FIVE FORKS Families Connected

Future Sustainable Growth

Focus on Preservation of Wildlife & Natural

Resources

Fundamental Expectations to Improve

Infrastructure

Provide a Framework for Our Community

the Area Plan

2021
 the Five Forks Area Plan
was produced by
the Greenville County Planning Department
in coordination with community members
and area stakeholders

Adopted --/--/----
www.GCPlanning.org
301 University Ridge, Suite 3800
Greenville, SC 29601
864-467-7270

Maps throughout this plan were created using ArcGIS® software by Esri.
ArcGIS® and ArcMap™ are the intellectual property of Esri and are used
herein under license. Copyright © Esri. All rights reserved. Esri provides
demographic updates annually, representing July 1 of the current year.
Estimates from the Census Bureau include both independent estimates based
upon demographic analysis and survey-based estimates. For more information
about Esri® software, please visit www.esri.com.
i
 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Development of the Five Forks Area Plan was a throughout the entire planning process. A special
citizen-driven process that involved area residents, thank you goes out to all of the following individuals
stakeholders, the Greenville County Planning who participated in guiding the development of this
Commission and county staff. This plan could not have plan.
been created without their continued involvement

FIVE FORKS AREA ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Jonelle Phillips, Co-chair Bruce Chambers Cheryl Hurt Adi Rettoun
Barbara Brown, Co-chair Jacqueline DeCarro Gena Allen Virginia Barnette
Jerome Brown Taylor Reynolds Elizabeth Shuey Dan Roberts
Robin Faulk Stacy Kuper Brett Hurt Annette Taylor

GREENVILLE COUNTY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES

Butch Kirven, Council Chairman, District 27
Rick Roberts, Council Representative, District 21
Chris Harrison, District 21
Dan Tripp, Council Representative, District 28

GREENVILLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

Metz Looper, District 19 John Bailey, District 24
Ellis Forest, District 22 Jay Rogers, District 22
Nick Hollingshad, District 20 Mark Jones, District 26
Milton Shockley Jr., District 21 Frank Hammond, District 24
Steven Bichel, District 21 Cindy Clark, District 17

GREENVILLE COUNTY STAFF

Paula Gucker, Assistant County Administrator
Tee Coker, AICP, Director of Planning Division
A. Tyler Stone, AICP, Long Range Planning Manager
Suzanne Terry, AICP, Principal Planner
Five Forks Library
Greenville County Recreation Staff
Greenville County Attorney Staff
Greenville County Transportation Planning Staff
Greenville County Public Works Staff
Clear Spring Fire Department Staff
iii Five Forks Library Staff iv
 Table of Contents
1. In Their Own Words 1
2. Introduction & Overview 8
3. Five Forks Today 14
4. Transportation 29
5. Recreation 35
6. Future Land Use 37
7. Development Standards 42
8. Implementation 48
9. Appendix 55

Rural street in the Five Forks area.

v vi
1. IN THEIR OWN WORDS...
From the very start of this planning process, the Five and concerns outlined in this section reflect the 2. The rural “feel” that brought so many to Five Forks · Environmentally Friendly and Energy Efficient
Forks Area Advisory Committee has demonstrated a Advisory Committee’s own plan for the Five Forks is disappearing as a result of what seems to be a · Standard Design - All fixtures required
passion for their community and a desire to improve Community in their own words… disregard/lack of requirements to preserve trees, to be listed by DLC, the Design Lighting
their neighbors’ quality of life. To that end, the issues landscape, and wildlife. Consortium; the accepted lighting evaluation
3. Leaders are routinely permitting questionable body.

FIVE FORKS AREA PLAN 2021 rezoning of land parcels that contribute to current
frustrations among residents, particularly with
· All fixtures must meet Illuminating Engineering
Standards (IES) requirements.
regard to current residential and commercial
GOALS & VISION Laurens County, and points beyond.
projects competing with and impacting negatively
· New, commercial, lighting installations should
have photometric study performed and
Simply put, the vision is to protect and maintain the 5. S. Bennetts Bridge Road, a heavily traveled upon prior development (i.e., clearcutting up to submitted as part of the permit process.
residential, rural character of the area, with the use of commuting road from residential areas in Laurens, the border of established subdivisions; throwing
responsible and sustainable smart growth principles Spartanburg, and for local Five Forks residents up strip malls in between fast food operations, b. 150’ Setback from Creeks and Rivers. No
to promote: to and from Anderson Ridge, Batesville, and beside tire stores, in front of storage facilities, retention/detention pond allowed in this
Woodruff Roads. beside or in front of major intersections already setback:
• Preservation of nature (trees, vegetation, wildlife, choked with traffic, etc.). · Enoree River
etc.)
AREAS OF CONCERN 4. Continued lack of connectivity, safe “walkability,” · Rocky Creek
• Quality of life
1. Increasing (stifling) traffic congestion on area etc. · Vines Creek
• Preserve our history roads. 5. Limited preservation of nature. · Dillard Creek
• Improve connectivity and walkability
2. Infrastructure and community facilities are not · Peters Creek
• Provide clearer expectations for future keeping pace with development. SOLUTIONS & THE FUTURE · Horsepen Creek
development
3. Not enough attention, emphasis, and requirements 1. Focus future residential and commercial growth · Gilder Creek
• Work to add additional options for residents to
on preservation of rural land and natural landscape. in areas with existing, adequate infrastructure
enjoy recreational activities c. Stricter requirements for tree preservation
We’re losing it all!! (land use).
BACKGROUND a. Tree preservation should be a vital component 2. For neighborhoods/communities near retail Example: Any healthy tree > 10” diameter to be
of any new development, whether residential or centers and schools (within 2.5 miles): saved/protected. Study report by professional to
Five Forks has been aptly named throughout its long be done if developer/builder claims tree is not
commercial.
history as a point of confluence among five major a. Better connect people and places within healthy.
roadways extending along all points of the compass, b. Preservation and enhancement of natural the community by creating “walkable”
with the “Five Forks” as follows: landscapes throughout the area are vital to neighborhoods 4. Infrastructure:
quality of life for people, wildlife and the a. Include required 50’ setback from road for all
1. Woodruff Road, an East/West conduit, linking b. Link neighborhoods to commercial areas with
environment, including both air and water new development.
Greenville and Spartanburg…(along with SC- safe walkways/bike paths, connectivity along
quality.
296), which currently bears a large burden of our side streets and between commercial complexes b. Traffic Study required for any new development:
hopelessly inadequate infrastructure. c. Open space, greenways, trails and other
recreational opportunities are needed. 3. In new construction, minimize environmental · For all properties located North/East of
2. Batesville Road…Pelham/I85 to Woodruff Road. impacts through the preservation of open spaces, Woodruff Rd./Bennetts Bridge; East/North/
trees, and other valuable natural resources (Five South of Batesville/Ebenezer Rds.; and North
3. Five Forks Road, thence on to Simpsonville, WHY? Forks Environmental Preservation Overlay of Bennetts Bridge/Anderson Ridge Rd.
Mauldin or even Columbia.
1. Residents are constantly commenting how there District - FFEPOD) · With > 15 lots
4. Scuffletown Road, connecting with Woodruff Rd., seems to be inconsistent expectations on how land a. Lighting Regulations/Zones Needed · Any C-2, C-3, Service Related Re-zonings that
to the northwest, to Fountain Inn, Simpsonville, can be developed and designed. will yield > 30 additional traffic trips per day
1 IN THEIR OWN WORDS IN THEIR OWN WORDS 2
5. Implement Five Forks Area Design Overlays, as · On Woodruff Rd. between Batesville and SC- “The architectural design and construction philosophy… is that buildings
architectural and appearance (design) of ALL 14
new development is important: should be unobtrusive in form and color in order to complement their natural
· On Batesville Rd. between SC-14/Pelham and
a. All new constructed buildings should consist Guardian/SC Propco setting. The main concern is that the TOTAL community be homogenous in
of brick, stucco, and additional earth-toned · On SC-14 between Roper Mt. Road and feeling in a park-like setting and free from the discordant architectural
materials. Woodruff Rd. shapes and colors which vie for attention and attempt to create greater visual
Note: Any new development should consider
b. New Lighting Standards apply (Dimming/
that even though widening/reconstruction is
impact than a neighbor’s.”
Timed and “Environmentally Friendly” - Town of Hilton Head Island. (2015, October 6). Town of Hilton Head Island Design Guide. Charles Fraser.
Lighting) – See 3a. planned/scheduled for areas of Batesville Rd.
https://www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov/publications/guides/designguide.pdf
and Woodruff Rd., this will take at least a year
c. Signage: to be completed. No new development that will
· To be designed to include a minimum of 60% worsen traffic prior to the completion of these
projects and knowing what the true results are,
earth-toned colors and materials
should be approved. CREATE FIVE FORKS OVERLAY
· No signage >10’ in height
· To include shielded, down-facing lighting that 4. Provide better access, circulation, and connectivity
DISTRICTS
between compatible land uses. Quit approving
dims after 10 pm
variations for stub outs, smaller setbacks, no
b.
Northwest from Guardian/SC Propco on ADD FIVE FORKS SUBDIVISION DESIGN
Batesville Rd. to SC-14
· No pylon or billboard signs
sidewalks, etc., unless there is a clear, obvious OVERLAY DISTRICT
reason why they aren’t possible or compatible. A c. Northwest from Roper Mt. Rd to Woodruff
OBJECTIVES & SPECIFICS methodology needs to be designed to help make Rd.
1. Minimum area/tract size to be 8 acres.

