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Task force debates limiting density on Jonesville Road; multifamily question split
Summary
Beaufort County’s Land Management Ordinance task force discussed rezoning parts of Jonesville Road to lower-density single-family districts and whether to remove multifamily uses. Staff emphasized the poll results are advisory; no formal rezoning decisions were made.
The Land Management Ordinance Task Force on March 26 reviewed proposed zoning-map changes for Jonesville Road and aired sharp differences over whether to lower density or instead tighten subdivision and design standards.
Staff framed the issue as a choice between changing entitlements — such as moving RM-4 parcels to residential single-family (RSF) districts that would cap density at roughly three dwelling units per acre — and using stronger subdivision rules and design controls to shape outcomes without wholesale rezoning. A staff presenter summarized recent analysis showing some recent subdivisions in the Jonesville corridor averaged about six units per acre and that prior calculation methods for open space had allowed higher effective densities.
Several task force members said the community’s lived experience — congestion, tree removal and short roads with limited access — justify stricter density limits. One member argued the sliding-scale approach (which increases permitted units as parcel size grows) has produced outcomes that clash with neighborhood character and should be reviewed. Other members warned that density alone is a blunt tool: "Well designed developments can be dense without undermining character," a member said, urging stronger site-plan requirements and design standards to control scale, parking and open space.
Staff ran an electronic poll asking whether multifamily should be removed from Jonesville’s allowable uses. Staff reported turnout varied (about 14–19 responses across polls) and emphasized the results are temperature checks, not decisions: "These are polls to check the pulse of the room," a staff facilitator said. Staff also noted a prior poll found roughly 71% of respondents favored keeping multifamily in the use table, but several members said the poll wording was confusing and turnout incomplete.
The task force asked staff to analyze nonconformities (existing duplexes or family compounds that would be affected by rezoning) and to return with clearer mapping, parcel ownership status, and an assessment of how many properties would become legally nonconforming under each rezoning scenario. Staff said they will carry the task force’s framework guidance to code writers and bring back recommended draft language for further review.
Next steps: staff will provide a more detailed nonconformity analysis, parcel-level context for Jonesville Road, and a refined set of options (density limits, use allowances, and design-related subdivision edits) for the task force’s next meeting on April 13.
