York County Planning Commission Approves Riley Cove Subdivision, Parking Waiver, and Multiple Rezonings

The York County Planning Commission met on August 11, 2025, at the York County Government Center to review waiver requests, subdivision plans, rezoning proposals, and receive a public education facilities impact fee update. Major actions included:

Approval of a parking lot paving waiver for a Rural Industrial property on McConnells Highway.
Acceptance of an update to the Clover School District Capital Improvement Plan and related development impact fee study.
Approval of the preliminary plat for Riley Cove subdivision (27 single-family lots).
Recommendations on six rezoning requests, ranging from small parcel changes to large-scale neighborhood rezonings.

Detailed Agenda Item Breakdown

1. Waiver 25-06 – Buffalo II Investments, LLC

Location: 3705 McConnells Highway, Rock Hill – Rural Industrial (RI) Zoning
Request: Waiver from paved parking requirements; allow gravel parking/drive aisles except for one ADA-compliant paved space.
Reason for Waiver:

Existing septic tank and drain field located in current gravel parking area; paving could cause damage and hinder future repairs.
Low traffic volume – employee parking only; no public use.
Site previously abandoned for 20+ years; applicant improving site for Carolina Power Washing operations.

Discussion:

Staff confirmed compliance with driveway and SCDOT standards; emergency-only access to remain on McConnells Highway.
Landscaping and site upgrades planned.
Public comments supported reuse of the building and waiver due to septic location and costs.

Action: Waiver approved unanimously.

2. Clover School District – Public Education Facilities CIP & Impact Fee Update

Presentation by: Clover School District and TischlerBise, Inc.
Key Points:

Enrollment growth closely matches projections; over 3,000 approved homes in unincorporated county areas.
Construction cost increases since 2021 significantly impact new schools:
- Lake Wylie High: $356/sq. ft.
- Liberty Hill Elementary: $343/sq. ft.
Review aimed to validate existing fee structure from 2020; board not seeking to exceed original allowable rate.
Fee methodology ensures nexus, benefit, and proportionality; credits applied to avoid double payment.

Action: Report accepted; no formal vote on fee changes.

3. Preliminary Plat – Riley Cove

Applicant: Weeks Development Group (Todd Doupona)
Proposal: 27 single-family lots (minimum 1 acre each) on 50.56 acres off Highway 274, Lake Wylie area.
Zoning: RUD-I, Lake Wylie Zoning Overlay District – Consistent with Comprehensive Plan.
Changes from prior plan: Relocation of cul-de-sac bulb, revised tree save areas, updated mitigation.

Findings:

Meets zoning density (0.53 units/acre).
Access via new public roads (Weeks Avenue & Finnegan Way) built to county standards.
Septic and private well service; no sidewalks required.

Action: Preliminary plat approved.

4. Rezoning Cases

a. Rezoning 25-19 – Pyotr (Owner/Applicant)

From: RUD → LI
Size/Location: 2.8 acres, Saluda Road, Rock Hill
Action: Approved recommendation to County Council.

b. Rezoning 25-33 – Kyle Christopher / Carolina Capital Property, LLC

From: UD → RSF-30
Size/Location: 5.88 acres, 124 Benson Road, Rock Hill
Action: Approved recommendation to County Council.

c. Rezoning 25-34 – Phelan-Bennett Development / Lakemont Property Investors, LLC

From: UD → LI
Size/Location: 0.07 acres, 3643 Foothills Way, Fort Mill
Action: Approved recommendation to County Council.

d. Rezoning 25-35 – Tim Helline et al.

From: RMX-10 → GC
Size/Location: 5.4 acres (6 parcels) at Hands Mill Hwy & Concord Road, York
Action: Approved recommendation to County Council.

e. Rezoning 25-36 – York County Council Initiative

From: RSF-40 → RMX-20
Size/Location: 14 parcels in Garretts Landing neighborhood & adjacent area
Action: Approved recommendation to County Council.