Commission recommends disapproval of proposed R3 subdivision after residents cite easement and wetland concerns

The Richland County Planning Commission on May 4 voted to recommend disapproval of rezoning case 26-010 MA, a request to change roughly 80.76 acres near Wilson Road/Lever Road from homestead/residential transition/agricultural to R3 (residential 3).

Staff informed commissioners the proposed R3 does not align with the comprehensive plan’s neighborhood low-density designation and could allow a higher density than is consistent with the surrounding area. Mark Cavy, representing the developer, said the team initially considered higher-density zoning but asked for R3 and estimated about 182 homes; he also said wetlands and required buffers would significantly reduce the project's buildable area.

Charles Rumpleton, a long-time resident on Leveracres Road, told the commission he fears construction could remove his road, recorded power and water easements and access to mail and trash service. He urged the commission to ensure recorded easements and access would not be lost if surrounding parcels develop.

Commissioners asked staff whether approving a map amendment could create a landlocked parcel; staff said map amendments do not extinguish recorded legal easements and that development-phase review (plat/site-plan review) must consider access, buffering and maintenance responsibilities. Several commissioners voiced concern that placing higher-density zoning amid lower-density uses would be a leapfrog change and that the request was inconsistent with the comprehensive plan.

On a motion to disapprove (aligned with the commission's review of the comprehensive plan), the commission voted to recommend disapproval; the item will be forwarded to County Council for a hearing on May 19.

Residents were directed to the scheduled May 13 town-hall meeting at Killian Park to discuss related items.