Planning commission approves 5th/3rd Bank site with conditions, explicitly OKs LED lighting

The Bluffton Planning Commission on July 23 approved a certificate of appropriateness for a 2,609‑square‑foot 5th/3rd Bank with two drive‑up ATMs in the May River Crossing Highway Corridor Overlay District, adding conditions on screening and explicitly approving the proposed LED lighting and photometric foot‑candle levels.

Planning staff told the commission the site, on a 1.33‑acre parcel within the May River Crossing master plan, will retain a wooded buffer, have roof‑mounted HVAC equipment that will be screened, and include a screened trash enclosure. Staff recommended approval with conditions, including an updated photometric plan once ATM canopy details are provided, a letter of approval from the master‑plan declarant, and a separate sign permit. Staff noted the adopted corridor guidance pre‑dates widespread LED use and that several hot spots at the ATM canopy exceed the earlier 10‑foot‑candle reference.

Brett Nevill of Infinity Engineering, the applicant’s representative, said the additional lighting is “about security and safety for the customer,” adding that ATM lighting standards in other jurisdictions aim to deter criminal activity and that the applicant could reduce intensity if required. “The brighter it is, the less criminal … activity you have,” Nevill said.

Commission discussion focused on visibility from May River Road, the location of the walk‑up ATM behind the building, and how the photometric plan shows illumination zeroing out at the property line. Several commissioners expressed concern about dumpster visibility; one asked for a built elevation treatment if the dumpster would be visible from the corridor.

A commissioner moved to approve the application consistent with staff recommendations with an added condition that the dumpster not be visible from May River Road and that the applicant be responsible for additional screening as determined by staff. Another commissioner amended the motion to state explicitly that LED lighting and the foot‑candle values shown on the submitted photometric plan are approved. The amendment was adopted by voice vote and the amended motion passed unanimously (6–0).

Conditions recorded by staff include provision of a revised photometric plan with manufacturer data for ATM canopies, a letter of approval from the May River Crossing master‑plan declarant, a separate sign permit, and additional screening/maintenance obligations for the dumpster area if required by staff.

The commission’s action was a recommendation (certificate of appropriateness) as part of local development review; any separate permits (for signs or building) must proceed through the town’s permitting process.