1. Focus suburban residential development (R-S/ this decision; not gut reaction. 2. To consist of contiguous parcels, not divided by
4. Limit electric car charging station locations to the
single-family, detached homes) with densities an existing public or private road or body of water
following zoning classifications:
of 2-4 units per acre in areas that are served by LAND USE (creeks, river, streams, etc.).
existing sewer, have adequate infrastructure/roads, a. Commercial
1. With the exception of properties already zoned 3. Setbacks:
and are compatible with surrounding area:
O-D, Ebenezer Road and properties bordering b. Industrial
· Along SC-14; Roper Mt. Rd (connecting a. Front: 50’ (feet)
Rocky Creek in that area to remain R-S and
Batesville/SC-14) be included in the Five Forks Environmental c. Recreation areas (such as MESA)
b. Rear: 25’ (feet)
· Southwest of Woodruff Rd.(Five Forks Rd., Preservation Overlay District (FFEPOD).
Adams Mill, etc.) SIDEWALKS, TRAILS, & BIKEWAYS c. Sides: 20’ (feet)
2. Manufactured Homes:
2. Lower residential densities of 0-1.7 units per 1. An important component of connectivity are 4. Required Open Space – 10%. It must be
a. To be allowed on 1/2 acre site minimum the corridors that accommodate non-motorized continuous, public accessible, and usable. It cannot
acre for areas East/North of Bennetts Bridge/
Woodruff Rd intersection and going West/North transportation. These corridors provide some include fenced detention, or retention areas, used
b. No manufactured home parks
from Bennetts Bridge Rd. to SC-14. (Area East combination of greenways (multi-use paths), for storm water management.
of SC-14 to Pelham Falls/Spartanburg Border c. Excluding above requirement, all Greenville bikeways, and sidewalks in order to connect with
commercial activity centers, schools, parks and 5. Trees greater than 10 inches in diameter should
and North of Woodruff Road and S. Bennett’s County requirements in LDR Article 14 apply.
other area destinations. be preserved in the buffer.
Bridge Road). 3. Commercial, Retail, Neighborhood Commercial,
2. Sidewalks are needed throughout the study area 6. Landscaping in the vegetative setback and along
3. Allow and/or encourage residentially-compatible and Multifamily Residences should remain in
in areas with density > R-S or are within 2 miles the existing right-of-ways should be informal and
transitional land uses such as professional offices the following areas. Attention should be placed
from retail centers, schools, and parks to complete picturesque. Indigenous vegetation should be used
and attached single family, mixed-use; commercial, on compatibility regardless of where in Five
the transportation system; to provide safety, to the greatest extent possible.
office, residential, master planned developments Forks Area Plan boundaries new development is
within and around the planned commercial proposed. mobility, and accessibility for area residents; and
centers: promote a healthy active community as well as
a. West of Scuffletown Rd going towards effectively reduce demand on area roads.
Woodruff Rd.

3 IN THEIR OWN WORDS IN THEIR OWN WORDS 4

ADD FIVE FORKS ENVIRONMENTAL any lot of a Major Subdivision and the road KEY OBJECTIVES
right-of-way
PRESERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICT 1. Improve the overall pedestrian accessibility at • Mini Warehouse/Storage Units/Large
(FFEPOD) • Minimal disturbance of existing trees & Five Forks and Pelham Batesville Commercial Warehouses*
established visual vegetative screening min. Activity Centers.
(cf. Scuffletown Conservation District) • Auto, Boat, Cycle, RV Sales, Service and/or
6 feet in height
1. Intent 2. Incorporate neighborhood friendly design Rental*
• No screening plant material within 25 feet principles into future commercial development
• To preserve open space and help protect the of the road right-of-way • Motorsport Racetrack
environment. 3. Establish restrictions that would preclude large
• Permitted Development & Uses Within Road scale “big box” development from locating in • Nightclub/Tavern*
• To preserve the rural atmosphere. Frontage Buffer the Five Forks area • Pawn Shops
• To minimize impact on quality of life and allow
• Walkways, paths, trails and other elements 4. Better control excessive commercial
for growth in locations that are compatible • Quarries
associated with passive recreation or the signage (timed lighting, height restrictions,
and have sufficient infrastructure.
provision for continuous pedestrian and positioning, qty., etc.) • Tire Plants
• To support and protect wildlife corridors with bicycle connections between adjoining
an interconnected network of open space. properties. 5. Work with new and existing businesses to • Truck Terminals
increase vehicle interconnectivity between
2. Requirements and Standards • Entrance features and signage to the extent • Amusement-Theme Parks/Commercial
centers.
• Minimum buffer of 50 feet from creeks and permitted • Adult Entertainment
rivers, as measured from the river/creek bank • Clearing for sight distances as required for USES WE DON’T WANT • Auto Storage-Wrecked/Damaged
for the following waterways: reasonable traffic safety. (too many already* or not desired due to inadequacy or
• Enoree River infrastructure) • Car Wash*
• Lighting
• Rocky Creek • Strip commercial centers and big box retail • Banks*
• All outdoor lighting to meet requirements
• Vines Creek of the most recent IES (Illuminating • Auction houses/lots - car equipment • Fairgrounds
Engineering Society) & Dark Sky Model
• Dillard Creek Lighting Ordinance standards • Fraternity/Sorority House • Junkyards

• Peters Creek • Full cut off fixtures • Industrial-None • Zero Lot Line Dwellings Only Allowed in
Multi-Family/Mixed Purpose Developments
• Horsepen Creek • Landfills*
COMMERCIAL DESIGN OVERLAY DISTRICT
• Gilder Creek
1. Residents are unhappy with the functional design
• Tree Preservation: Significant trees* to be characteristics of commercial development in the
identified prior to development and protected Five Forks area.
during development.
2. Stores/Restaurants are not accessible by foot for
• *Significant Trees: Any healthy tree of at those who live close due to a lack of sidewalks and
least 12” DBH (excluding those listed on crosswalks.
the USDA Natural Resources Conservation
3. General displeasure in the overall appearance of
Service SC State Noxious Weeds and SC
commercial development in the Five Forks area,
Exotic Pest Plant Council lists)
specifically mentioning signage clutter, and large
• Road Buffer Requirements: treeless parking lots. No unifying style.

