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Irmo council approves first reading to annex 18.92 acres near Dutch Fork Road, one councilor opposes rezoning
Summary
The Town of Irmo council approved on first reading Ordinance 25-11 to annex three parcels totaling about 18.92 acres southeast of the Walgreens at Dreyer Shoals Road and Dutch Fork Road and to rezone them from Richland County's HM and RT districts to Town of Irmo General Commercial; the vote was 4'1.
The Town of Irmo council approved on first reading Ordinance 25-11 to annex three parcels totaling approximately 18.92 acres (including 3532 Dreyer Shoals Road) and to rezone them from Richland County HM (Homestead) and RT (Residential Transition) to Town of Irmo General Commercial (CG). The vote was 4–1, with Councilwoman Phyllis Coleman the sole no vote.
The parcels, described in the ordinance by parcel numbers TMS R03303-03-03, R03303-03-04 and R03302-01-11, lie southeast of the Walgreens at the intersection of Dreyer Shoals Road and Dutch Fork Road and are currently vacant. Mayor Bill Danielson opened the item and turned discussion to council members and town planning staff.
Councilman Ward said the area is part of the town's future land use plan and supported bringing the property into town but asked that council hold a workshop to discuss zoning details. Councilman Ward: "I have come to the conclusion myself that this is part of our comprehensive land plan... My only concern is the annexation and the rezoning at the same time." Planning staff member Doug told the council the property owner had petitioned to annex in and did not have a specific use in mind; the owner wants municipal services and the ability to market the site as in-town. "They would like to bring it into town so that they can... enjoy town services for any future use," Doug said.
Doug said the town's comprehensive plan designates the area as a neighborhood center near key roadways and intersections, and he told the council that general commercial zoning is consistent with nearby uses including the adjacent Walgreens and other commercial strips. "Based on my knowledge and experience of planning, really any zone would be a good use there other than what it's currently zoned," he said.
Councilwoman Phyllis Coleman voted against the measure and said she preferred to discuss zoning in a workshop before approving a rezoning alongside annexation. "I'd prefer to make a decision after I'm informed, not the other way around," she said during debate.
Resident Henry Martin spoke during the public presentation portion addressing the annexation, saying Richland County previously denied rezoning and raising concerns about local traffic and infrastructure. Martin told council that the site and surrounding roads "do not have the infrastructure to handle the in and outs," and asked for clearer public notice and visible signage for the property.
Because the action on Ordinance 25-11 was a first reading, council will consider it again in subsequent meetings; several members requested a workshop in September to review the zoning component in more detail before final action.
Votes at a glance: Ordinance 25-11 (first reading, annexation and rezoning to CG) ' vote 4 yes, 1 no (Coleman); outcome: approved on first reading.
This measure will return to the council for additional consideration; council members and staff said the annexation is intended to bring the property into town planning and code oversight, and that future site-specific development proposals will be subject to zoning and design review.
