A dispute between the city and a developer over a communal housing project will be heard Oct. 12 by the city of Greenville’s Board of Zoning Appeals.
Matt McPheely issued an appeal over his Union House development after the city found the project’s use inconsistent with the recently adopted new zoning regulations.
Union House consists of four single-family homes designed for communal living – each with six bedrooms, six private baths and community spaces. Rental options for a suite include six months, one year and more. The homes are located at 911, 915, 917 and 919 Rutherford Road and construction is nearly complete.
The project previously was classified as an R-6 single-family residential zoning district under the city’s former land management ordinance. The zoning classification for the project was updated to RH-C under the new Greenville Development Code. RH-C zoning supports walkable neighborhoods with low-intensity residential housing uses.
Read more about the city’s new development code
The city reviewed the project to determine if it adhered to the new zoning classification and found the project’s use to be similar to a boarding house. According to a comprehensive zoning verification letter that was sent to McPheely on Sept. 15, the city determined the project’s use aligns with general group living in the code, which is not permissible within RH-C.
McPheely believes the city’s determination on the project to be “flawed,” according to the appeal. He argued the project’s intended use should be considered “household living” which is permitted for RH-C.
The project will be discussed during a public hearing held by the city’s board of zoning appeals at 4 p.m. on Oct. 12.