• Minimum buffer of one hundred fifty

(150) feet width shall be provided between

5 IN THEIR OWN WORDS IN THEIR OWN WORDS 6

 2. INTRODUCTION & OVERVIEW
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
Strategy Action Responsible Agency On-going 0-1 years

Maintain existing R-S density in

1 those areas identified in the Greenville
Planning Commission & County
Council
√ √ INTRODUCTION not kept pace with the development. In early 2018,
residents of the Five Forks community requested that
County Future Land Use Map
Greenville County Council direct Greenville County
Amend Greenville County Future BACKGROUND Planning Staff to assist in creating a new area plan.
Land Use Map to be consistent with Planning Commission & County The Five Forks area is located in southeastern Concerned residents, County Council, and Planning
2 √
land uses shown in the FF Area Future Council Greenville County, SC south of Interstate 85 and east Staff held frequent meetings throughout 2018 and
Land Use Map. of Interstate 385. The major thoroughfare is Woodruff 2019 to develop a vision for the future of Five Forks.
Road from SC 14 to the Spartanburg County line This plan represents the fruit of that effort, and serves
Adopt recommended commercial and Planning Commission & County
3 √ through the town of Five Forks. Other major roads to establish goals and recommendations for the
residential design guidelines. Council
include Roper Mountain Road and Batesville Road. community over the next ten years.
Adopt recommended Protection Planning Commission & County
4 √ A few short years ago, much of the area was comprised Like the earlier EWRAP, this plan shall serve as a policy
Overlay District Ordinances Council
of large residential tracts and farm land. Woodruff guide for future development in the Five Forks study
Planning Commission & County Road was no more than a two-lane country road, area. It addresses issues related to transportation
5 Adopt Lighting Ordinance √
infrastructure, recreation, land use, and the standards
Council connecting Spartanburg County and Woodruff to
the City of Greenville. With the explosive residential by which the community will develop for future
Establish FF Advisory Committee to development.
6 County Council √ √ growth over the last 20 years, Woodruff Road now
Review New Proposed Development
functions as a primary thoroughfare serving thousands
Review Area Plan Goals/Objectives
FF Area Plan Committee/ of residents that call this area home. AREA PLAN PROCESS
7 Advisory Group, Planning √
and Revise As Needed With the rapid growth have come issues, particularly
Commission, County Council
as the infrastructure has not kept pace with the growth. KICK-OFF MEETING
Participation from the community has been strong
PURPOSE throughout the three-year-long planning process,
with residents remaining engaged throughout many
The East Woodruff Road Area Plan (EWRAP) was
meetings.
issued in 2007. The goal of the EWRAP was to serve
as a policy guide to assist in decision making, and An introductory pre-planning meeting was held
support future actions that would promote orderly on May 24, 2018 with 15 residents in attendance.
development of land in an effort to maintain and Traffic and road condition concerns were the primary
improve the quality of life for current and future issues brought up, along with land use decisions, for
residents of this community. The plan addressed also topics of discussion. The planning process was
future land uses, transportation system improvements, outlined for the group in attendance. A preliminary
and land development and design related issues. The boundary for the planning area was discussed, to be
EWRAP articulated a vision for this community reviewed at the next meeting.
as expressed through numerous meetings with area
residents, property owners, and stakeholders, and The June 14, 2018 meeting was the official kick-off
makes recommendations on how best to realize for the planning process. That evening, the planning
this vision. The EWRAP was an excellent plan and process was again reviewed for new attendees, and a
there are many sections from the EWRAP that are demographic report was presented. A group exercise
incorporated into this plan. finalized the plan boundary, and a SWOT (Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) exercise
It has been over 10 years since the EWRAP was was held to help to determine the area’s strengths,
Rural road in the Five Forks area. issued and the infrastructure in the Five Forks area has weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The results of

7 8
the SWOT analysis may be found in the image below. of approximately 25 volunteer residents was formed to PLANNING PROCESS FLOWCHART
Finally, staff introduced a survey to be taken online so study issues more intensively.The Advisory Committee
that as many area residents could weigh-in as possible, met six times throughout 2018 with planning staff to The following diagram charts the flow of activities:
even if unable to attend meetings. discuss topics ranging from transportation and traffic,
recreation, and land use. During these meetings,
ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS strategies for each theme or topic were developed.
Goals for each theme were incorporated into each of Preliminary
Beginning in August 2018, an Advisory Committee the following chapters specific to each subject area. Research
Committee
“Working Session”
2/21/2019

Pre-Plan Meeting
5/24/2018 Committee
“Working Session”
3/21/2019

Kick-off Meeting Committee

6/14/2018 “Working Session”
Advisory Committee 4/25/2019
8/9/2018

Committee
Community Meeting “Working Session”
7/12/2018 Advisory Committee 6/20/2019
9/13/2018

Committee
“Working Session”
Steering Committee Advisory Committee 10/10/2019
formed 10/18/2018
Five Forks – Strengths & Weaknesses (documented at the 6/14/2018 meeeting)

Committee
“Working Session”
Plan Draft Advisory Committee 11/21/2019
11/8/2018
10/10/2018
Committee
“Working Session”
Advisory Committee 12/13/2019
Open House 1/10/2019
Review
Committee
“Working Session”
Advisory Committee 1/14/2020
3/28/2019
Public Hearing
& Adoption
Five Forks Advisory Committee Meeting.

9 10
SURVEY RESULTS 1. Better Planning for Growth: There needs to
be better coordination between all agencies, PUBLIC SERVICES NEEDING IMPROVEMENT
Two surveys were created for the plan using the departments, and districts to plan for growth
online “Survey Monkey” website. Over two hundred more effectively. 100
responses were submitted from unique people
2. Infrastructure:
(web addresses), ensuring only one submission per
respondent. In addition, nearly fifty paper surveys • Infrastructure and community facilities
were submitted. should keep pace with development 80
Key results showed areas of concern including: • Traffic congestion on area roads should be
better managed.
• Public services needing improvement. 60
• Residents should not bear the cost of
• Need for additional public parks and recreation.
new development. Development should
The surveys documented the following key issues and pay its own way by making the necessary 40
concerns: infrastructure improvements to roads and
sidewalks as it goes.

20

TOP FIVE AREAS OF CONCERN

0
Road Public Traffic Parks &
15 maintenance transportation control Recreation Areas

Adequate Not Adequate Not Sure

12
Source: Five Forks Area Plan Survey 2018

9
3. Schools: Quality of area schools is a very 5. Commercial Development:
important consideration in deciding to live in • Appearance of commercial development is
this area. The quality of area schools should not
6 be compromised to accommodate more growth.
important.
• Commercial design standards should promote
4. Land/Nature Preservation: walk-ability and foster a strong sense of place.
3 • Preservation of rural and natural land is
• Commercial development should be located
critical.
in commercial activity centers or limited to
• Tree preservation is a vital component of any small scale neighborhood centers.
0 new development.
6. Future Land Use: Outside of planned commercial
Improving Improving Managing Tree Providing
traffic road growth and preservation sidewalks • Open space, greenways, trails and other activity centers, land uses on Woodruff Road
congestion infrastructure development around schools passive recreation opportunities are needed. should be primarily residential.
patterns
Source: Five Forks Area Plan Survey 2018

