Planning commission gives thumbs-up to annex 360 acres

By Kaye Collins

The Loris Planning Commission met on Thursday, Aug. 28, at 6 p.m. to discuss an annexation and rezoning of nearly 360 acres of land at Heritage Road, South Loris Lions Road and Highway 66. The commission’s proposal will now be submitted to the Loris City Council for a conclusive decision. Agenda item A-202504-002: Discussion & Recommendation for Annexation Request [Heritage Lakes]

The Planning Commission members are Chairwoman Linda Morrison, Vice Chair Christopher Spivey, Eric Milam, Chad Bennett, Ruth Ann Jones, Joseph Flesch and John Adkins. City of Loris employees Interim City Administrator Angel R. Neighbours, Planning and Zoning Director Meredith K. Holmes and Building Official, Certified H. Wayne Fox.

G3 Engineering, Brady Gantt represents the landowner states that A development agreement has been supplied to advance the project per Brady Gantt of G3 Engineering, who acts on behalf of the landowner. In this context, we are convinced that a significant portion of the interest in the development pertains to the storm water management and the potential flooding challenges associated with development.

The proposal may result in the construction of over 500 residences on the property, which is presently located beyond the city boundaries. According to county zoning regulations, the developer is permitted to build homes on lots that are approximately 21,000 square feet or half an acre in size. G3 Engineering has requested that the Planning Commission endorse their transition into the city limits, allowing them to develop on lots with a minimum size of 6,000 square feet and an estimated density of about 7 homes per acre.

“We have increased the storm water reductions of 25% for both the 25 and 100-year storm, which are both far above what would be required by both the state level, county level, and basically any other municipality. We believe this would be a major benefit to the city and this development and all the neighboring properties around it to make sure that there’s no additional issue with flooding or discharge issues or anything that would cause any issues downstream of the property,” Gantt said.

Planning commissioners and staff communicated to the public that they had not received any storm water design plans prior to the meeting. Additionally, the development agreement is not accessible to the public on the Planning Commission agenda. Staff did notify the commission that the City Council is solely responsible for managing the development agreement.

Ultimately, the Loris Planning Commissioners decided to endorse the development, albeit not at the density proposed by the developers. They are forwarding the annexation and rezoning request to the City Council under the R1.4 zoning district. According to city staff, this is classified as the ‘most restrictive’ residential district, allowing for homes on a minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet. Consequently, this can result in a maximum of 4 homes per acre.

Loris City Council will meet next on September 8, at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers. Anyone wishing to address the council is limited to three minutes, sign in at the podium before the meeting begins. When addressing the council provide your name and address, then speak to council directly.

The proposal has encountered significant public opposition, as residents gathered at the city hall for a public meeting in May. During a meeting on Thursday evening, several neighbors expressed their dissent, arguing that the city lacks the necessary resources to accommodate hundreds of new residents.

If you wish to address council and are unable to attend the meeting, their email addresses are on the city website.