commission is looking for in regards to quality and appearance.
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Mr. Traynor asked if a sample of the metal panel was available to view but the applicant
stated they did not have a sample but that it was an architectural metal panel that is
much more durable than the previous corrugated that was proposed. Mr. Traynor also
stated that he appreciated the updates to the building after the comments from the prior
meeting.
Mr. Wolfe asked if there was a berm between the subject property and the adjacent
residential property. The applicant stated evergreen trees had already been planted along
that side and the neighbor is happy with the current appearance because the trees have
already grown up quite a bit.
Mr. Stout asked about the proposed lighting of the property in respect to how it would
potentially affect the neighbors. The applicant stated there are two existing security lights
out there and no additional lighting is planned for the site.
After no further questions or comments Chairman Traynor asked for a motion.
Mr. Lettang made a motion to grant commercial appearance review approval with the
condition for the landscape plan to meet all ordinance requirements. Mr. Wolfe added an
amendment to the motion for staff to have the ability to approve minor modifications to
the site plan and elevations if needed. Mr. Hudgins seconded the motion. The motion was
approved by a vote of 5-0.
2. Preliminary Plat (revision): Massey Phase III
Senior Planner Alex Moore provided a brief overview of the request, the purpose of which
was to review and consider granting approval for a preliminary plat revision. The request was
submitted by LandDesign on behalf of EHC Homes LP and involved a portion of the Massey
Phase III Preliminary Plat.
Moore stated that the Massey Phase III Preliminary Plat was originally approved in January
2014. To date, 89 lots have been approved within Massey Phase III which leaves 24 lots
remaining to be recorded within this phase.
Moore then pointed out that the proposed amendment involved the amenity area with the
intension of altering the approved design for this element of the project. He indicated that
this would include removing most of the parking adjacent to the Catawba River Access
point and replacing this with two pull-in parking spaces along Marquis Hills Drive.
He additionally stated that the original concept plan for this phase of the Massey PND
showed that a planned network of trails along with a proposed nature center were not
carried over to the approved preliminary plat. Rather, these were replaced with the
currently approved parking and river access point.
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Moore went on to say that on November 21st, 2017, the current applicant and property
owner, then known as Shea Homes, came before Planning Commission to request a
preliminary plat revision at the same location. That request contemplated the complete
removal of the parking adjacent to the river access point along with the addition of one lot
to Phase III. This request was denied 6-0 by Planning Commission. The reasoning cited by
Planning Commission for that denial was that this access point to the Catawba River, along
with the associated parking, was deemed to be very beneficial to the community.
Moore then reiterated what the proposed preliminary plat amendment before Planning
Commission entailed. This would include two pull-in parking spaces along Marquis Hills
Drive along with an extended trail to the Catawba River. He then opened the floor to
questions from Planning Commission members.
Planning Commission Chairman James Traynor asked if the proposed trail as configured
would run parallel to the Catawba River.
Senior Planner Moore responded that the trail would be perpendicular to the river and
terminate at a given point along the river.
Chairman Traynor then asked if the town had worked with other property owners within
this area to acquire trail easements to tie into a greater trail network.
Planning Director Penelope Karagounis responded that such an initiative by Fort Mill had
not occurred in this area of town.
Planning Commissioner Chris Wolfe then underscored the importance of trails and access
to the Catawba River for projects within proximity to this resource. With this he noted the
previous denial by Planning Commission in November 2017 for the Massey Phase III
Preliminary Plat amendment.
Mr. Wolfe then requested clarification on what the applicant was attempting to accomplish
with the current proposal.
Planning Director Karagounis then stated that Kevin Roth from LandDesign was in
attendance and that he could provide additional insight on this request.
Mr. Roth then stated that the main impetus behind the request for preliminary plat
modification was to eliminate the parking element which would be implemented behind
future homes within this portion of Massey Phase III. He then indicated that both
LandDesign and the developer, EHC Homes, LP, believed that this future condition could
pose safety issues with individuals congregating within the parking area at inappropriate
times of day.
Planning Commissioner Dan Stout then asked Mr. Roth what would be at the river with
this proposal.
