Commission recommends R‑4 zoning after applicant narrows rezoning request for 5568 Highway 165

The Planning & Zoning Commission on Aug. 6 recommended that Town Council rezone 5568 Highway 165 to R‑4 after the applicant amended an initial request for R‑3. The applicant, who identified themselves as the property owner, had asked to change the parcel from R‑1 to R‑3 and to allow two dwellings; during discussion the owner agreed to an amendment to R‑4, which the commission voted to recommend to council.

Staff told the commission the parcel is about 1 acre and is designated "rural living" on the town's future land‑use map. The staff presentation cited Town of Ravenel code (section 1.11) and noted that surrounding parcels are zoned AR or R‑1 with larger lot sizes; staff said R‑3 (medium density) was not consistent with the area's character and recommended approval only if the parcel were rezoned to R‑4. As staff summarized, "Staff would recommend approval of this rezoning request with the condition that be zoned residential 4, vice residential 3." The commission discussed lot‑size differences (R‑3 described as slightly more than 0.25 acre; R‑4 about 0.5 acre) and asked the applicant to confirm intentions; the applicant agreed to amend the application to R‑4 during the meeting.

After a motion and second to adopt the applicant's amended request, the commission voted to recommend R‑4. The chair noted the commission's action is advisory and that the matter will be considered at Town Council (first reading later in the month).