11 12
PLAN GOALS
3. FIVE FORKS TODAY
are aesthetically pleasing and the lighting is
“environmentally friendly.”
FIVE FORKS AREA PLAN GOALS 4. Environmental Preservation: Establish stricter
guidelines for preservation of environment,
The following goals were established from the key
issues and vision statement. including open spaces, trees, creeks/streams and FIVE FORKS STUDY AREA Key Waterways: Include the Enoree River,
Gilder Greek and Rocky Creek.
other valuable natural resources.
The Five Forks area is 16+ square miles in size with
1. Manage Growth: Establish a Future Land Use
Plan, which will focus growth in areas with 5. Recreation: Provide more active and passive 10,718 acres of land. It is located south of Interstate
85 and east of Interstate 385. Maps 3.1 and 3.2 show
POPULATION & DEMOGRAPHICS
existing infrastructure and establish guidelines recreational opportunities.
the location of the study area within Greenville
for future development
6. Greenville County Ordinances/LDR: Establish County.
POPULATION
2. Transportation Infrastructure: Improve the and implement requirements which will The population of the Five Forks Community has
Area Boundaries: The area boundaries include
safety and integrity of the area road network positively influence Greenville County grown from just over 19,000 in 2007 to 28,342 today;
the Enoree River on the north/eastern edge, SC
through proper land use, sustainable design, and ordinances and the Land Development an increase of 48 percent in just over twelve years, or
Highway 14 on the western edge and Gilder
access management strategies. Regulation (LDR) to better manage growth and 3.9 percent annually.
Creek on the southern edge.
protect the environment.
This is over twice as fast as Greenville County as a
3. Design Standards: Establish specific design Roads: The only road in Five Forks with more
whole, which grew just 1.9 percent per year during
standards to ensure new buildings and signage than two lanes is Woodruff Road and that is only
the same time period, and considerably faster than
between SC14 and S. Bennett’s Bridge Road.
predicted by the East Woodruff Road Area Plan.
Other roads that take traffic to and through Five
Furthermore, the population of Five Forks is slightly
Forks include Anderson Ridge Road, Batesville
younger and household sizes slightly larger than the
Road, Five Forks Road, Roper Mountain Road, S.
county as a whole, reflecting the area’s family friendly
Bennett’s Bridge Road (SC 296), and Scuffletown
atmosphere.
Road.

Key Facts

28,342 36.8
Population

$111,726
Median Age
3.1
Average Median Household
Household Size Income

Source: Esri Business Analyst, April 5, 2019

Lowes Food Store in the Five Forks area.

13 14
MAP 3.1: Five Forks Study Area within Greenville County Polk MAP 3.2: Expanded map of Five Forks Study Area
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14
 CHART 3.1: Population by Age CHART 3.4: Housing Units by Status
20,000 10,000

8,000
15,000
6,000

10,000
4,000

5,000 2,000

0 2007 2019 2024

0 2007 2019 2024 Owner-occcupied Renter-occupied Vacant

Persons under 18 years Persons 18-64 years Persons 65 or older Source: Esri Business Analyst, April 5, 2019

Source: Esri Business Analyst, April 5, 2019

CHART 3.5: Transportation to Work

CHART 3.2: Population by Gender
Drive
alone

2007 Carpool

Walk/Work
2019 from home

0
0

00

00
2024

00
00

00

00

,0

,0
6,
2,

4,

8,

10

12
0 2007 2019
00
0

00

00

00

00

00

00
00

,0
,0

,0

,0

,0

,0

,0
5,

Source: Esri Business Analyst, April 5, 2019

15
10

20

25

30

35

40
Male Female

Source: Esri Business Analyst, April 5, 2019 CHART 3.6: Educational Attainment
12,000
CHART 3.3: Population by Race
less than
9th grade

10,000
9th-12th,
no diploma

2007 8,000 high school

diploma

2019 6,000 some college

2024 4,000 associates

degree

0 2,000
0

00

00

00

bachelor’s
00

00

degree
,0

,0

,0

,0

,0
5,

,
10

15

20

25

30

35

White Black Latino Asian Other 0 2007 2019 2024

graduate/
professional
degree

17 Source: Esri Business Analyst, April 5, 2019 Source: Esri Business Analyst, April 5, 2019 18
MAP 3.3: Greenville County Growth by Census Tract
EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT Table 3.1: Highest Earning Census Tracts in SC
Statistically, Five Forks residents skew toward Median
being highly educated, with a majority having a Rank Census Tract Income
bachelor’s degree or higher. These high professional 1 Mount Pleasant (Tract 46.13) $154,519
qualifications translate to mostly “white collar” jobs, 2 Kiawah Island (Tract 21.04) $143,988
as eighty percent are employed in these professions,
£
¤ 25
which include professional services such as accounting, 3 The Battery, Charleston (Tract 2) $140,357
"
) 11
"
)
101
engineering, business and legal services, among others. 4 Daufuskie (Tract 21.01) $139,135

"
)
11 £
¤276 Manufacturing represents the next largest pool of 5 NW Five Forks (Tract 28.13) $131,528
workers in the Five Forks area. 6 SW Five Forks (Tract 28.15) $125,972
"
)
414

In addition, though Five Forks is primarily residential 7 Daniel Island (Tract 204.03) $125,063

"
)
288 "
)
253
in character, there are nearly 400 business and over 8 Sullivan’s Island (Tract 48) $120,850
£
¤ 25
"
)
101 3,600 people employed within the study area, in mostly 9 NE Five Forks (Tract 28.14) $112,946
"
)
186
service related jobs to serve the local community. 10 Tega Cay/Fort Mill (Tract 610.06) $112,348
"
)
14

"
)290
INCOME Source: Esri Business Analyst, April 5, 2019

According to the United States Census, the Five Income Facts

Forks Community is one of the highest earning areas
£
¤ £
¤
25
276 "
)
253
£
¤29 within the state of South Carolina. Together, the four
census tracts which make up the Five Forks Study
"
)
80
area represent the 5th, 6th, 9th, and 33rd wealthiest
) £
" ¤
183 276
Five Forks census tracts in the state, with a median household
§
¦
¨
85
Study Area
income of $111,726 and per capita income of $44,761,
$111,726
Median Household $530,090

£
¤123
"
)
291
§
¦
¨385
as compared to $51,389 and $28,244 for the State,
Income
$44,761
Median Net
Worth
respectively. Median Capita
"
)
296
Income
"
)81

§
¦
¨ 85
£
¤
276 "
)
146 Source: Esri Business Analyst, April 5, 2019

§
¦
¨ 385

Education Facts
§
¦
¨ 185
£
¤25
"
)
417

§
¦
¨185

3%
3%
"
) 20
§
¦
¨ 185

"
)
No High
24%
24%
86 School
No High
§
¦
¨ 385 Diploma
School
12% Some College

12%
Diploma Some College
High School
£
¤ 25
"
)
418
Graduate
High School Bach
Graduate
3% 3%
Growth by Census Tract
Population Loss
No High
No High
School
School
24%
24%
12% 64%
Diploma
"
) Some College
12% 64%
Below Average Growth 247 Diploma Some College
Average Growth High School
High School
Bachelor’s/Grad/Prof
Bachelor’s/Grad/Prof
Graduate Degree
Graduate Degree
Above Average Growth
Source: Esri Business Analyst, April 5, 2019
Five Forks Study Area

19 Source: Greenville County Geographic Information Systems (GIS), September 24, 2019 £
¤ 76
20
 MAP 3.4: Activity 1987-2018
CURRENT LAND USE Today, the U.S. Census estimates that there 9,354
housing units within the study area with an average
Developer Activity
The predominant land use within the Five Forks household size of 3.12 people per household. Most of
High
Study Area is residential, consisting primarily of rural
residential and single-family detached housing with a
this new housing has been single family residential,
with detached homes in planned subdivisions with
§
¦
¨85

combined average density of 2.17 units per acre. lot sizes ranging from one-tenth of an acre to well
over one acre in size. Typical zoning designations for "
) 14
This represents a 1,361 acre increase since 2007 with the these subdivisions include R-12, R-15, and R-S. The
conversion of formerly Agricultural and Undeveloped average size of a single family house in Five Forks
Open Space to Residential use. is 2,600 square feet, in line with the current national Low
Since 2007, the total share of Agricultural and average. Rapid growth has, unsurprisingly, put a strain
Undeveloped Open Space uses has fallen to just over 24 on community facilities and local infrastructure,
percent today as compared to 40 percent twelve years especially area roads and highways.
ago.

