The Petitioner is requesting a zoning map amendment for approximately 52.86 acres located on Buckhalter Road at 343 and 339 Buckhalter Road (10942 01003 & -01002A), 335 Buckhalter Road (10942 01002B), 331 Buckhalter Road (10942 01002C), 325 Buckhalter Road (10942 01002D), 323 Buckhalter Road (10942 01002F), 315 Buckhalter Road (10942 01002E), 309 Buckhalter Road (10942 01007 & -01008), and 311 Buckhalter Road (10942 01009)] from R-A-CO (Residential Agricultural) to IL (Light Industrial) with conditions. These ten parcels of this petition face Buckhalter Road and were annexed into the City on January 12, 2023.

The Petitioner’s intent is to allow the proposed I-L parcels to be developed as a part of the Rockingham Farms Industrial Development, which is already being developed on adjacent parcels to the south, on parcels that have been annexed into the City of Savannah.

On May 2, 2023, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the zoning map amendment for 343 and 339 Buckhalter Road (10942 01003 & -01002A), 335 Buckhalter Road (10942 01002B), 331 Buckhalter Road (10942 01002C), 325 Buckhalter Road (10942 01002D), 323 Buckhalter Road (10942 01002F), 315 Buckhalter Road (10942 01002E), 309 Buckhalter Road (10942 01007 & -01008), and 311 Buckhalter Road (10942 01009) from R-A-CO (Residential Agricultural) to IL (Light Industrial) under the following conditions: 

1. The Petitioner shall apply for an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan prior to moving this agenda item to the City Council for final approval.
2. A 200-foot densely landscaped buffer shall be in place around the residentially zoned properties.
3. A recombination plat shall be required.

Updated Recommendation:

The City Manager is recommending approval of the zoning map amendment under these conditions:

1. Provide a 100-foot buffer along the northern border of Phase 1 to include a vegetated earthen berm at least eight (8) feet in height, and/or a combination vegetated earthen berm/sound wall at least eight (8) feet in height.
2. Provide a 100-foot buffer along the eastern border of Phase 1 to include temporary sound, light, and visibility mitigation devices, which can include a vegetated earthen berm at least eight (8) feet in height. And, if Phase 2 properties are not purchased by the petitioner within 24 months of the completion of the CPPI’s capital construction of building, the petitioner must install permanent treatments identical to those required along the northern border.
3. A Mitigation Agreement will be finalized within 30 days.
4. A recombination plat would be required.