Commission advances Pine Ridge Estates Phase 3 preliminary plan with modifications
November 14, 2025 | Dorchester County, South Carolina
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The Dorchester County Planning Commission recommended approval of the preliminary plan for Pine Ridge Estates Phase 3, a 125‑lot addition to an existing subdivision, with requested modifications related to street design and lot geometry.
Planning staff said phases 1 and 2 — 143 lots on roughly 250 acres — were previously approved and under development. Phase 3 would add about 125 single‑family lots on approximately 192 acres near Givens Ferry State Park off Cummings Chapel Road and Indigo Road, about three miles south of Ridgeville. The developer requested modifications to section 20.4.0.3 (street design) and section 20.1.0.1.e (excessive lot depth‑to‑width ratio), as in previous phases; staff recommended the modifications because of the property’s shape and wetlands.
The county granted an exemption during adoption of 2024 ordinance amendments for phases already in design, allowing the developer to use engineered on‑lot wastewater systems and private wells instead of connecting to public water and sewer. The applicant’s representative, Taylor Reeves of Stantec, confirmed individual private wells and engineered septic systems have been designed and DHEC approvals for septic were submitted. Developer NVR said each engineered septic system (including import of fill) is about $30,000 and an individual well costs about $8,000–$9,000; well depth was estimated at roughly 330 feet.
Staff noted required public improvements remain outstanding: a westbound right‑turn lane on Highway 17A must be substantially complete prior to final plat, and the developer must obtain permissions to improve Palmer Road where required for secondary emergency access. Staff recommended that final plat review include dedication and maintenance requirements for ponds/wetlands and that amenities (pool and clubhouse) obtain site plan approval and building permits before home permits are released.
A motion to approve the preliminary plan passed by voice vote; staff will continue to coordinate outstanding permit and improvement requirements prior to final plat.
Planning staff said phases 1 and 2 — 143 lots on roughly 250 acres — were previously approved and under development. Phase 3 would add about 125 single‑family lots on approximately 192 acres near Givens Ferry State Park off Cummings Chapel Road and Indigo Road, about three miles south of Ridgeville. The developer requested modifications to section 20.4.0.3 (street design) and section 20.1.0.1.e (excessive lot depth‑to‑width ratio), as in previous phases; staff recommended the modifications because of the property’s shape and wetlands.
The county granted an exemption during adoption of 2024 ordinance amendments for phases already in design, allowing the developer to use engineered on‑lot wastewater systems and private wells instead of connecting to public water and sewer. The applicant’s representative, Taylor Reeves of Stantec, confirmed individual private wells and engineered septic systems have been designed and DHEC approvals for septic were submitted. Developer NVR said each engineered septic system (including import of fill) is about $30,000 and an individual well costs about $8,000–$9,000; well depth was estimated at roughly 330 feet.
Staff noted required public improvements remain outstanding: a westbound right‑turn lane on Highway 17A must be substantially complete prior to final plat, and the developer must obtain permissions to improve Palmer Road where required for secondary emergency access. Staff recommended that final plat review include dedication and maintenance requirements for ponds/wetlands and that amenities (pool and clubhouse) obtain site plan approval and building permits before home permits are released.
A motion to approve the preliminary plan passed by voice vote; staff will continue to coordinate outstanding permit and improvement requirements prior to final plat.
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