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Mr. Roth stated that this would consist of a mulched nature trail which terminated at a point
adjacent to the Catawba River. He then indicated that there would likely be a problem with
the stability of this mulched trail due to its location within the 100-year floodplain, which
in this instance floods frequently.
Mr. Stout asked about the possibility of a kayak launch at the trail’s terminus.
Mr. Roth indicated that he believed the floodplain would be an impediment to this.
Mr. Wolfe then reaffirmed his belief that river access would be of great benefit to the
residents of the community. Such access, he noted, did not need to be an elaborate boat
launch, but simply a place to park and get to the river.
Mr. Roth then restated his design firm’s findings that the access to the river at this location
was not easy. In addition to crossing approximately 300 feet of floodplain, the issue of
getting down to the river could be problematic due to the existing slope.
Planning Director Karagounis then stated that the PND conceptual plan as originally
approved by the Town of Fort Mill did not actually include direct access to the Catawba
River.
Chairman Traynor then noted that this conceptual plan also contained a nature center.
Moreover, he emphasized that there are many areas of Fort Mill and Tega Cay which
indeed have amenities located within floodplain and that such places cannot be used when
extremely wet conditions are in place.
Mr. Stout then indicated that most of the Carolina Thread Trail in Mason’s Bend is in
floodplain, and it is consistently used. Additionally, he stated that he believed that the two
parking spaces as now proposed would be inadequate.
Planning Director Karagounis stated that Planning Commission should keep in mind that
any trails within this project would be privately owned by the Massey HOA and not
maintained by the Town of Fort Mill.
Mr. Roth then interjected that he had in hand a letter from the Massey HOA indicating that
they did not want the parking lot as proposed because they did not wish to maintain it.
Planning Commissioner Ben Hudgins then noted that the Massey Phase III amenity area
had been greatly reduced from what was originally planned with a nature center to the
applicant now coming back before the board to request that additional development
requirements be eliminated.
Mr. Roth then reiterated that this amenity area is intended for the use of the Massey
community rather than the general public. Thus, the developer believed that a reduction in
parking spaces within this section of Massey Phase III would not harm the pedestrian
focused nature of this amenity.
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Moore then stated that the existing, approved preliminary plat indicated eleven parking
spaces within the amenity area. This included one handicapped accessible parking space.
Mr. Roth stated that the Massey Phase III amended plan also proposed a trail connecting
the Trelawn Street cul-de-sac to the Marquis Hills Drive cul-de-sac.
Ms. Shannen Thompson of LandDesign further stated that this trail would be paved and
ADA compliant. The current, approved plan did not include a paved, ADA compliant
design for this particular trail between the two cul-de-sacs.
Chairman Traynor then asked if the trail from the parking area to the river would be ADA
compliant.
Mr. Roth stated that the trail to the river would be a nature trail and would not be ADA
compliant. Additionally, the portion of the trail providing immediate access to the Catawba
River would include an approximate thirty-percent slope.
Chairman Traynor asked Mr. Roth if there would be design elements such as “switch-
backs” to facilitate better pedestrian access to the river.
Mr. Roth stated that the current trail design did not include this due to the necessity for
extensive tree removal.
Chairman Traynor replied that this was indeed a severe slope.
Mr. Wolfe then asked Mr. Roth if reduction in parking spaces from 11 to 2 was based solely
on the desire to eliminate the area for off-hours congregating.
Mr. Roth concurred that this was the primary reason. The developer wished to reduce the
possibility that any type of illegal activities taking place there.
Planning Director Karagounis then stated that Mr. Shea, the representative for EHC
Homes, had contacted her that afternoon and shared with her a similar situation in Union
County, NC. The cited project, known as “Hollister”, is located across from Weddington
High School. She stated that Mr. Shea related instances of high school students
congregating within a parking lot within Hollister.
Chairman Traynor then stated that there would certainly not be many residents attempting
to traverse the thirty-percent slope to get to the river. But he indicated that there were
certainly ways to mitigate this slope which would necessitate removing trees.
Mr. Roth interjected that rock would also have to be removed from the site.