14

Batesville Rd
SUBDIVISION ACTIVITY Hw
y
Rates of Commercial, Service, and Industrial land
uses within the study area have remained steady over Subdivisions have largely replaced the farms and
the last decade. homesteads that once dotted the rolling hills of Five
Forks. Today, there
TABLE 3.2: Current Land Use Breakdown are currently 150 Rope
An
rM d ers
planned single- ou
Current Land Use Breakdown (acres) n tai

on
family residential n Rd

R
6,754 Residential subdivisions ge "
)
296

id
2,652 Agricultural/Undeveloped Open Space in Five Forks. Rd d
idge R
575 Public/Institutional Residents of Five Br
334 Commercial/Office Forks are regularly

tts
Wo

ne
311 Privte Recreation seeing “Planned ru

od
ff R

en

An
SB
92 Service/Industrial Subdivision” signs d

de
rs
pop up. This is

on
10,718 Total

Rd
considered low

ig
eR
Source: Greenville County Geographic Information Systems (GIS), July 30, 2019 density by modern
Sc

d
standards, as the ve Forks R d uffl
Fi
AREA DEVELOPMENT TRENDS

d
eto

m s Mill R
current national average lot size sits at just 8,900 square
Wo

Rd
feet or two-tenths of one acre (4.8 units per acre), well

w
G re s h a m od

n Rd
GROWTH below that of the Five Forks area (U.S. Census, 2010). ru
ff
Rd
This lower density housing, and more green space, is

da
The Upstate Region of SC has grown rapidly A E
what makes the Five Forks area attractive to many Ge
throughout the last decade, which has brought many org

a ughn R d
residents. i a Rd
businesses and people to the area, especially to Five
Forks. Even through the Great Recession (Dec. 2007 From 2007 through the second quarter of 2019, 74
- Jun. 2009), which saw a brief decline in development new subdivisions were approved by the Greenville

eV
intensity after 2008, Five Forks has continued to grow. County Planning Commission, adding 2,000+ new Le
residential lots and consuming over 1,174+ acres of The map above illustrates approved requests for the rezoning of property, which have occurred within the study area since 2000
Approximately 2,500 new housing units have been land that was once used for agricultural purposes. as well as Subdivision activity since 1987. Rezoning involves changing the allowed use or development density of a property
added in the Five Forks study area since 2007 as the by amendment to the Greenville County Zoning Map, while subdivisions may be approved which meet the requirements of the
area has continued to suburbanize, a 36% increase Greenville County Land Development Regulations. 417
"
)
over the last twelve years. As indicated on the map, most of the rezoning and subdivision requests that have been approved over the past three decades have been
for single-family residential densities (R-12, R-15), commercial developments (C-1, C-2), and Mixed-Use Planned Developments
(PD/N-C) or Planned Office Districts (POD.

21 Source: Greenville County Geographic Information Systems (GIS), April 29, 2019 22
COMMUNITY VISION STATEMENT systems Level of Service (LOS), as determined by the ratio
of the volume of traffic flow compared to the design
• Schools
Simply put, the vision is: capacity of the road (V/C), indicates that several key
• Law enforcement and prisons sections of roadway are not operating as efficiently as
“To protect and maintain the residential, rural character of the area, with the use of • Sanitation and waste removal for solid waste, they should. LOS can be thought of as the average
wastewater, and hazardous waste road condition observed over the course of a typical
responsible and sustainable smart growth principles.” day, and may not adequately reflect congestion during
• Post offices and mail delivery
- Five Forks Area Advisory Committee Peak AM and PM hours. For a detailed study of AM
• Public parks and other green infrastructure
and PM Peak congestion, more information is needed.
CHART 3.7: Subdivision Lots 2000-2019 TRAFFIC CONGESTION & LEVEL OF Some areas of concern, as indicated on Map 3.5
1,200 SERVICE include the following:

Traffic congestion has become a serious issue and an • Five Forks commercial activity center, at the
escalating safety concern for area residents, as traffic convergence of Woodruff Road, Five Forks
1,000 Road, Adams Mill Road, Scuffletown Road, and
flow through the Five Forks area has become impeded
as a result of the existing land development patterns, Batesville Road
800 caused by approved development without regard for
Number of Lots

• Batesville Road at Pelham Road and Highway 14

infrastructure improvements, as well as the sheer to Roper Mountain Road
volume of traffic during peak times.
600 • Woodruff Road at E. Georgia Road
Table 3.3 below illustrates the average daily trips Each of these areas has a 2015 Level of Service ranging
generated by a given land use type. For example, from C to E according to the Greenville-Pickens
400 single-family detached housing—which Five Forks Area Transportation Study’s (GPATS) Long Range
has a considerable amount of—tends to generate Transportation Plan and Traffic Model, developed in
200 the most number of daily trips at nearly ten trips per 2015 and updated every five years.
unit, per day.

0 “Level of service (LOS) is a term used to qualitatively describe the operating conditions of
00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19
a roadway.”
20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20
Year - City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County, CA (October 9, 2020)
Source: Greenville County Geographic Information Systems (GIS), April 29, 2019

TABLE 3.3: Average Daily Trips by Land Use Type

CURRENT INFRASTRUCTURE Infrastructure includes:
• Roads, tunnels, and bridges, including the Single-Family Detached Housing
INTRODUCTION Interstate Highway System Residential Planned Unit Development
• Mass-transit systems (e.g., trains and rails) Multi-Family Housing (Low-Rise)
“Infrastructure is the framework of interdependent
• Airport runways and control towers Mobile Home Park
networks and systems comprising identifiable
Senior Adult Housing - Detached
industries, institutions (including people and • Dams and reservoirs
Assisted Living
procedures) and distribution capabilities that provide • Hurricane barriers Senior Adult Housing - Attached
a reliable flow of products and services essential to the
defense and economic security of the United States, • Levees and pumping Stations Mid-Rise Residential w/ 1st-Floor Commercial
Continuing Care Retirement Community
the smooth functioning of governments at all levels, • Waterways
Congregate Care Facility
and society as a whole.” Report of the President’s • Electrical power lines and connections
Commission on Critical infrastructure Protection, 0 2 4 6 8 10
• Fire stations and equipment
1997
• Hospitals, clinics, and emergency response Source: ITE Trip Generation Manual, 10th Edition

23 24
MAP 3.5: 2015 Level of Service and Traffic Counts for Five Forks
Table 3.4: Level of Service (LOS)
Level of Service Rank Capacity Definition
A Ratio
§
¦
¨
85
B A 0.0-0.60 Excellent: Completely free flow D 0.81-0.90 Fair: Conditions border on
C conditions. Vehicle operation is unstable flow. Speed and ability
D virtually unaffected by presence of to maneuver are severely restricted
"
)14
E other vehicles. Minor disruptions due to traffic congestion. Only the
F do not cause significant delays. most minor disruptions can be
Traffic Counter absorbed without the formation
B 0.61-0.70 Very Good: Reasonably of extensive queues.
unimpeded flow, the presence
of other vehicles begins to be E 0.91-1.00 Poor: Conditions become
noticeable, however disruptions unstable. Represents operation at
14

y are easily absorbed. or near capacity. Any disruption,

Batesville Rd

Hw no matter how minor, will cause

17,400
C 0.71-0.80 Good: The ability to maneuver queues to form and service to
and select on operating speed is deteriorate.
clearly affected by the presence of
Rope An F >1.00
rM d other vehicles. Minor disruptions Failure: Represents forced or
ers
ou may be expected to cause serious breakdown flow. Operation
n tai
on

