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Commissioners approve 247-acre PD‑R on Sandhill Road over objections about floodplain and traffic
Summary
The Board approved a rezoning to PD‑R for a 247.2‑acre Sandhill Road development with conditions on stormwater, minimum home sizes and bus stops; the motion passed 4–1 with Commissioner Helmly recorded in opposition.
The Effingham County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 7 approved a rezoning application to convert roughly 247.2 acres on Sandhill Road from non‑conforming AR‑1 to planned residential (PD‑R), despite at least one commissioner voicing opposition over floodplain and traffic concerns.
Planning Manager Chelsie Fernald outlined staff conditions for the development: the preliminary plat had been approved by the Board of Commissioners; all site development plans must comply with the county's Water Resource Ordinance, the local Storm Water Design Manual and Chapter 34 flood protection standards; no lots will back up to Sandhill Road; covered bus stops will be provided; minimum home size will be 1,500 square feet; and cottage lots must not exceed 50% coverage.
Commissioners discussed the Coastal Regional Comprehensive Plan alignment, wetlands and temporary traffic signal needs. Commissioner Forrest Floyd moved to approve the second reading; Commissioner Roger Burdette seconded. The motion carried 4–1, and the minutes record Commissioner Elizabeth Helmly as opposed.
The approval advances a large residential project subject to the conditions the Board and staff outlined; the developer must meet the county's water, stormwater and flood‑protection standards before lots are recorded or built.
