Augusta planning panel approves revised Windsor Spring single‑family development

The Augusta Richmond County Planning Commission approved a rezoning request (Z-26-5) and an associated special exception for a revised residential development along Windsor Spring Road, moving the project from a higher‑density plan with townhomes to a predominantly single‑family detached layout.

Planning staff told the board the revised concept removes townhomes and requires a reduction in lot width under the comprehensive zoning ordinance; the site will have a new main entrance on Windsor Spring and secondary access via Lucy Street, and staff reported the property is outside FEMA's special flood hazard area and shows no wetlands on county GIS layers. Staff also noted the state functional classification lists Windsor Spring Road as a major arterial and said a traffic impact study completed since 2024 is guiding needed roadway upgrades.

Burden Fine of Cranston Engineering Group, representing DG Land Investments, said the developer revised the project during due diligence and design work after acquiring five parcels. "We removed the town homes from the plan and are now proposing 174 units," he said, and described a three‑phase construction sequence with the first phase about 74 lots and the second about 50. Fine told the board the team is proposing two driveway spaces plus a two‑car garage per lot, which he said yields four parking spaces per lot, and asked the board to replace prior parking conditions tied to an earlier townhome layout.

Staff recommended approval of Z-26-5 with conditions: a minimum lot width of 45 feet, a maximum number of dwelling units as stated in staff's recommendation, alternating facades where attached housing would appear, sidewalks on both sides of streets, a minimum 10‑foot buffer along side and rear boundaries, compliance with the Augusta tree ordinance, at least 25% open space, and installation of recreation amenities (parks, gazebos, picnic areas) prior to issuance of certificates of occupancy for 50% of dwelling units. Staff emphasized that rezoning approval does not replace required site‑plan review and that the project must obtain site plan approval before construction.

The board moved and seconded approval of Z-26-5; the motion passed. The related special exception for the tract was then taken up on the same recommendations and also passed. The approvals set detailed conditions the developer must meet during subsequent site‑plan review and permitting.

The planning panel's action advances the developer's revised layout but does not constitute final site‑plan approval. The project team and city staff will continue coordination on traffic upgrades, final plan details and permitting prior to construction.