8,700 n Rd 5,400 deterioration in service and queues within queues is unstable and
R

ge characterized by short spurts of

id

14,700 Rd "
)
296 may form behind significant traffic
d
idge R disruption. movement followed by stoppages.
B r
200
tts
Wo

ne

ru
od

ff R
en

An
SB

d
de

9,300
rs
on

23,200 6,400
Rd
ig

14,100
eR

ve Forks R d
d

Fi Sc
uffl
d
m s Mill R

7,900 eto Wo
od
ru
Rd
w

ff
n Rd

G re s h a m Rd
9,000 E
da

A 10,400 Ge
org
i a Rd
a ughn R d

14,600
eV

Le

"
)
417

Traffic along Woodruff Road in the Five Forks area.

25 Source: GPATS Traffic Model, 2015 26
 SEWAGE TREATMENT • Subdivisions along Woodruff Road to the west
are connected to the larger sanitary sewer network
In Five Forks, sewer and other wastewater effluent is provided by MetroConnects and ReWa.
collected and conveyed by MetroConnects, a special
purpose district. ReWa is the regional sewage and Generally, septic systems require large lot sizes
wastewater treatment organization responsible for (typically greater than one-half acre) while smaller
treating wastewater and returning clean, treated water lots may be accommodated by sewer hookups. This
to South Carolina’s rivers and streams. is indeed the case in Five Forks, as areas with sewer
service are more densely developed than those without.
Currently, approximately half of the Five Forks Study
Area is served by sanitary sewer. The other half is In an effort to improve the water quality of streams and
served by individual, private septic tanks and a few are rivers throughout Greenville County, sanitary sewer
served by community package plants. connection is desired by Greenville County and SC
DHEC (Department of Health and Environmental
• Areas east of Anderson Ridge Road, within the Control) for all residential development.
Peter’s Creek/Enoree River basin are served
primarily by septic systems.

ReWa Sewer Trunk Line Easement in Five Forks.

Enoree River overpass in the Five Forks area.

27 28
4. TRANSPORTATION
“Context sensitive design (CSD) is a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that involves
all stakeholders to develop a transportation facility that fits its physical setting and
preserves scenic, aesthetic, historic, and environmental resources, while maintaining
INTRODUCTION necessary infrastructure to support and facilitate safety and mobility. CSD is an approach that considers the total context within which a
all modes of travel, including multi-use trails/
This section of the plan lays out the recommended paths where feasible.
transportation improvement project will exist.”
transportation improvements for the study area - FHWA CSD Website Homepage
and is organized into major topics affecting the • Utilize context-sensitive design strategies to
better calm, manage, and move traffic through minimize stoppages. Most importantly they serve to as the only access into and out of their neighborhood
transportation system: slow traffic, improve the appearance, and allow easier (Greenville County GIS). With just under ten trips per
the study area.
1. Access Management road crossing opportunities for pedestrians. day generated by the average single-family household,
nearly 20,000 vehicle trips per day may be generated
2. Improved Connectivity ACCESS MANAGEMENT IMPROVED CONNECTIVITY by those families along Woodruff Road alone. Over
This section discusses access management strategies the years, opportunities for collector street networks
3. Recommended Road and Intersection An interconnected network of streets and sidewalks
which can be used to improve traffic flow in and and connections between subdivisions have been lost
Improvements is integral to the free flow and movement of traffic
around existing and planned commercial activity due to neighborhood opposition, a lack of consistent
4. Pedestrian and Bike improvements. centers. in and out of any community. Much of the traffic- application of connectivity standards by the Planning
related concerns expressed by residents of the Five Commission through the granting of subdivision
The Advisory Committee emphasized that An important part of the vision for this area is to Forks Community is a product of development variances, or the associated cost to developers and the
transportation, especially congestion management, improve and create commercial activity centers that patterns which have limited the number of street county for such additional infrastructure.
must be addressed in this plan. Community input are more pedestrian accessible. To realize this vision it connections within subdivisions, with most having
in this process was critical as it helped staff better is important to utilize access management strategies only one entrance into and out of the neighborhood. Similarly, sidewalk infrastructure within the study
understand the daily travel patterns and identify in coordination with the built environment. Many These means of ingress and egress are typically area is currently insufficient to make walking to
specific areas in need of improvement. of the recommended strategies put forth in this plan accessed from a major arterial road such as Woodruff nearby services an acceptable alternative for most
seek to begin this transformation from an exclusively Road, Anderson Ridge Road, Batesville Road, residents. Of the 148 miles of roadway within the Five
This plan seeks to improve upon the existing auto-oriented commercial area to a more vibrant, Forks study area; there are 29 miles of sidewalk, about
and Scuffletown Road, among others. These major
transportation system, not only through recommended community-friendly center. 19.6% of the total (Greenville County GIS). Where
arterials are already choked with traffic during peak
infrastructure improvements, but also through careful sidewalks do exist within specific neighborhoods, they
hours, leaving neighborhood residents with no other
land use decisions as well as the design of future Access to businesses in the Five Forks area is provided do not connect to any significant sidewalk network
alternative to bypass areas of congestion. For example,
development. Together, we hope these approaches by numerous curb-cuts along Woodruff Road. These on major roads throughout the community, where
over 2,000 households in 21 subdivisions within the
will help improve existing facilities and minimize conditions have contributed to the congestion in the services are typically located. At present, there are
Five Forks study area currently utilize Woodruff Road
impacts on the community as this area continues to Five Forks area. Too many access drives on Woodruff
develop over the next 10 years. Road and not enough internal cross-access drives
between businesses disrupt traffic flow and limits CHART 4.1: National Development Trends
GOALS pedestrian accessibility. As future commercial areas
develop, shared external driveways should be required
The goals of this section of the plan are to: with cross access drives providing internal circulation
• Improve traffic congestion through land use between adjacent businesses. Driveway placement
control and better access management. is also an issue in the Five Forks area. Specifically,
drives are located too close together, or too close to
• Identify and fix unsafe road conditions. intersections, creating unsafe operational conditions,
generating conflict points, and causing frequent stops.
• Provide better street connectivity between This plan recommends minimum spacing standards
compatible land uses by incorporating local as part of the proposed Commercial Design.
collector roads and access drives to be built as part
of the future development. Another effective way to improve traffic flow and Pre-Industrial 1920 1950 1970 Today
improve pedestrian accessibility is to install planted
• Build multi-modal streets that include the medians. Medians consolidate left hand turns and Source: Congress for the New Urbanism, 2017

