Council approves sidewalk waiver along Pittman Street for proposed 16-unit project; fee-in-lieu set at $24,270

Conway City Council on June 16 approved a waiver of sidewalk installation on the Pittman Street frontage of a proposed 16-unit multifamily building, allowing the developer to pay a fee-in-lieu of $24,270.

Planning staff said the applicant amended the proposal to install sidewalks only on the Ridge Street side of the property and to request a waiver for 809 linear feet along Pittman Street. SCDOT told staff that sidewalks are not required on that side of Pittman Street because a sidewalk already exists on the opposite side; however, the brick fence adjacent to the Pittman frontage appeared to be close to or within the DOT right-of-way, and installing an ADA-compliant sidewalk would likely require relocation of the fence.

Staff recommended approval of the waiver, noting the property may be legal-nonconforming because it pre-dates the current Unified Development Ordinance. Council members asked if the developer could or would remove the fence and whether relocation would be required; staff said fence relocation would be costly and the developer preferred the fee-in-lieu. Council voted to approve the waiver and accept the fee-in-lieu payment.

Council discussed public-safety and ADA considerations, and staff said the existing Pittman Street sidewalk on the opposite side of the roadway provides pedestrian access for the area. The action authorizes staff to accept the fee and close the waiver request as approved; staff said it would document the waiver and proceed with permit review.