Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting - September 15, 2020

The Greenville Planning and Zoning Commission met via Zoom on September 15, 2020, at 11:00 AM. The meeting included an invocation, roll call, and consideration of two agenda items: a preliminary plat for Brook Hollow Section 5 and a text amendment to create standards for agricultural master plan communities. No votes were taken; the commission recessed until September 17, 2020, at 6:00 PM for discussion and voting. Public comments could be submitted via email within 24 hours of the meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes from the August 18 and August 20 meetings were approved unanimously by a vote of 9–0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 2 – Brook Hollow Section 5 Preliminary Plat: Brian Fagundis, representing the applicant (CR Development LLC), spoke in support. He noted that a traffic impact analysis is underway with NCDOT and the city, and the project consists of 132 lots (130 duplex lots and two larger tracts for multifamily) on 71.69 acres. No speakers opposed.
• Item 3 – Text Amendment for Agricultural Master Plan Communities: Tim Newell, a land planner with Rivers and Associates, spoke in support. He described the concept of “agrihoods” (residential communities centered around a working farm) as an emerging trend, citing benefits such as local food access, open space preservation, and appeal to a wide demographic. He stated there are about 200 such communities across the U.S. No speakers opposed.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 – Preliminary Plat – Brook Hollow Section 5: Brad Sevier from planning staff presented the request. The property is located on the north side of Dickinson Avenue near Williams Road (parcels 03077, 2277, 07914). Staff recommended approval, noting the plat meets all technical requirements of the land use ordinance and that a portion in the floodplain is in a conservation overlay. Commissioners had no questions.
• Item 3 – Text Amendment – Article J Amendments for Agricultural Master Plan Communities: Brad Sevier presented the proposed amendment to allow agricultural amenities (farms, commercial agricultural facilities, trails) in master plan communities, analogous to existing golf-course communities. The amendment would apply to zoning districts that already permit master plan communities (RA20, R6S, R9, R6, R6A). The approval process includes a special use permit from city council, then a preliminary plat review by the commission. Up to 25% of land would be open space/farmland, and up to 5% could be commercial. The proposal aligns with Horizons 2026 goals. Commissioners asked about density and applicability; staff clarified that 75% of land could be residential and that no specific sites are proposed—the amendment broadens options for any developer in eligible zones. No further questions.

Key Outcomes

• No votes taken on either agenda item. The commission unanimously voted to recess until September 17, 2020, at 6:00 PM, at which time they will discuss and vote on both items.
• Public comments may be submitted via email to the city within 24 hours of the meeting (by September 16, 2020, at approximately 11:00 AM).