The Town of Irmo may annex and rezone nearly 19 acres of vacant land into the town limits. If approved, the land will be used for general commercial development, town leaders say.

During a recent council meeting, council members were able to get more information and ask questions ahead of a public hearing and second vote that should occur Sept. 16. According to the public document, the acres cover three lots located at 3532 Dreher Shoals Rd. in the Ballentine area. 

Councilmember Mike Ward and Councilmember Phyllis Coleman raised concerns about annexing and rezoning at the same time. Deputy Town Administrator Doug Pollen told members zoning and annexation should go hand in hand.

“Zoning codes do a good job of controlling what is allowed on the property and what that looks like in terms of architecture and landscaping,” he said. 

As of right now, there is no commercial project planned by the owner, but they seek to rezone the properties to commercial to make them attractive to future developers.

Two of the properties are currently zoned as homestead district (HM), which is defined as: “land for low-intensity agricultural and agricultural-supporting uses, such as a hobby farm, along with low-intensity residential development that preserves the rural and natural character of the district.”

The third is zoned as residential transition (RT), which “provides lands for low-intensity residential development outside urban and suburban settings. This district is intended to serve as a transition between low-intensity rural areas and suburban residential areas.” 

Irmo’s Planning Commission recommends that they rezone the acres for general commercial use.

"The CG district is intended to provide for the development and maintenance of commercial and business uses strategically located to serve the community and the larger region of which it is a part," according to public documents. 

This would allow a range of retail, office and service businesses in the area. 

The three properties are located near neighborhoods, including Milford Park and Livingston Place.

The second reading and public hearing should take place on Thursday, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m. at the Irmo Municipal Building, located at 7300 Woodrow St. in Irmo.