Planning commission denies Mountain Creek Overlook variance and withholds subdivision approval after strong neighborhood opposition

The Greenville County Planning Commission voted May 27 to deny a requested buffer variance and then denied the Mountain Creek Overlook preliminary plat after extended public opposition focused on buffer removal, traffic safety and flooding.

Staff presented the proposed 26‑lot Mountain Creek Overlook subdivision and a variance request (V2026102) that would remove required perimeter buffers along the southern and northern property lines to permit larger usable yards and so lots could be marketed with golf-course views. Neighbors and an overlay community representative challenged the variance and the plat, saying that a 20‑foot buffer protects existing tree cover, reduces noise and light impacts, protects groundwater and limits line‑of‑sight hazards on nearby Highway 253.

Resident Brenda Buch summarized the neighborhood’s case: "No buffer means no protection from existing trees and vegetation," and she argued the applicant had not demonstrated hardship beyond reduced profitability — a basis the LDR does not accept for a variance. Commissioners flagged safety problems at the nearby intersection and cited SC DOT data showing capacity and sight-distance concerns on the corridor.

After debate the commission voted to deny the buffer variance under LDR criteria and, following further discussion about whether the buffer could simply be placed back on the plan, ultimately denied the subdivision application as presented. The developer was offered options — including revising the plat to show required buffers and returning to the commission — but the commission recorded the denial for this docket.