Zoning commission approves properties for annexation to city

The Zoning Commission Committee met on Monday, March 18, at 5:30 p.m. in the Loris Chamber of Commerce conference room. Present at the meeting were committee members Linda Morrison, Ruth Ann Jones and Tommy Brogdon, the city code enforcement director Brandon Harrelson, city attorney Kenneth Moss and resident Wendy Barusch. Committee members not present were Brett Powell and Joseph Flesch. Moss said, “It looks like we have a forum, it is time to begin and we can proceed when ready.”

The meeting was called to order with Brogdon offering the invocation. The committee nominated and voted to appoint Morrison to preside over the meeting as chairperson until all committee members are present at an organizational meeting to nominate and vote on a chairperson.

Morrison stated, “It looks like we have four annexation petitions to review which are inserted into the packets each person has.” Harrelson presented the computer zoning map as the committee reviewed each petition.

The committee makes recommendations for the zoning district of the petitions received.

The first item on the agenda is the parcel number 18602030012, located on Suggs Street off Highway 701, owned by Wilbert and Renee Lewis who have requested annexation into the municipal limits of the city of Loris with the zoning of the C-2 General Business District. Motions were made to accept the petition. The committee voted unanimously.

The second item described as parcel number 17612030016 also petitioning for rezoning to a C-2 General Business District and annexation into the municipal limits of the city of Loris. Thomas C. Johnson is the trustee for the property of the Olive D. Johnson Trust. This property is located directly behind the Speedway Convenience Store. The intention to zone the property is to sell it to the commercial industry; the property is zoned by Horry County as residential (R-1). The committee moved to accept the petition with a unanimous vote.

Item three is a petition requesting annexation into the municipal limits of the city of Loris the property listed with the Horry County Register of Deeds Office in the Deed Book 3833 at Page 1163 property listed on Bay Street behind where the old Pizza Hutt was located. The owner, Evie Griego, is building a single family home on the property. Motions were made to recommend the annexation of the property receiving a unanimous vote.

The fourth item on the agenda is the petition for annexation of Powell’s Mobile Home Tire and Axle, an affiliate of Sure Trac, Inc., into the municipal limits of the city of Loris. The property is located on Highway 701 at Highway 9 Bypass. Harrelson stated they are considered industrial, manufacturing of tires, axles and trailers. Moss said, “There is a lot to this, they want to expand their business, they want to be in the city limits and make a significant extension to the business.” He continued, “However, they will consider coming into the city if they are given certain assurances based on supporting their expansion of their business.” He said if they do come into the city they want to be zoned industrial (IND) which would be compatible with their use. They would not be on the city water and sewer systems. Brogdon asked, “If they already have water and sewer, what is advantageous for them to come in as industrial other than pay extra taxes to the city?” Morrison responded, “They want an exemption for certain property from taxes for a period not to exceed five years.” Moss said, “They want that because that is what state law allows a city to give them; at most is five years.” Jones said, “They have to pay county taxes also.” Moss explained the city does not serve water and sewer where the company is located; they are with and will remain with Grand Strand Water and Sewer. Moss said, “What is in play is that they would like the five-year tax incentives which means they will continue for a period up to five years not to pay taxes on the property even after they expand.” Brogdon pointed out that to annex into the city it would have to be contentious, which was addressed by both Harrelson and Moss stating there is city property across from Powell’s. Barusch asked what security if any is provided in the area, whereupon Moss responded the city fire and police monitor the area. It was noted that this is a stable business with local ownership, with no plans at this time to hire more employees through the expansion. Moss said, “In my perspective, it is the kind of business you would want in the city.” Motions were made to accept the petition with a unanimous vote.

The fifth item on the agenda was a request to rezone the parcel 1761304006 which is located on the corner of Walnut Street and Graham, owned by Wendy Barusch, that is currently zoned as an R-1.4. Harrelson said, “Miss Wendy is requesting the property to be zoned as R-1. She is requesting mixed use which does allow residential homes, it is intended for residential and commercial support to residential.” He said, “That parcel fits the definition to the T and it does coincide with the city’s comprehensive plan.” Barusch said, “I am a real estate agent and I’m also a musician. When we redesigned the house we put an office in it;” she continued, “I would like to put up a shingle (sign).” She stated she put in the petition to have more opportunity for uses of our property, and she wants to have the ability to have commercial use. Motions were made and the vote was unanimous.
Loris city ordinance Article 1 states, Establishment of zoning districts, purpose of districts and rules for the interpretation of district boundaries which has eight zoning districts. Section 1-6. Zoning Annexed Property, “Whereas any petition for the annexation of any area of the City of Loris pursuant to the provisions of any procedure for Council, the City Council shall, upon acceptance of such petition refer same to the Planning Commission for a recommended zoning designation.” The ordinance further states, “The Council shall take under advisement the recommendation of the Planning Commission, and by separate ordinance zone such area at the time of annexation.” Moss said, “Of course the city council will have to act on the petition to annex, but they will need the recommendation from the committee as to what the most appropriate zoning would be should they annex.”

Harrelson explained what the zoning districts are, C-1 is the central business district which is downtown, and the C-2 is the surrounding areas on 701 and 9 Business which is Main Street.

Harrelson suggested that all of the committee members meet within the next two weeks to introduce the new members and establish a chairperson. The members will be notified when the meeting will be scheduled. Morrison addressed the issue of the 10-year comprehensive plan that expires in 2020; Harrelson stated it will be discussed in future meetings.