Lexington Station Receives Approval to Modify Setbacks

NEWBERRY – Following a quasi-judicial public hearing on second reading of Ordinance 2020-21, which was held during the July 13 Newberry City Commission meeting, a developer received approval to change the setbacks on his subdivision.

Application LDR 20-02 was submitted by M3 Development, LLC, acting as agent for C.L. Brice, Inc., the owner of 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.

This item was first heard on June 22, and approved on first reading. The amendment to the original development order, which required a five-foot-setback at the front of the residence and a 10-foot setback at the side (interior) yard in residential developments, modifies those setbacks for Lexington Station.

This approval will now allow a change to the front setback from five feet to 20 feet. The purpose of the change is to create space for each property owner to have their own driveway for parking. It is hoped that the modification will minimize on street parking within the subdivision. The amendment to the side setback will now be altered from 10 to five-feet.

The change is considered a minor amendment and is designed to modify the subdivision from a neotraditional design, where the front of the home is near the street, to a traditional design similar to other homes within the community.

During the first public hearing, discussion centered on whether the change would prevent cars from parking on the streets, an issue which has been a concern in other subdivisions. However, during the second hearing, there was very little discussion on that issue.

Planning and Economic Development Director Bryan Thomas 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 amendment would not change the allowable residential density or change setbacks for accessory buildings,” he said.

In roll call vote, Commissioner Monty Farnsworth cast the only dissenting vote. The ordinance was approved 4-1 on second reading.

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