Planning commission backs rezoning of former St. George country club to agricultural-residential

The Dorchester County Planning Commission recommended approval of a rezoning request that would return the former Old Country Club Golf Course in St. George to an agricultural-residential (AR) designation.

Planning staff told commissioners the 91.19-acre parcel had been rezoned previously and that reversing the earlier cluster subdivision designation would restore a density of one principal dwelling per acre and a minimum lot size of one acre. Staff noted wetlands and portions of the parcel lie within an AE flood zone but said lower density reduces the likelihood of permitting conflicts tied to setbacks and infrastructure.

Albert Judy, speaking for applicant Jacqueline Alicia Durr, said the owner had offered adjacent homeowners first opportunity to purchase adjoining land and had taken the property off the market to allow that process. "It seems like a best case scenario to me," Judy said, describing the plan as a way for homeowners to expand acreage and "clean things up."

Commissioners questioned septic and easement arrangements after earlier reviews showed septic lines crossing property boundaries. Judy acknowledged longstanding easement arrangements dating to the site's original development and said engineered septic systems and lot recombinations would address those issues.

Commissioner motioned to recommend approval and the commission voted in favor by voice; the chair announced the motion passed. The recommendation will move forward to the County Council or the next formal review stage as required by local procedures.