Chairman Traynor asked if the trail could be relocated to another location within the project
site to facilitate easier access to the river. He stated that Planning Commission has worked
hard in other instances to get river access within developments that include property along
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the Catawba. He indicated that Planning Commission would like to see subsequent projects
retain this momentum.
Chairman Traynor then asked Mr. Roth if the parking spaces that were proposed to be
removed from the amenity area could be located to another location.
Mr. Roth responded that some of the parking could be positioned as parallel spaces adjacent
to Park 6 as shown on the preliminary plat.
Mr. Wolfe then stated that he would be willing to work with the developer on the parking
issue if appropriate access to the river was maintained. He noted that expenses previously
reserved for the ADA compliant trail between the Trelawn Street cul-de-sac to the Marquis
Hills Drive cul-de-sac might be better allocated toward improving the trail access to the
Catawba River.
Mr. Hudgins stated that there has been much emphasis on making Fort Mill a walking
community. To Chairman Traynor’s point, he emphasized the Planning Commission’s
interest in creating access to the river even if it meant removing trees. Designing a more
accessible trail to the river might serve to ameliorate the loss of the nature center and other
trails which did not come to fruition. He stated he wanted to see a more concerted effort to
allow people to get to the river and make it enjoyable. This would allow people of all ages
to make their way to the Catawba, and in the future, it might serve to connect with an
external trail system.
Planning Commission member Hynek Lettang then suggested that the entirety of the
parking lot be done away with so that all resources could be invested into the river access.
Mr. Wolfe then provided as an illustration the trail at Masons Bend which he indicated
consists of gravel that will not easily wash out. This portion of the trail then connects with
a concrete trail.
Mr. Stout asked for clarification on who would be able to use this access to the Catawba
River.
Mr. Roth responded that residents from other sections of Massey would not be prohibited
from using this river access.
Mr. Wolfe stated that he remained open to a reduced parking lot if the river access trail
could be enhanced so that it is usable.
Chairman Traynor then asked Mr. Roth if he thought there might be any pushback from
the HOA regarding any future, externally connected, trail easements that might be sought
to access the river access area.
Mr. Roth stated that he did not believe that there would be.
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Mr. Hudgins then asked Mr. Roth for clarification on the trail connection between the
Trelawn Street cul-de-sac to the Marquis Hills Drive cul-de-sac.
Mr. Roth responded that if the Planning Commission wished, this could remain a soft-
surface, natural type trail. The money that was to be devoted toward making this respective
connection a paved trail could then be used toward the trail connection directly to the
Catawba River.
Mr. Wolfe concurred with this idea.
Mr. Hudgins agreed as well.
Planning Director Karagounis suggested the trail to the Catawba River not be comprised
of mulch, but rather a material that could be maintained and not wash away during
rainstorms.
Mr. Roth responded that at the least it would need to be comprised of a heavier, gravel
material. He also indicated that while this trail could be made to be usable, he did not
believe it could be designed to be ADA accessible due to the site conditions.
The Planning Commission concurred with the idea that it would not be practical to make
this trail ADA accessible.
Mr. Hudgins then asked in what form did this trail design need to be presented for review
to the town.
Mr. Wolfe asked Planning Director Karagounis if the applicant needed to put something
together on the proposed trail design and come back before Planning Commission.
Ms. Karagounis stated that she understood that time was of the essence to the applicant.
Chairman Traynor stated that staff could be authorized staff to proceed with the review
upon Planning Commission approval of the preliminary plat amendment.
Ms. Karagounis agreed and noted that within their motion to approve, Planning
Commission should state that the trail needed to be functional and usable for the conditions
of the site.
Mr. Roth then stated that they would leave the two pull-in parking spaces as proposed and
then add approximately five parallel parking spaces along Marquis Hills Drive.
Mr. Hudgins then made a motion to approve the preliminary plat amendment with the
condition that five additional, parallel parking spaces be added along Marquis Hills Drive
and adjacent to Park 6, and an improved trail design, a minimum of five-feet wide,
facilitating access to the Catawba River to be reviewed and approved by town staff. Part of
this respective trail would be natural, and part would be more permanent, comprised of
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gravel, or some other more permanent, weather resistant material. This is not required to
be an ADA compliant access.
