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Commission approves variance package for New Light Road site with 6-foot privacy fence stipulation
Summary
The planning commission approved variances (DV 03-2025) allowing reduced buffers, lot-width and setback adjustments, and amenity substitutions to enable a 23-unit for-sale neighborhood off New Light Road; commissioners required a 6-foot privacy fence on sides adjacent to existing neighborhoods.
The Holly Springs planning commission approved variance application DV 03-2025 on March 20, allowing a package of variances for property off New Light Road proposed for development by PR Land Investments.
Staff explained the request would reduce required buffers (for example, asking to reduce a 40-foot buffer to 10 feet on the north and a 50-foot buffer to 10 feet on the east), relax several lot-dimension requirements, and substitute smaller amenity requirements because the proposed development is smaller than a typical HDMFR apartment complex. Staff emphasized the zoning remains high-density multifamily residential (HDMFR) and that this action relates only to variances, not a rezoning.
Applicant counsel Alice Price and builder Michael Miller said the team proposes 23 fee-simple for-sale homes (single-family/townhome-style) and described the project as less intense than the full-apartment alternative allowed under existing zoning. Miller told the commission the developer would accept conditions to lessen neighbor impacts, including the requested fence: "we would be happy to entertain from you a requirement to do a 6 foot privacy fence along there."
Residents raised repeated concerns about buffer reductions, traffic and crash history at New Light Road, stormwater and retention-pond maintenance, tree and habitat loss, and potential property-value impacts. The applicant responded with design details, an HOA/reserve planning process for stormwater/maintenance, and an offer to provide high-quality fencing and landscaping.
Commission action and stipulations: After deliberation the commission approved the variance package with staff recommendations and added a stipulation requiring a 6-foot privacy fence on the sides facing adjacent neighborhoods. The motion and second were recorded and the motion carried.
Next steps: The approved variances allow the developer to proceed under the conditions set by the planning commission; remaining engineering, permitting and platting steps will be required before construction.
