Commission approves rezoning for 124‑unit Brown Swamp Road subdivision after traffic concerns

Horry County Planning Commission members recommended approval Sept. 4 of a future land use map amendment and rezoning for a Brown Swamp Road development that the applicant says will contain 124 single‑family homes on a 64.4‑acre parcel.

Clint Richardson of Kingston Engineering, the applicant’s representative, told the commission that "this project is gonna require a traffic study" that will cover impacts on both sides of Brown Swamp Road and could lead to required improvements during the entitlement process. Residents who live adjacent to the site pressed the commission on safety, with Susan Gavalas saying, "My biggest concern is the safety on Brown Swamp," and Bob Clegg asking the commission to require "a dedicated southbound right turn lane at Brown Swamp Road." Commissioner Charlie said a right‑turn lane is already proposed on US‑501 and that "if it's needed, DOT will require him to install that before he can sell any, lots on on this piece of property."

Staff described the proposal as a rezoning of 64.4 acres from FA and MSF‑10 to MRD‑1 with a gross density of 1.92 dwelling units per acre (net 2.17 du/ac), two proposed accesses to Brown Swamp Road, voluntary 25‑foot wetlands buffers, increased streetscape plantings and three sustainable development criteria. The commission voted to approve the FLUM amendment and the rezoning and will forward its recommendation as part of the entitlement process; required traffic and stormwater improvements will be determined and enforced during permitting.