Mr. Wolfe seconded the motion.
There being no other questions or comments, Chairman Traynor asked those in favor to
indicate their approval by saying “aye.”
The motion carried by an affirmative vote of 5-0.
3. Text Amendment Request: Signs
Planning Director Karagounis introduced the staff report for the ordinance amending the
zoning ordinance for the Town of Fort Mill; Article II, Requirements by District; Section 24,
COD/COD-N Corridor Overlay District; Subsection 12, Signs; To delete pole signage; Article
III, Signs; to amend the requirements for temporary signage and to delete pole signage;
Article VI, Administration, Enforcement, Penalties, and Fees; Section 4, Temporary Uses
and Special Events; Subsection E, Temporary Signs; to amend the consecutive day limit as
to reflect changes in Article III.
Due to an increase in development and marketing opportunities staff has seen an influx in
promotional temporary signage within the Town limits. Many of these signs are illegal
under the current zoning ordinance but a need to strengthen the code to make it more
concise regarding the problem areas was identified by staff. These areas primarily include
subdivision directional signs along with other temporary promotional signs. Staff has
received numerous complaints relating to these issues.
This text amendment would primarily:
• Remove pole signs as an allowable sign. Staff has not permitted a new pole sign in
quite some time as ground/monument signage is much preferred, but they are
allowed under the current code in some zoning districts.
• Add feather flags to the list of prohibited signs. Feather flags are not expressly
prohibited and have become a nuisance across Town.
• Delete language that allows for off premise real estate directional signage. The
current section of the ordinance that bans off-premise signage adds a caveat that
allows for off-premise real estate directional signage. This creates a loophole that
can create an issue for staff during enforcement.
• Include yard sale signage in the “signs allowed without a permit” section of the
ordinance. Yard sale signs are minor in nature and the current staff has never
received an application for a yard sale sign.
• Amend real estate accessory signage, such as for open houses, and add to the
“signs allowed without a permit” section of the ordinance. Staff does realize the
need for a real estate accessory sign on occasion but also added language to limit
the size, number, and location of such signs as to not clutter intersections in Town
with no relation to the property.
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• Reduce the number of temporary subdivision signs allowed to one per project
entrance. One temporary subdivision sign per project entrance gives developers
ample ability to identify and advertise their product.
• Reduce the duration, size, and number of temporary promotional signs allowed.
Currently there is not a cap on the number of temporary promotional signs a
property can have at one time and the duration is 60 days, twice a year, which
could result in signs being up for one third of every year.
Staff recommends in favor of the proposed text amendment as it will:
• Strengthen vague language as it pertains to temporary signage while still
providing businesses and other uses within the community reasonable
identification for new projects/promotions.
• Alleviate the Town from becoming marred by an excessive number of oversized
and poorly designed signs that could ultimately adversely affect residential and
business properties throughout the community.
• Give staff the ability to better enforce the signage code while also giving
prospective sign applicants more precise language as to what is allowed.
Chairman Traynor asked if the existing pole signs would be grandfathered? Staff
responded yes; this text amendment would grandfather any existing pole signs.
Commissioner Wolfe asked do monument signs have a height limit and staff answered
yes, the maximum height for a monument sign is 8 feet.
Commissioner Wolfe did ask what the next steps would be to enforce the proposed text?
Planning Director Karagounis mentioned that this text amendment would go to Town
Council with a public hearing and there would be two readings for Council to vote on. If
the text amendment for signs is approved by the Town Council, then this would be new
regulations for temporary signs. Chris Ray is the new code enforcer that works in the
Building Department, and he will make violators aware of the new regulation and work
with them to remove any illegal temporary signs.
Commissioner Hudgins praised staff on their hard work on researching and revising the
sign ordinance.
Commissioner Wolfe suggested to add language to Section 3, General Provisions under
Subsection 2, to clarify “durable materials.” The agreement was to add after durable
materials “to be approved by the Town.”
