Planning Commission backs annexation and RDMV zoning for 8492 and 94 Bluff Road despite county moratorium

The Columbia City Planning Commission voted April 10 to recommend annexation and assignment of an urban core mixed residential (type 3) future land‑use classification and Residential 2‑Family Mill Village (RDMV) zoning for properties at 8492 and 94 Bluff Road.

Staff had recommended denial, citing a 180‑day Richland County moratorium tied to a proposed Olympia Mill Village historic overlay that went into effect April 1. The moratorium, staff said, could change the regulatory context for properties in the area and therefore argued against recommending approval at this time.

The developer and property owner told commissioners the application was filed before the county moratorium began. Jason Holiday of SandLapper Development said the parcel closed roughly 30 days earlier and that the annexation is sought mainly to secure water and sewer taps. “We're actually downgrading the density,” Holiday told the commission, adding that the development would use duplexes rather than the higher density allowed under current county zoning. “We gotta have the the access to the utilities.”

Commissioners heard that adjacent parcels (1100 and 108 Bluff Road) were previously annexed into the city last year and that the triangular parcel at issue is surrounded on three sides by city‑annexed land and city parcels, with the baseball stadium abutting one edge. A public speaker, Stephen Hait, asked whether the parcel was located “essentially behind the old baseball stadium,” and was told by staff that it is within that general area.

Commissioner Holcomb recused himself from the item and left the room; the recusal was recorded in the minutes. After discussion, a commissioner moved to recommend approval of the future land‑use and zoning assignments “at the time of annexation as it would result in development that can be served by available adequate and suitable public facilities.” The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.

Why it matters: annexation into the city would subject the properties to Columbia City regulations (including the RDMV district and the city's Floodplain Overlay where portions apply) rather than Richland County rules. The developer said annexation is needed to connect to city water and sewer; staff cautioned the nearby county action to create a historic overlay could affect demolition and development rules in the same geographic area.

What the vote does and does not do: The commission's recommendation advances the request to City Council, which will hold a public hearing and make the final decision. The commission's action was a recommendation on the future land‑use map and the zoning district assignment; annexation itself is a separate step for City Council to consider.

Closing note: Commissioners and staff noted the moratorium and the proposed county historic overlay as key background factors. The development team said they would proceed with plans to demolish existing structures (applicant said demo permits had been issued for some adjacent parcels) and pursue city approvals for utilities and site plan work after annexation.