Irmo council approves first reading to annex nearly 12 acres on Broad River Road; rezoning to commercial proposed

The Town of Irmo council approved first reading of an ordinance to annex two properties totaling approximately 11.92 acres along Broad River Road and to rezone the parcels from Homestead (Richland County) to General Commercial (CG) in Town of Irmo zoning.

Doug, a town staff member, described the parcels — including 10057 Broad River Road and two TMS parcel identifiers referenced in the staff presentation — and said the annexation would fill an existing "donut hole" of unincorporated property along Broad River Road. Doug said the rezoning would make the adjacent vacant lot more suitable for commercial development and noted the parcel sits across from a recently annexed commercial property with Lake Murray Flooring.

The ordinance designates one parcel as Eastlake Community Church and the adjacent property as a developable commercial lot. Doug noted that churches are permitted under federal law and that county homestead zoning would otherwise allow lower-density residential development. The change to CG zoning, he said, aligns the parcels with the town’s commercial strip.

The council motion for first reading was made and seconded. The roll call recorded unanimous support: Councilmember Pemphill, Councilmember Coleman, Dr. Walton and Mayor Davis voted yes. The ordinance passed first reading and will return for subsequent consideration or adoption at a later meeting.

Staff said the annexation is intended to promote contiguous municipal services along Broad River Road and to make the site more attractive for commercial development. The council did not take final action tonight; this was a first reading vote.