Commissioner Stout asked about political signs. Staff mentioned that the political signs
cannot be in the right-of-way, you must receive permission from the property owner to
place your political signs and no political signs are allowed on the town’s property. Staff
mentioned that the Town of Fort Mill has a policy memo that they give to the Voter
Registration office in York County when applicants file for political candidacy. This memo
lays out the rules and the policy to remove the signs after the election.
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Chairman Traynor then asked if there were any questions or comments on the text
amendment. There were no more questions and Commissioner Hudgins made a motion
to approve the text amendment with the added language to the durable materials in
Section 3, General Provisions under Subsection 2. Commissioner Wolfe seconded the
motion. A roll call vote was taken and the motion to recommend approval of the text
amendment with the condition was confirmed by a vote of 5-0. This will now go to the
Town Council for a final vote.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:51 pm.
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Meeting Information
Meeting Type Planning Commission
Meeting Date August 17, 2021
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
Property Information
Applicant Raghunadha Kotha
Property Owner Caroleen Enterprises LLC.
Property Location 5523 Arden Mill Drive
Tax Map Numbers 020-13-01-957
Acreage 2 +/- acres
Current Zoning MXU Arden Mill Mixed Use District, COD Corridor Overlay District
Existing Use Vacant
Title
Request from Raghunadha Kotha to grant commercial appearance review approval for 3
commercial buildings located at 5523 Arden Mill Drive.
Background Information
Site Characteristics The property is located at the NW corner of Fort Mill Parkway and Arden
Mill Drive. It consists of 2 +/- acres and is currently vacant.
Neighboring Uses Direction Zoning Existing Use
North Arden Mill MXU Single Family Residential
South Institutional River Trail Elementary School
East Arden Mill MXU 2 commercial shell buildings/daycare
West Arden Mill MXU Single Family Residential
Zoning Summary The site is currently zoned MXU (Arden Mill Mixed Use District), COD
Corridor Overlay District.
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Arden Mill MXU Development Condition Requirements
- Developer shall provide a 20 ft. landscape/streetscape buffer along
the Fort Mill ROW where retail and office uses are proposed within
the development.
- Buildings constructed within the development shall contain the
following architectural materials: brick, stone, fiber cement siding,
stucco, and similar high-quality materials. No metal, concrete
block, aluminum siding or vinyl siding shall be permitted as a
primary building material.
- Front setback: 30 ft. / Side setback: 5 ft. / Side corner setback: 10
ft. / Rear setback: 20 ft.
- 25 ft. landscape buffer required between commercial and
residential within the MXU.
- 35 ft. landscape buffer required between commercial and non-
MXU residential property or 23.5 ft. landscape buffer required with
6 ft. opaque fence provided.
COD-N Architectural features/façade treatments
1. Materials
a. Buildings shall be designed to use building materials such as
rock, stone, brick, stucco, concrete, wood or Hardiplank.
b. No mirrored glass shall be permitted on any façades in COD-N.
c. Corrugated metal shall not be used on any façade.
2. Variations in rooflines and facades of adjacent buildings shall be
encouraged to avoid monotony.
3. Any nonresidential façade facing the corridor or any other street
shall be articulated with architectural features and treatments,
such as windows, awnings, scoring, trim, and changes in materials
(i.e., stone "water table" base with stucco above), to enhance the
quality of pedestrian environment of the public street,
particularly in the absence of a primary entrance.
Applicant Proposal The applicant is proposing 3 buildings and 92 total parking spaces. Building
1 is 7,720 sq. ft., Building 2 is 8,491 sq. ft., and Building 3 is 6,820 sq. ft. The
proposed uses amongst the buildings will include restaurant, office, and
retail.
The applicant has provided a site plan showing the proposed layout of the
project. The buildings are fronting the Parkway with parking located
behind.
The proposed building elevations have been provided (attached). They
include 2 different bricks and stone elements.
Staff The site plan is pending review and approval by the town’s Fire Marshal
Recommendation and Building Official. Should the Planning Commission wish to grant
commercial appearance review approval, staff would request including
language in the approval motion to allow for minor modifications to be
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made to the site plan to accommodate comments or concerns made by
the Fire Marshal and/or Building Official.
