Commission disapproves Highway 17 preliminary plat until secondary access easements are secured

The Dorchester County Planning Commission voted to disapprove — rather than approve with conditions — a preliminary plat for a 93‑lot R‑1 cluster subdivision along Highway 17 because the developer had not secured the permissions or easements needed to construct required secondary fire access improvements on Palmer Road.

Planning staff explained that the applicant’s plans include a stub‑out to Palmer Road intended for secondary fire access, but several road sections are not in public right‑of‑way and require permission from other property owners for improvements. Staff said these permissions have not been obtained and therefore recommended disapproval so the applicant can obtain necessary agreements and return later. Staff emphasized that ‘‘disapproval’’ under the county ordinance does not mean a final denial but prevents premature approvals that could result in the developer spending funds before access is secured.

Parvus Shrubel of ESP Associates, representing the applicant, asked the commission to consider conditional approval while finalizing easement agreements; he said the team was exploring alternate access options to reduce the number of property owners needed for permissions. Commissioners said they would be willing to approve the plan if the easement was in hand, but agreed with staff that disapproval was appropriate until the access issue is resolved.

The planning commission’s disapproval was recorded by voice and direction that the applicant may return with confirmed easement agreements.