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Commission approves updated shopping-center plan, limits hotel to two stories after neighbor concern
Summary
Planning commissioners approved modifications to a previously approved B-2 zoning for a shopping center, adding staff architectural and landscaping conditions and a newly added limit keeping the hotel to two stories after a nearby resident raised concerns about proximity and height.
The Oconee County Planning Commission on March 17 approved a request to modify conditions of a prior B-2 zoning to update building layouts, entrances and architectural design for a proposed commercial shopping center. The modification was filed as rezone P240248 by William Jones, owner and applicant.
Planning staff recommended conditional approval with standard and site-specific conditions, including a revised traffic impact analysis demonstrating level-of-service C or better at intersections, limits on freestanding signs (ground monuments not exceeding 20 feet), and architectural standards requiring that at least 80% of visible exterior walls be brick veneer, stone veneer or glass. Staff also detailed landscaping and screening requirements and affirmed a buffer waiver under UDC Section 8.10 where appropriate.
Patrick Thompson, a nearby property owner at 4241 Mars Hill Road, told the commission his main concern was the planned location of the tallest structure — a hotel — “being moved to 75 feet from my backyard.” He asked for a larger setback or additional buffering. After discussion between commissioners, staff, and the applicant, the developer agreed to keep the hotel at the same total heated square footage but limit it to two stories. The commission added that as a condition (identified in the meeting as condition number 11) before approving the rezoning with staff conditions.
Jeremy Crosby, representing the developer, said the updated plan reorients building facades and entrances and includes brick, stone and masonry elements in the elevations submitted to the county. Guy, Planning Department staff, explained the application updates an earlier plan approved five to six years earlier, noting the refined entrance the commission had just approved would tie into this plan.
Commissioners voted to approve the modification with staff-recommended conditions plus the added two-story limitation for the hotel; the approval will be forwarded to the Oconee County Board of Commissioners for final action.
