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Commission approves large Highway 701 industrial rezoning with development agreement after lengthy public comment
Summary
After extended public comment about building heights, hazardous materials and groundwater risks, the commission approved a development agreement and rezoning of roughly 79.48 acres along Highway 701 to MA2/MA3 with restrictions and developer commitments including public improvements.
The Horry County Planning Commission approved a development agreement and rezoning on June 5 that would convert about 79.48 acres along Highway 701 from CFA/FA to industrial zoning (MA2 and MA3), coupled with a development agreement that limits certain offensive uses and commits the developer to site improvements.
Staff described the DA commitments, which include retaining perimeter vegetation, installing a six-foot landscape berm where vegetation is absent, installing turn lanes at the site entrance at the developer's expense and contributing $500,000 toward public improvements. The developer also proposed a truck wash-down facility and certain use restrictions to exclude some objectionable industrial operations.
Nearby landowners expressed deep concern. "This massive building would disrupt the character and community..." said Donna Halsizer, a property owner near the site, citing worries about building heights (MA3 allows up to 100 feet under county classifications), reduced setbacks and possible hazardous materials. Diana Rankin, whose farm abuts the property, said she was worried about environmental and groundwater risks for future generations.
Developer representative Shep Guyton said the rezoning is intended to preserve industrial opportunities on a transportation corridor and that environmental and county regulatory safeguards would still apply. "We excluded some uses," Guyton said, explaining that the DA specifically removes uses the developer and staff judged likely to be offensive.
Staff recommended approval based on the comprehensive plan's economic activity center designation and the site's location near the railroad and transportation corridors. After public comment and applicant responses, a commissioner moved to approve and the motion carried by voice vote. The DA and rezoning will go into the county record; the development will remain subject to subsequent permitting and environmental regulations.
