Greenville Board of Adjustment Meeting – June 25, 2026

The Greenville Board of Adjustment met on June 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing on a variance request by the City of Greenville Project Management Department to waive approximately 1,100 feet of sidewalk installation along Old Pactolus Road, followed by the election of officers for the coming term.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved unanimously by a voice vote (all ayes).
• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the May 28, 2026, meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Staff Presentation: Mr. Jones presented the staff's preliminary report, explaining that the variance pertains to property at Tax Parcel Number 10256 (160 acres, split zoning of Office Residential and RE20) off western Old Pactolus Road. Sidewalks were required under UDO Section 9-4-729, but the city argued that building the sidewalk would create a “sidewalk to nowhere” because it would lead toward U.S. 264, where pedestrian facilities are unlikely to be constructed. Internal park trails already provide safer pedestrian connections across the highway. The site plan shows a new driveway, parking lot, fishing pier, and kayak launch on the west side of Wildwood Park.
• Applicant Testimony: Mark Nottingham, project manager for the City of Greenville, stated that the project was initiated by a community member seeking improved recreational access. He confirmed that a portion of sidewalk at the entrance would be installed, but the requested variance covers the remaining 1,100 feet. He cited the large property size and pre-existing location near 264 as unique circumstances that create a hardship under strict application of the ordinance.
• No Opposition: The chair noted that no speakers came forward against the request.
• Staff Recommendation: Staff concluded that the variance would not adversely impact the surrounding area and met the ordinance criteria, recommending approval.

Discussion Items

• Quasi‑Judicial Procedures: The board’s attorney reminded members that this was an evidentiary hearing and that decisions must be based on competent, material, and substantial evidence. No board members disclosed ex parte communications or conflicts of interest.
• Board Questions: Board members asked about the location of parking, the existing trail network, and whether a private developer would be treated similarly. Staff confirmed that the same standards would apply to any applicant. They also noted that the future land use map shows a commercial node at the intersection, but no plans to divest that portion of the park.
• Variance Criteria: Before voting, the board read the criteria by reference: conditions and specifications, notice, unnecessary hardship, unique circumstances, general purpose of the ordinance, and safety and welfare. Silence on each criterion was considered a vote in favor. All members were silent, indicating unanimous support.

Key Outcomes

• Variance Approved: The board voted unanimously (all ayes) to approve the petition for a variance from Section 9-4-729 Sidewalk Requirements, subject to staff’s recommendation. The variance will be effective upon signing the order.
• Election of Officers:
  • Chairman: William Purdle (incumbent) was re-elected by acclamation after a motion and voice vote (all ayes).
  • Vice Chairman: Jermaine McNair was elected by acclamation after a motion and voice vote (all ayes).
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned by unanimous consent after the election.