Lexington Station Development Seeks Setback Changes

NEWBERRY – The City of Newberry has approved an application by M3 Development, LLC, acting as Agent for C.L. Brice, Inc., owner of property known as Lexington Station Mixed-Use Development. The property is located directly north and west of the Easton-Newberry Sports Complex on two parcels consisting of approximately 196-acres.

Ordinance 2020-21/LDR 20-02 was heard in a quasi-judicial public hearing on June 22. Newberry Planning and Economic Development Director Bryan Thomas presented the application to allow an amendment to Development Order 05-1, which currently requires a five-foot setback at the front of the house and a 10-ft. setback at the side (interior) yard in the residential development areas.

M3 Development’s David McDaniel said a change to a 20 ft. setback at the front of the house would allow properties to have their own driveways for parking. The other requested change was to reduce the side (interior) yard setback to five feet.

Extended discussion centered on whether the change would prevent cars from parking on the streets, an issue which has been a concern in other subdivisions. Thomas explained that on-street parking would be determined during site plan approval and depended upon whether the roads were wide enough to allow street parking.

He also said keeping the setbacks as they are would mean people would have to access their properties from the rear of the house, which would likely require an alleyway to be created for access.

“The applicant believes that the amendment will facilitate a residential development pattern that more closely aligns with current market demand and provide for adequate parking area in the front driveways without encroaching on the neighborhood sidewalks,” said Thomas.

Thomas also explained that the existing development order was approved in 2005. That order allows for up to 214 single-family, and up to 226 multifamily units. “The proposed amendment would not change the allowable residential density,” he said.

In roll call vote, Commissioner Monty Farnsworth cast the only dissenting vote. The ordinance passed on first reading with a vote of 4-1.

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