Council advances first reading of Highway 261 rezoning despite staff recommendation

Sumter County Council granted first reading on May 10 to a request to rezone about 5.92 acres at 2550 Highway 261 South from Agricultural Conservation to General Residential to accommodate a proposed residential subdivision.

Planning Director Helen Roodman told the council the parcel is the result of combining two lots from the 1993 Fieldcrest, Section #2 plat and that, under current AC zoning, the owner could divide the parcel into as many as five lots by right. "Staff recommends denial of this request," Roodman said, noting the Sumter 2040 Comprehensive Plan designates the area for conservation protection and discourages denser residential development.

Councilman James R. Byrd moved the first-reading approval; Councilman Vivian Fleming McGhaney seconded. The motion carried; Councilman Eugene R. Baten was recorded in opposition. The action advances RZ-22-04 to later readings where the proposal can be debated further and subject to any public hearings and additional staff input.

The applicant cited the need to rezone to a residential zoning district that will accommodate the proposed lot sizes; Roodman said records show no restrictive covenants that would preclude rezoning or subdivision. Roodman also noted nearby lots are generally 1.0 acre or larger, except for some grandfathered, smaller lots in the Westgate subdivision about 1,200 feet south of the site.

Next steps: RZ-22-04 will return to council for subsequent readings and any required public hearings before final action.