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Neighbors raise flooding, truck-access and clearing concerns as commission approves trade‑shop rezoning on Stonebridge Drive
Summary
The commission approved rezoning of 1.9 acres to RE‑4 for trade‑shop use after hearing neighbors complain about prior illegal clearing, persistent drainage problems and the potential for heavy vehicle traffic through a residential side entrance; the developer agreed to a stormwater pond and buffers.
The Planning Commission approved a rezoning to RE‑4 for a 1.9‑acre parcel on Sand Stonebridge Drive near Highway 707 that the applicant plans to use for a trade shop and outdoor storage.
Staff described existing mixed zoning on the parcel and said the applicant plans to address prior unpermitted clearing and drainage problems. Neighbors testified that prior illegal clearing on the parcel caused downstream flooding and that a residential entrance on Stonebridge Drive is not suitable for heavy equipment. "Ever since that property was illegally and improperly cleared, we have had flooding issues in our neighborhood all over our neighborhood," resident Scott Hertzmann told the commission.
Joey Blythe, another long‑time resident, urged the developer to ensure stormwater controls and a properly sized retention pond before work proceeds: "All the other stuff that happens after that. Just use common sense with it."
The project's civil engineer, Ryan Harvey of Rogue Professional Services, said the developer will install a stormwater pond sized for the unauthorized impervious area and will provide the landscaping and buffers required by Horry County; the developer dedicated an easement to Horry County Stormwater for maintenance of the pond. The applicant, John Pinto, said he plans employee‑based operations during daytime hours and pledged not to use large box trucks through the residential side entrance.
Staff noted that a stop‑work order had been issued for earlier unauthorized disturbance, but said that submitting formal plans would be the path to resolving outstanding violations. Commissioners discussed enforcement limits (zoning cannot restrict use of a public driveway) but were satisfied that required stormwater, buffering and plan submittals would address the neighbors' concerns. The commission moved, seconded and carried the staff recommendation to approve.