29 30
nearly 1,000 households within ½ mile of the former 3. Capitalize on a public investment to spur private TABLE 4.1: Recommended Road Improvements
Bi-Lo grocery store, now Food Lion, located in the investment in the area
center of the Five Forks business district, with no way Priority Project Description
to access this establishment without the use of a car. 4. Ensure that the rights of pedestrians, bicyclists,
A person’s mode of transportation to and from their and transit riders to use the street safely are not High Woodruff Road Corridor Improvements
home is a personal and financial choice; however, every overshadowed by motorists.
High Batesville Road Widening
alternative option provided by a safe and efficient To this end, Greenville County should develop a
multi-modal transportation system removes potential Multi-modal streets policy for road improvements High Woodruff Road Access Management
vehicle trips from otherwise congested motorways. within the Five Forks study area to serve all modes of
High Anderson Ridge Road Widening
Policy Spotlight: Enforce existing Land Development transportation. Unfortunately, most of the Five Forks
Regulations that require sidewalks and street area has been developed in a manner that renders the High Roper Mountain Road Corridor Improvements
interconnectivity in and among commercial and effort to include multi-modal streets as ineffective
(too little, too late). High Scuffletown Road Corridor Improvements
residential developments (LDR, 8.9, 10.3.1).
Policy Spotlight: Develop a Multi-modal streets policy Medium S. Bennett’s Bridge Road Widening
MULTI-MODAL STREETS for road improvements in Five Forks. Medium Five Forks Road Widening
Multi-modal streets are community-oriented streets
that safely and conveniently accommodate multiple RECOMMENDED ROAD IMPROVEMENT Medium Jonesville Road Improvements
modes of travel (pedestrian, bicycle, vehicle, and public PROJECTS Low Five Forks Collector
transportation, etc.). Common goals for multi-modal
Tables 4.1 and 4.2 provide a list of proposed road and Low Lee Vaughn Road Widening/Bridge/Realignment
streets include economic vitality, business retention
intersection improvement projects in the Five Forks
and expansion, and public safety. Creating a multi- Vision Ebenezer Road Improvements/Realignment
Area. Many of these projects are currently listed in
modal requires community support and leadership as
the GPATS (Greenville-Pickens Area Transportation
well as coordination among planners, urban designers,
Study) Long Range Transportation Plan, while others
transportation engineers, and the private sector.
were proposed in the previous East Woodruff Road TABLE 4.2: Recommended Intersection Improvements
Successful multi-modal street programs are based on
Area Plan. Also listed are those projects recently
the following principles: Priority Project Description Type
completed or currently under construction including
1. Achieve community objectives for mobility, the Batesville Road realignment and widening, as well
as the Woodruff Road east of Scuffletown Road. Two Lanes with Left Turn
quality of life, and economic development High S. Bennett’s Bridge Road & Anderson Ridge Road
Lanes
2. Blend street design with the character of the area
4-lanes, Signalized, with Left
served High Woodruff Road & Scuffletown Road
Turn Lanes
4-lanes, Signalized, with Left
High Highway 14 & Five Forks Road/Bethel Road
Turn Lanes
Re-alignment, 2-lanes with Left
Medium Batesville Road & Anderson Ridge Road
Turn Lanes

Low Batesville Road & Roper Mountain Road Possible Roundabout

Low Woodruff Road & S. Bennett’s Bridge Road Possible Roundabout

31 32
MAP 4.1: Sidewalks, Trails, & Paths
PEDESTRIAN & BIKE IMPROVEMENTS CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Sidewalks, Trails, & Paths The 29 mile sidewalk network in the Five Forks The existing transportation system in the Five Forks
Existing Sidewalks study area is currently incomplete. While several area, like elsewhere in Greenville County, is struggling.
Proposed Sidewalks neighborhoods have internal sidewalks, they rarely The rapid growth of the region and lack of funding
Proposed Greenway connect to the larger regional sidewalk network along for infrastructure has created a reactive, rather than
Proposed Multi-use Path
major arterial road where services are typically located. proactive, response to traffic and transportation-
These gaps prevent walking as a safe and acceptable related issues. As a result, the recommendations
form of transportation for most residents. Map 4.1 herein seek to address these concerns and prevent
shows the existing sidewalk network within the Five future problems from occurring:
Forks study area and provides recommendations
where sidewalk connections can be made. These 12 1. Enforce existing Land Development Regulations
miles of proposed sidewalk connections focus on safe that require sidewalks and street interconnectivity
routes to schools, libraries, community services, and in and among commercial and residential
developments (LDR, 8.9, 10.3.1).
D
14

Y recreation as an alternative to driving on congested

BA T ESVILILE R

HW
roads, and to link up existing sidewalk infrastructure 2. Develop a comprehensive Access Management
throughout the Five Forks area. Plan for all Five Forks area commercial activity
The Enoree River corridor provides a unique centers.
RO AN opportunity for a greenway with trails connecting 3. Implement a multi-modal streets policy for all
PE DE
R
M
OU
local area destinations with the greater Greenville future road improvements within the Five Forks
RS

NT
community. The proposed greenway system, noted on study area.
ON

AIN
RD
RI

G RD Map 4.1, will provide much needed passive recreation

D

E G E
RD
T TS B
RI D opportunities including miles of trails and multi-use 4. Develop Commercial and Residential Overlay
NE
S BE
N
paths for biking, walking, and jogging. Additionally, Districts that better manage access and mobility
the proposed greenway system would link up already within the study area and incorporate these
HW Y 1 4

existing open space and passive recreation areas, principles into the County’s proposed Unified
W

O
O

DR
UF
F especially along Peter’s Creek and Gilder Creek Development Ordinance (UDO).
RD
where most people live. As most of this property is
5. Require dedicated rights-of-way for future
AN

private, considerable right-of-way acquisition would

D

SO transportation improvements at the time of

ER

need to be worked out among property owners and

SC development.
N

U
the County in order to make this concept a reality. In
RD
RD

FIVE FO
FORKS R D FF
LE
ADAMS MILL

TO
W
the meantime, the County should consider requiring 6. Improve wayfinding and directional signage, with
N W
O
cross access easements for all new developments larger easier-to-read signs to be mounted on the
RD

OD
RD

RU
planned within these greenway corridors in an effort
M

GRE S H A FF
RD
traffic lights or in other suitable locations viewable
to preserve rights-of-way for trails in the future. from a distance of 300 feet.
E
GE
Likewise, a shared multi-use path along Roper
OR
Mountain Road and Anderson Ridge Road would 7. Encourage the continued utilization of traffic
RD

GI
A
RD
circles (“roundabouts”) at key intersections to
E VAUGHN

provide safer opportunities for biking and walking

in close proximity to the MESA Soccer Complex, reduce traffic congestion where appropriate.
Oakview Elementary School, and any future recreation
LE

facilities at the former Enoree Landfill.

Policy Spotlight: Require cross-access easements for
greenways, trails and multi-use paths for all new
developments within proposed greenway corridors and
along major thoroughfares.

33 Source: GPATS Long Range Transportation Plan, November 2017 34

5. RECREATION
CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendations:

At present, Greenville County Parks, Recreation and 1. Require cross-access easements for greenways,
Tourism (CountyRec) is not investing in new parks, trails and multi-use paths for all new developments
having built several regional parks throughout the within proposed greenway corridors and along
GOALS remains the same as the underlying zoning allows,
County in recent years. Today, CountyRec is focused major thoroughfares.
even though individual lot sizes may be smaller,
on maintaining existing critical park infrastructure 2. Investigate private methods for funding the
The community is generally dissatisfied with the allowing for the conservation of critical open space.
and improving services at those facilities. As a result, community’s recreation goals.
current lack of recreational opportunities in Five
1. Increase the amount of public recreation space in the development of new neighborhood-scale parks
Forks. Although there is a large regional soccer
Five Forks in Five Forks may prove challenging over the next 3. New subdivisions should add to and connect with
complex (MESA) along Anderson Ridge Road, very
ten years. However, the community may choose to existing trail opportunities for public use
little space is dedicated to active or passive recreation 2. Establish trails, greenways, and multi-use paths leverage private funds, or impose a special purpose tax
other than soccer. There is a playground at MESA; throughout Five Forks to connect to existing on themselves to pay for such improvements if they
however, it is small and is not well-used by the networks desire.
community. There had also been some confusion as
to its availability for public use as well as its operating
hours. Greenville County Parks, Recreation and
TRAILS & GREENWAYS
Tourism has since taken steps to better inform the As a direct result of input received during this planning
community about available recreational opportunities process, steps have already been taken to construct
here and throughout the community by providing a walking trail at the existing Five Forks Public
improved signage and hours of operation at strategic Library. Original plans for the library, constructed
locations. Overall, public recreational opportunities in 2017, called for a walking trail to be included on-
remain limited at this time. site. However, due to budget constraints at the time,
the trail was never completed. Plans are currently
In contrast, private recreation areas, specifically within
underway to make this community feature a reality.
existing subdivisions, abound. There are currently over
1,500 acres of dedicated private recreation and open As mentioned in the previous chapter on
spaces among the many subdivisions in Five Forks. transportation, the opportunity to create an
These areas are typically wooded, with steep slopes, interconnected greenway trail network throughout
along creeks streams and rivers. Some however, Five Forks is possible given the large amount of
include recreational amenities such as walking trails, private open space that has been preserved. These
pools, tennis courts, and playgrounds, all for the proposed trails, greenways, and multi-use paths can
exclusive use of private property owners. Much of this be found on Map 4.1. At present, there is no legal
private recreation and open space is the result of the mechanism for requiring dedicated easements for
County’s Cluster Subdivision Ordinance, introduced greenways at the time of development; however, such
in 2007, which provides for the preservation of open mechanisms do exist in other jurisdictions and should
space within new subdivisions. Contrary to public be evaluated for their feasibility and applicability to
perception, the effective density of such subdivisions new developments within Five Forks.

