Committee puts Chapel Road rezoning for Shriner group on hold to seek applicant clarification

Greenville County planning staff recommended denial of a rezoning request for a 1.5-acre site on Chapel Road (CZ-2025-063); the Planning and Development Committee voted to put the application on hold to obtain clarification from the applicant about the proposed uses.

Staff said the property is currently zoned I1 (Industrial) and the applicant, Sheldon Mickens for Azad Temple Number 140, requested rezoning to C2 (Commercial District) for a Shriner’s Temple. Staff advised that if the intended use is limited to club meetings, the current I1 zoning would permit those activities; staff said a rezoning would be necessary if the applicant intends to rent the building for special events because special event facilities are not permitted in I1.

Planning staff recommended denial, noting the request was inconsistent with the Greenville County comprehensive plan and South Greenville area plan. The Planning Commission also recommended denial. During committee discussion members asked whether S1 (Services District) or an amendment could address the applicant’s needs. Committee members agreed to place CZ-2025-063 on hold so staff could confirm with the applicant whether they would accept S1 or otherwise clarify their intended uses. The transcript records a motion to hold and a voice vote in favor.

Staff noted that special event facilities are also permitted in S1, and that planning staff could process an amendment if the applicant confirmed the change. The transcript does not show a final rezoning decision; the item is recorded as held for follow-up.