BZA approves five variances for Schwarz Crossing lot with conditions to match site exhibit
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Summary
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved five variances for Lot A4 in the Schwarz Crossing Commercial Subdivision — setbacks, maximum lot size, increased impervious coverage and dumpster location in a front yard — conditioned on the future site plan substantially conforming to the exhibit and added landscaping around dumpsters.
The Greenwood Board of Zoning Appeals approved five development-standard variances on Jan. 12 for Lot A4 in the Schwarz Crossing Commercial Subdivision, granting relief on front-yard setbacks, maximum lot size, impervious coverage and dumpster placement, subject to conditions.
Victor Everingham of Crossroad Engineers, representing Thomas English Real Estate, presented the requests for 2807 South State Road 135. The variances were: (1) increase front-yard setback on the east facade from 80 to 241 feet; (2) increase front-yard setback on the west facade from 80 to 101 feet; (3) increase maximum lot size from 100,000 to 180,000 square feet; (4) increase maximum impervious lot coverage from 70% to 81%; and (5) allow trash receptacles and the required screening to be located in a front yard. Everingham explained the lot’s geometry and the shared centerlines of internal private roads make it difficult to locate dumpsters and provide adequate parking behind buildings without pushing structures farther from internal roadways.
Everingham offered commitments that the development would be an integrated center composed of three separate buildings with an internal patio/open space, architectural screening and landscaping around dumpster enclosures and that final building materials would match the renderings shown. Staff recommended denial of all five variances because no formal commercial site plan had been submitted and staff was therefore unable to evaluate building placement, access and stormwater in detail.
After questioning about exhibit conformity, dumpster enclosures and landscaping, the board voted to approve each variance with the recurring condition that the eventual site plan substantially conform to Exhibit C and with an added condition requiring landscaping and architectural enclosures around dumpsters. Motions to approve each request were made and seconded by board members; each motion carried 4–0. The board also directed corporate counsel to draft written findings of fact incorporate the staff report and evidence into the record for BZA2025-045.
Board members said the approvals were intended to preserve the integrated character shown in the renderings and to avoid later 'bait-and-switch' changes; the approvals include the board’s instruction that commitments shown in the exhibits be reflected in site-plan review and in the drafted findings of fact.
