Planning board recommends large‑scale annexation conversion of 111 acres to City agricultural zoning

The City of Newberry Planning & Zoning Board on Aug. 18 recommended adoption of a large‑scale future‑land‑use amendment and the matching rezoning for a 111‑acre parcel owned by Patrick M. Post that was recently annexed into the city. The items will go to the city commission for first reading on Aug. 25.

Why it matters: the application converts county rural agriculture to the city’s agricultural (A) designation; staff said the change would not intensify permitted residential density (the city A category allows up to one dwelling per five acres) and that the request is principally an administrative step required following annexation.

Staff summary: John Paul Perez, Community Development Department, told the board potable water and wastewater are not currently available to the site and that any future development requiring utilities would be required to connect; State Road 26 has capacity for current conditions. The parcel has the potential for up to 22 dwelling units under the city A density cap but the property currently has zero dwellings. Perez said the parcel is contiguous with other property owned by Post and is effectively the final piece of a contiguous block the owner holds.

Board action: After a motion and a second, the board voted to recommend adoption of the large‑scale future‑land‑use amendment and the related rezoning to the City Commission. Perez noted the large‑scale amendment must be sent to the state for review after first reading; that state review typically takes 30–45 days and the second reading will follow once the state completes its consistency review.

Ending: The City Commission will consider first reading of the ordinance on Aug. 25; staff will proceed with the statutorily required state review process for the large‑scale amendment before any second reading and final action.