FLORENCE — A proposal for an overlay district that would allow no multifamily housing in the Greater Wilson Heights community could be in the hands of Florence’s city planning commission when it holds its inaugural meeting next month.
The Florence County/Municipal Planning Commission recommended Tuesday that Florence City Council defer a vote on the Wilson Road Overlay District and let the new city commission review and hold an additional public hearing on the issue.
The overlay, sought by residents and opposed by developers, would allow no duplexes, multifamily units or town homes in the district.
The city has a similar residential overlay district in the Timrod Park neighborhood, although the restrictions are on design, not use.
Tuesday’s meeting was the final one for the current 13-member incarnation of the county/municipal commission, from which Florence is withdrawing. All commissioners received plaques commending them for their service. An 11-member Florence County Planning Commission will take office in July.
The commission also recommended for Florence County Council to approve an amendment that aims to let property buyers know whether a parcel has passed a soil percolation test, which determines whether the parcel can support a septic tank.
A plat will be stamped to show whether the property has a septic tank permit or whether no test has been performed, Florence County Planning Director Bill Hoge said.
Florence County Council has approved an exemption from soil percolation test requirements for subdivision of land in estate settlements and life estates. The newest amendment would extend that exemption further.
The commission also voted 5-4 Tuesday to approve a waiver for setbacks and a private driveway to a mobile home behind a house on Langley Drive, off Second Loop Road. The applicant wants to subdivide the property into one parcel each for the house and mobile home.
Planning staff recommended approval of the request. The county’s Technical Review Committee, however, recommended denial because they worried it might set a precedent so that others along the road could subdivide their land and double the neighborhood’s density, commission chairman Glynn Willis said.
The owner of the property, 82-year-old Minnie Humphrey, said she requested the waiver so she can get a loan that would help her enjoy equity in her property.
“I would really appreciate being approved so I can get the mortgage at a better (interest) rate,” she told the commission.
A vote to recommend denying the waiver failed 4-5 before the motion to recommend approval was made.
“This is a hard call, emotionally,” Willis said. “I know each one of us wants to help.”
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