The Oconee County Planning Commission on Oct. 20 voted unanimously to approve Rezone P250188, a modification that combines Lots 5 and 6 in the Research Quarter subdivision and revises the concept plan to allow construction of a two-building retail center with associated parking, driveways, utilities and stormwater management.

Planning staff told commissioners the application covered parcels C01AV005 and C01AV006 in the Regional Center character area and recommended conditional approval with standard conditions. Staff required an updated traffic-impact analysis to address consultant comments and to identify required roadway improvements to be incorporated into development plans; they also required Gateway Road frontage along Lots 5 and 6 to be updated to curb and gutter. An administrative plat must be submitted and recorded prior to submission of site-development plans.

Additional conditions restrict service-area and dumpster visibility with a six-foot masonry wall and a black-painted metal enclosure for doors, prohibit outdoor display or storage of merchandise (including seasonal items sold from trailers), and forbid storage of merchandise in parking or drive aisles. Staff noted a cap that the total building square footage of all lots in the Research Quarter subdivision shall not exceed 174,500 square feet.

No members of the public registered opposition at the hearing. Planning staff answered commissioner questions about the existing and new road segments, saying the county is asking for curb-and-gutter extension to match recently installed curbed sections and sidewalks. The commission approved the request by voice vote and hand vote and will forward its recommendation to the Board of Commissioners for final action.

Next steps: The applicant must complete the updated TIA, administrative plat recording and any required road improvements before site-development plans are approved by planning and public works.