Council approves Buffalo Ridge preliminary plat for 210‑home subdivision

The Town of Smithfield council voted unanimously to approve the preliminary plat SD‑25‑01 for Buffalo Ridge, a proposed 139.86‑acre subdivision by Smithfield Land Group LLC that would create 210 detached single‑family lots.

Planning staff told the council the preliminary plat matches the previously approved conditional zoning master plan except for the relocation of a southern entrance and the mail kiosk. The staff presentation said the site lies within the town limits and a watershed critical area and that the plat meets the Unified Development Ordinance and the town’s comprehensive plan guidance for medium‑density residential use.

Staff noted environmental constraints on the site: 68.3 acres mapped as wetlands, roughly 19.5 acres in the floodway, about 72 acres in the 100‑year floodplain and 7.4 acres in the 500‑year floodplain. Staff said 63 of the proposed lots fall in the floodplain and will be elevated two feet above the base elevation as required by building code. The applicant proposes two access points on Buffalo Road, two lateral connections to Holland Drive, public water, sewer and power, and about 93 acres of open space that largely consist of wetlands and flood‑prone areas.

Applicant representatives and the project engineer described site details during the hearing. The developer plans two stormwater ponds (wet ponds that will be aerated for mosquito control), a loop trail through the open space, sidewalks on both sides of internal public streets and architectural standards for front facades. An HOA will be responsible for maintaining open‑space areas and amenities, staff said. The presentation said the southern entrance was moved at the planning department’s request to improve alignment with an adjacent subdivision and overall traffic geometry.

A resident question about the greenway adjacency and a public comment on wildlife and habitat were heard; the council closed the public hearing before taking the motion to approve. Councilmember Ray moved to approve the preliminary plat with the condition described in the staff report and the four required findings of fact; the motion passed unanimously.

The approval allows the applicant to proceed to preparation of construction drawings and to seek permits; staff and the applicant said further site development plans must address watershed and stormwater requirements before construction.