Commission defers Branton Assemblage preliminary plan over emergency-access concerns; approves street names
October 10, 2025 | Dorchester County, South Carolina
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The Dorchester County Planning Commission deferred preliminary-plan approval for the Branton Assemblage, a proposed 93‑lot subdivision on Highway 17A, citing unresolved questions about the required second access for emergency vehicles and whether Palmer Road can serve as an all‑weather emergency access. Staff and commissioners raised concerns about easements, the condition and width of Palmer Road, whether it meets the fire‑code all‑weather surface and vehicle‑weight requirements, and who would maintain the road over time.
Staff described the project as roughly 72 acres composed of four parcels with about 21.6 acres of wetlands; the applicant previously received a cluster yield plan in 2023 and used bonus density options to reach 93 lots. The preliminary plan proposes 14.66 acres of open space, with 2.96 acres activated for recreational uses, and a conceptual amenity center that would include a pool and clubhouse. Staff recommended that the amenity center be treated as conceptual and required to receive site-plan approval prior to final plat, and they recommended that any building permit for the amenity center be obtained after final plat but before issuance of any home building permits to ensure open-space activation.
Staff noted a traffic study requires a westbound right‑turn lane on US 17A that must be substantially complete before final plat approval. The developer was not present to address the fire‑access questions. Staff said the commission could defer the item to allow the developer to secure a fire‑adequacy agreement and any necessary easements, or it could conditionally approve with specifications from the fire department. Commissioners expressed a preference to defer when financial and construction obligations on the developer were possible but not yet resolved. A motion to defer the preliminary plan passed by voice vote.
Separately, the commission approved proposed street names for the Branton Assemblage — Big Timber Drive, Grand Magnolia Boulevard, Leafy Sage Street, South Palmetto Lane and Wavy Oak Lane — by voice vote.
Staff described the project as roughly 72 acres composed of four parcels with about 21.6 acres of wetlands; the applicant previously received a cluster yield plan in 2023 and used bonus density options to reach 93 lots. The preliminary plan proposes 14.66 acres of open space, with 2.96 acres activated for recreational uses, and a conceptual amenity center that would include a pool and clubhouse. Staff recommended that the amenity center be treated as conceptual and required to receive site-plan approval prior to final plat, and they recommended that any building permit for the amenity center be obtained after final plat but before issuance of any home building permits to ensure open-space activation.
Staff noted a traffic study requires a westbound right‑turn lane on US 17A that must be substantially complete before final plat approval. The developer was not present to address the fire‑access questions. Staff said the commission could defer the item to allow the developer to secure a fire‑adequacy agreement and any necessary easements, or it could conditionally approve with specifications from the fire department. Commissioners expressed a preference to defer when financial and construction obligations on the developer were possible but not yet resolved. A motion to defer the preliminary plan passed by voice vote.
Separately, the commission approved proposed street names for the Branton Assemblage — Big Timber Drive, Grand Magnolia Boulevard, Leafy Sage Street, South Palmetto Lane and Wavy Oak Lane — by voice vote.
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