Planning commission recommends approval to add convenience store with pumps at Summit Commons outparcel

Richland County Planning Commission members voted on June 1 to forward Case 26-016 MA to county council with a recommendation of approval, allowing an applicant to add a convenience store with gasoline pumps to a specific section of the Summit planned development district (PDD) on Hard Scrabble Road.

Staff explained the request would add a use that had been specifically excluded from the PDD's list of allowed uses and that, at face value, the amendment "is not compliant with the comprehensive plan," but staff also noted the parcel sits adjacent to established commercial development along Hard Scrabble Road. Staff summarized the effect as an amendment that would add the use to the PDD rather than creating a citywide change.

Kevin Garrison, attorney for developer Summit Commons OP Holdings, said the proposal is for a single outparcel and described the plan: "It would just be the entire parcel here for a 7‑Eleven convenience store," with pumps behind the building and right-in/right-out access to Summit Parkway, he said.

Commissioners discussed the original PDD exclusions, the site's visual relationship to existing commercial uses across the street (including a grocery store), and whether adding a gas station matched residents' expectations when the PDD was first approved. Several commissioners said the parcel's current surroundings make the change less dramatic than it would have been when the PDD was first adopted.

Commissioner Grant moved to forward the amendment with a recommendation of approval; Commissioner Grady seconded. The motion passed on a roll call vote, and staff noted that, if the county council approves the amendment, the convenience-store-with-pumps use would be added to the PDD and would not require a special-exception procedure.

The commission's favorable recommendation will be transmitted to County Council for a public hearing and final decision.