Planning commission approves sketch plan for final phases of Magnolia Farms

The Florence City Planning Commission approved a sketch plan covering the final phases (10–13) of the Magnolia Farms subdivision, a multi‑phase development that spans land in Florence City, Florence County and Darlington County.

City staff said phases 10–13 cover roughly 90 acres and would add about 295 lots across the northeastern portion of the subdivision. The property is zoned RG‑3 (6,000‑square‑foot minimum lots; 60‑foot widths) and city water and sewer are available to the site. Staff recommended and the commission granted a variance on minimum radius requirements in a few constrained locations where engineers asked for tighter radii, noting the subdivision will include traffic‑calming features (such as speed humps or tables) approximately every 500 feet.

Staff said detailed development plans will follow sketch plan approval and that the city’s stormwater jurisdiction applies to the property; the development will require stormwater design and city inspection at the development plan stage. Commissioners asked about coordination with Darlington County; staff said they have been in ongoing conversations and will address emergency management and responder coordination as plans progress.

The motion to approve the sketch plan and the variance passed on a voice vote; the commission’s approval is for concept compliance with the Unified Development Ordinance and does not authorize construction. The developer must submit development plans that address the remaining engineering, stormwater, and interjurisdictional coordination items.