Owner applies for rezoning to convert laundromat to residential on Sotkin Avenue

The City of Florence, South Carolina, held a recent meeting where significant discussions centered around a property rezoning application. The owner of a triangular-shaped lot, previously used as a laundromat and later as a church, has applied to rezone the property to NC 6.1 to facilitate its conversion into residential use.

The property, originally zoned for commercial use in 2018, has been purchased with the intent to subdivide it and construct a second house. The total area of the parcel is approximately 11,072 square feet, which is slightly below the 6,000 square feet minimum required for two lots in the NC 6.1 District. The owner is seeking variances for lot area, lot width, and setbacks to comply with zoning regulations.

During the meeting, it was noted that the existing building is positioned 15 feet from the front property line, and the proposed new house would ideally align with this distance. The owner has reached out to neighbors regarding the proposed changes but reported no objections from the community.

City officials expressed support for the rezoning, emphasizing the desire to see the property transitioned to residential use. If the variances are not granted, the owner plans to convert the existing structure into a single-family home, although this would result in an unusual layout with a large side yard.

The outcome of this rezoning application and the requested variances will be crucial for the future development of the property and the surrounding area.