Planning commission approves 333‑lot Hunter’s Ridge sketch plan off Alligator Road

The Florence City Planning Commission on a voice vote approved a sketch plan for Hunter’s Ridge, a proposed two‑phase subdivision of about 96 acres at 2501 Alligator Road that would create 333 lots.

City planning staff told commissioners the plan shows 179 lots in phase one and 154 lots in phase two, with about 28.45% of the property designated as open space, including preserved wetland area along Middle Swamp. “This is for a sketch plan review of Hunter's Ridge,” city planning staff said in the presentation.

The plan calls for city water and sewer service and places stormwater and building inspection jurisdiction with the city. Staff said the developer will provide a type C, 20‑foot buffer yard along Alligator Road; planting requirements specified on the sketch plan include three understory trees, three canopy trees and 30 hedges per 100 linear feet. In lieu of an independent traffic study, the developer and engineer coordinated with the South Carolina Department of Transportation on an access proposal that staff said DOT will review as part of an encroachment permit.

Commissioners heard staff conclude the sketch plan complies with the city’s Unified Development Ordinance and moved to approve. A motion and second to “approve the sketch plan as submitted” passed on a voice vote; the chair stated the ayes carried.

The approval was for sketch‑plan stage only; staff and the chair noted the developer must return with more detailed development plans and engineering (stormwater, fire code, water, sewer) before any construction begins. The plan’s DOT access and any required traffic controls will be subject to DOT review and the city’s development‑plan checks.

Planning staff said final engineering details, including stormwater management and fire hydrant placement, will be reviewed at the development‑plan stage.