The site plan and landscape plan generally comply with all zoning
requirements. The proposed building elevations meet the requirements
of the zoning ordinance and feature high quality building materials, with
variations in vertical and horizontal depth.
Staff recommends in favor of approval, with a condition allowing staff to
approve minor adjustments to the site plan, landscape plan, signage plan,
and lighting plan to satisfy the comments and requirements of the town’s
Fire Marshal, SCDOT, and/or the town’s Utilities and Planning
Departments.
Alternatives
1. Grant commercial appearance review approval with conditions.
2. Grant commercial appearance review approval.
3. Deny commercial appearance review approval.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends in favor of APPROVAL for the request, conditioned
upon allowing staff to administratively approve minor adjustments to the
Recommendation site plan, landscape plan, signage plan, and lighting plan to satisfy the
comments and requirements of the town’s Fire Marshal, SCDOT, and/or
the town’s Utilities and Planning Departments.
Name & Title Nick Cauthen, Planner II
Department Planning Department
Date of Request August 17, 2021
Legislative History
Planning Commission 8/17/21: Scheduled
Attachments
• Aerial Map
• Zoning Map
• Proposed Plans and Building Elevations
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Aerial Map
Zoning Map
MXU
INST
15
ARDEN MILL DRIVE
EXISTING SIGN TO REMAIN
SIDEWALK TO TIE INTO EXISTING
FORT MILL SOUTHERN BYPASS
5523 ARDEN MILL DRIVE, FORT MILL, SC
0’ 10’ 20’ 40’ 80’ NORTH
ARDEN MILL COMMONS MASTERPLAN
5523 ARDEN MILL DRIVE, FORT MILL, SC
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SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN NOTES
1. SEE "GENERAL NOTES" SHEET FOR SITE GENERAL CONSTRUCTION NOTES, PAVING, STRIPING,
GRADING, AND ZONING NOTES.
2. SEE "EXISTING CONDITIONS" FOR COMPLETE BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION, ADJOINING PROPERTIES,
ZONING AND USE.
3. SEE "SITE DETAILS" SHEETS FOR DETAILS REFERENCED ON THE SITE PLANS.
4. ALL DIMENSIONS SHOWN ARE MEASURED FROM THE FACE OF CURB TO FACE OF CURB, UNLESS
OTHERWISE NOTED. DIMENSIONS LABELED "EOP" ARE MEASURED FROM LIP OF GUTTER TO LIP
OF GUTTER.
5. DIMENSIONS TO THE BUILDING ARE MEASURED TO THE EXTERIOR OF THE FOUNDATION WALL
UNLESS OTHERWISE SHOWN.
6. BEARINGS, DIMENSIONS AND EASEMENTS ARE SHOWN FOR REFERENCE. REFER TO RECORDED
PLATS AND SURVEYS FOR ADDITIONAL PROPERTY INFORMATION.
7. CONTRACTOR SHALL REFER TO THE ARCHITECTURAL PLANS FOR EXACT LOCATIONS AND
DIMENSIONS OF VESTIBULES, SLOPE PAVING, SIDEWALKS, EXIT PORCHES, TRUCK DOCKS,
PRECISE BUILDING DIMENSIONS AND EXACT BUILDING UTILITY ENTRANCE LOCATIONS.
