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Planning commission recommends NC‑6.1 rezoning for Dexter Drive parcel after debate on density and stormwater
Summary
After public comments about flooding, wildlife and housing type, the Planning Commission voted to recommend to City Council rezoning a parcel on Dexter Drive from NC‑15 to NC‑6.1 (single‑family detached, 6,000‑square‑foot minimum lots). The applicant had sought NC‑4; staff recommended NC‑6.1.
The Florence City Planning Commission voted to recommend that City Council rezone a parcel at the corner of Dexter Drive and Atwood Avenue from NC‑15 to NC‑6.1, a district the commission said allows single‑family detached homes with minimum lot sizes of about 6,000 square feet.
Staff told commissioners the applicant originally requested NC‑6.3 two years earlier; since that application the applicant has asked the commission to consider NC‑4 in the current filing. Staff said NC‑4 allows smaller lots (down to 4,400 square feet) and duplexes; NC‑6.1 would permit smaller single‑family lots (6,000 sq ft) but not multifamily. Staff noted this parcel previously came before the commission and city council; a rezoning request in 2023 was sent back for additional information and later failed at city council due to lack of a second, so the current application returns under the city’s timing rules.
During a public‑comment period, neighbors raised concerns about existing flooding in the area and asked what the developer would do to address stormwater runoff. Kent Fields said Malden Drive and nearby areas have flooded repeatedly and asked whether new development would worsen localized drainage. Charles Rambo said an owl nest on the property may trigger federal protections under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
The applicant, who identified intentions to build single‑family homes and cul‑de‑sac streets similar to nearby Wake Robin Court, said engineering and stormwater plans would be provided during subdivision design and that final product would be intended to fit surrounding neighborhood character. Staff reiterated that any subdivision over one acre would require a stormwater plan and that a portion of the parcel would likely need to be set aside for stormwater infrastructure.
After discussion about transitioning density next to existing large‑lot single‑family zoning, commissioners moved to recommend NC‑6.1 to City Council. A motion to recommend NC‑6.1 passed on a voice vote. The commission’s recommendation is advisory; final action rests with City Council.
