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Commission approves PD amendments to allow smaller lots and reduced side setbacks on multiple developments
Summary
The board approved two separate plan‑development amendments that reduce minimum side setbacks from 7 to 5 feet for lots under a quarter acre, allow narrower lot widths and smaller lot sizes, and set density caps; applicants included D.R. Horton Southern Land Partners (agent Robert Veil/engineer Jake Lemmings) and related firms.
Glynn County commissioners on April 17 approved amendments to two plan development (PD) districts that change setback, lot size and lot width rules for upcoming residential subdivisions.
Stephanie Lee, planning and zoning director, presented two applications: a PD amendment for parcels on Harry Driggers Boulevard (ZM20 5‑4 / ZM4680 amendment) and a separate PD extension and text amendment along DePrater Lane (ZM25‑7). Both applications asked to reduce the side yard setback on lots smaller than a quarter acre from 7 feet to 5 feet to enable current house designs, and to allow narrower lot widths and smaller lot sizes that match recent local development patterns.
For the Harry Driggers Boulevard amendment the applicant—represented in the meeting by Jake Lemmings of Robert Veil Engineering—said the proposed 5‑foot setback allows two‑car garage designs on lots that otherwise would be limited to a one‑car plan under the existing 7‑foot standard. Lee said most planned lots in the first phase were about 6,000 square feet; the amendment will apply primarily to lots under 10,890 square feet (one quarter acre) and will not change density or lot size maximums beyond the text edits.
The DePrater Lane PD amendment (ZM25‑7), similarly, reduces side setbacks to 5 feet (including corner lots), reduces minimum lot size from 6,000 square feet toward 4,000 square feet in some areas, sets a 40‑foot minimum lot width, and establishes a unit cap of 171 units with an approximate density of 8.7 units per acre. Planning staff noted the earlier PD allowed multifamily; the amended PD removes multifamily as an allowed use and caps total unit count. The Mainland Planning Commission recommended approval of the DePrater Lane amendment (7‑0), and the PD text was updated to reflect consistent setback language across the affected parcels prior to the board hearing.
Both motions to approve the PD amendments were moved and seconded and passed by voice vote. Proponents at the hearing included engineers and agents representing the developers. No substantive public opposition was recorded in the transcript.
Why it matters: Reduced setbacks and narrower lots are consistent with recent development patterns and allow builders to use contemporary house plans while retaining overall PD oversight. The DePrater Lane amendment also signals a move away from multifamily toward townhouse/single‑family product and sets an explicit cap on total units.
Ending: With board approval the PD texts will be recorded and applied to subsequent plats and building permits; staff indicated the changes were incorporated into the PD packet materials and would regulate future phases.