SITE DATA TABLE
DEVELOPMENT DATA:
TAX PARCEL ID 0201301957
LAND USE COMMERCIAL
TOTAL SITE AREA 2.19 ACRES
TOTAL DISTURBED AREA 2.23 ACRES
5.0' ZONING DATA:
FEMA FLOOD PANEL 45091C0327F
ZONING DISTRICT MXU
MAX. HEIGHT 60
DENSITY 10,500 SF AC
33 18.0'
H SETBACKS:
FRONT YARD 30
SIDE YARD (ARDEN MILL DRIVE) 10
M 9.0' SIDE YARD (RESIDENTIAL) 20
LANDSCAPE EASEMENT (ARDEN MILL DRIVE) 25
TYP. TYP. REAR YARD 5
D 24.0' C N
24.0' PARKING
H H 9.0' H 9.0' H
PARKING PROVIDED 92 SPACES
I
STANDARD PARKING 88
24.0' ADA PARKING VAN 4
PARKING RE UIRED 92 SPACES (4 1000 GFA)
18.0' 18.0'
TYP. 5 6 STANDARD PARKING 88
H C ADA PARKING VAN 4
24.0' B
TYP. O
N
B
10.5' SITE PLAN LEGEND
9.0' 9.0'
7 6 9.5' 18.0' 24.0' 18.0'
18.0' 24.0' 18.0' PROPERTY LINE
5 K
9.0' 9.0' PROPOSED BUILDING SETBACK
5 18.0'
PROPOSED CURB AND GUTTER
TYP. E
N
9.0' A PROPOSED SITE NOTE
A
100 PROPOSED PARKING SPACES
24.0' J
TYP.
E C 9.0' PROPOSED STANDARD DUTY ASPHALT PAVEMENT
ARDEN MILL DRIVE
20.0'
A
BLDG 3000 PROPOSED HEAVY DUTY ASPHALT PAVEMENT
25 (6,820 SF)
F
J 18.0' PROPOSED STANDARD DUTY CONCRETE PAVEMENT
H
B PROPOSED HEAVY DUTY CONCRETE PAVEMENT H C AROL
UT I
8.5' 25.0' SO
PROPOSED BUILDING KIMLEY-HORN
NA
F AND
I ON
CERT
ASSOCIATES,
INC.
NO.C00166 IZ
IF AT
CA
I
R
SITE LEGEND T E O HO
F AUT
A PROPOSED WHEELSTOP
K B STANDARD DUTY CONCRETE (SEE SITE DETAIL SHEET)
BLDG 1000 BLDG 2000 PROPOSED STANDARD DUTY ASPHALT PAVEMENT (SEE SITE DETAIL
10.3'
C
(7,720 SF) SHEET)
(8,491 SF)
8.0'
D PROPOSED HEAVY DUTY CONCRETE PAVEMENT (SEE SITE DETAIL SHEET)
ACCESSIBLE PARKING SPACE TYPICAL.SEE SITE DETAIL SHEET FOR
E ACCESSIBLE PARKING SPACE SIZE AND SIGN. ONE SPACE TO BE VAN
B
ACCESSIBLE TO COMPLY WITH NCSC IBC 1106.5
30.0' F ADA PARKING SIGN (SEE SITE DETAIL SHEET)
SITE PLAN
G PROPOSED ADA RAMP (SEE SITE DETAIL SHEET)
H 30" CONCRETE CURB AND GUTTER TYPICAL (SEE SITE DETAIL SHEET)
I PROPOSED CURB AND GUTTER TO MATCH AND TIE-IN TO EXISTING
J FLUSH CURB
K PROPOSED 5' SIDEWALK
L BOLLARD
DUMPSTER ENCLOSURE WITH SEPARATE TRASH AND RECYCLE
M CONTAINERS WITH GATES AND HEAVY DUTY CONCRETE (SEE
ARCHITECTURAL PLAN FOR DETAILS)
N 4" SOLID WHITE PAINT STRIPE, TYPICAL
O 24" PAINTED WHITE STOP BAR AND STOP SIGN
RED EDGE LLC.
ARDEN MILL
PREPARED FOR
PASS
COMMONS
BY
RN
OU THE
TM ILL S
FOR
R
NORTH
Know what's below.
Call before you dig. C301
17
ARCONS
DESIGN
STUDIO
architecture planning interiors
10550 Independence Pointe Parkway
Suite 300
Matthews, North Carolina 28105
P: 704-542-5252 F: 704-542-2330
©
18
ARCONS
DESIGN
STUDIO
architecture planning interiors
10550 Independence Pointe Parkway
Suite 300
Matthews, North Carolina 28105
P: 704-542-5252 F: 704-542-2330
©
19
ARCONS
DESIGN
STUDIO
architecture planning interiors
10550 Independence Pointe Parkway
Suite 300
Matthews, North Carolina 28105
P: 704-542-5252 F: 704-542-2330
©
20
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