35 MESA Soccer Complex. 36

6. FUTURE LAND USE
GOALS FUTURE LAND USE MAP
This section of the plan focuses on future land use. The Future Land Use Map (Map 6.1) serves as the
Land use is an important part of the overall vision visual representation of the community’s preferred land
and goal of this plan. The future land use plan seeks development pattern. It is a color-coded illustration of
to minimize land use conflicts and set reasonable desired land uses and development intensities across
expectations for residents and property owners all properties within the designated Five Forks Area
regarding future growth within the study area. Plan boundary. The Future Land Use Map addresses
properties that have yet to be developed by suggesting
The proposed future land use plan focuses on growth an alternative future for those sites, while at the same
that is compatible with existing land use patterns time endorsing the preservation and protection of
within the study area, without degrading the current existing developments, currently on the ground.
quality of life enjoyed by today’s residents. To this end,
the community has established a working definition Land use maps should never be confused with zoning
of what compatibility means to them: maps. Zoning Maps represent the legal authority
to conduct a specified list of activities or uses, as
“Compatibility” means a condition in which land uses well as the right to develop at specific densities, on
or conditions can coexist in relative proximity to each a particular piece of property based on its zoning
other in a stable fashion over time such that no use or district designation and the regulations outlined in
condition is unduly negatively impacted directly or the jurisdiction’s zoning ordinance. In the Appendix,
indirectly by another use or condition. the zoning districts, along with their definitions,
Future Land Use Goals: within the Five Forks study area and Greenville
County, respectively. Land use maps, on the other
1. Preserve low density areas. hand, demonstrate a preferred future development
2. Allow for residentially compatible transitional land uses pattern and are used to guide the rezoning and land
such as professional offices and attached single-family. development process toward this preferred condition.
3. Provide better access, circulation, and connectivity between
all land uses.

4. Encourage mixed-use development (commercial, office,

residential, master planned developments) within and
around planned commercial centers.

5. Improve the appearance of developments within Five

Forks in keeping with the low-density and rural character
of the community.

Rocky Creek, Five Forks area.

37 Wildlife in the Five Forks area. 38

MAP 6.1: Future Land Use Map
FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES
Future Land Use The Five Forks Future Land Use Map separates the community into thirteen distinct land use categories
Open Space/Recreation representing various land use types and development intensities typical in Greenville County. They include:
§
¦
¨85
Suburban Edge
Suburban Neighborhood
Suburban Mixed-Use Open Space/Recreation Public/Institutional
"
)14
Transitional Corridor
These areas include by both public and private recreation These land uses allow for prominent facilities that benefit
Neighborhood Business District areas as well as dedicated opens spaces including county the public such as fire stations, parks and recreation, and
Public/Institutional parks and home owner’s association common areas within schools with multiple access points and accessible to a
Suburan Commercial Center individual cluster subdivisions. They should remain variety of transportation modes. These facilities contribute
Service/Industrial undeveloped and undisturbed. to the general welfare of the community.
Natural Preservation
Suburban Edge Neighborhood Business District
This land use allows for low-density (large lot), single- This land use allows for professional office uses and limited
family residential development typically found in the retail, personal services, and is appropriate for arterial roads
rural/suburban fringe areas that are transitioning from and major thoroughfares, typically serving as a transitional
rural land uses to single family residential subdivisions. use between residential areas and higher intensity
Recommended Zoning: R-S commercial areas. Maximum square footage of retail uses
should not exceed 15,000 sq. ft. Recommended Zoning:
Suburban Neighborhood (2-5 units/acre) POD, O-D, NC and PD
This land use allows for single family detached units
and represents typical suburban housing, allowing for a Suburban Commercial Center
maximum density of 5 dwelling units per acre consistent Commercial land uses provide commercial establishments
with the R-15, R-12 and R-10 zoning districts. for the convenience of local residents, which may include
shopping, restaurants, and other services consumed on a
Suburban Mixed-Use regular basis. Community commercial design within the
planned commercial centers will be subject to specific
This urban land use type blends residential, commercial,
design standards applied through the use of overlay
cultural, institutional, or entertainment uses into one
districts. Recommended Zoning: FRD, NC, C-1, C-2,
site, where those functions are to some degree physically
and C-3
and functionally integrated and that provides pedestrian
connections to nearby services both internally and
externally. Such developments may be grouped together Service/Industrial
on a large site or incorporated within a single structure. Service and Industrial land uses may accommodate large-
Recommended Zoning: PD, FRD format users with spaces for industrial and warehouse
uses, as well as office and commercial space. Landscaping
Transitional Corridor requirements should screen development from the right-
of-way and neighboring properties. Service and Industrial
The intent of this category is to allow for a mixture of
expansion within Five Forks is not recommended.
transitional residential uses, such as attached single family
townhouses and/or small scale professional office uses. This
use is appropriate for transitional areas located between Natural Preservation
higher intensity commercial centers and lower density Areas of natural preservation primarily include riparian
single-family residential areas. Residential densities of 4-6 areas frequently prone to flooding, as well as natural
units per acre are typical while offices should not exceed wildlife corridors within the community. They should
5,000 sq. ft. in size. Multiple connections points for a remain undeveloped and undisturbed for public safety,
variety of modes of transportation is anticipated as well. wildlife preservation, and additional open space protection.
“To protect and maintain the residential, rural character
"
) of the area, with the417
Recommended Zoning: POD, OD, and PD
use of responsible and sustainable smart growth principles.”

39 Source: Greenville County Geographic Information Systems (GIS), November 3, 2020 *For Greenville County Zoning Districts see Appendix 40
 7. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
RECOMMENDATIONS The community seeks reasonable expectations and safeguards
regarding future land use within the Five Forks study
The community is in agreement that future growth and area, such that existing suburban residential and rural
development in the Five Forks area should follow appropriate neighborhood character may be maintained over time.
improvements to public facilities and infrastructure.
Despite the advanced state of development and limited
developable land left in Five Forks, the land use GOALS RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT DESIGN
ADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTURE STANDARDS: recommendation here will serve to guide what growth will
STANDARDS
occur within this community over the next ten years. A major concept introduced in the previous East
To this end, the community has established preferred Woodruff Road Area Plan effort focused on the The following principles serve to guide the development of
benchmarks to ensure adequate infrastructure to support future 1. Ensure that the Greenville County Comprehensive Plan
commercial and residential development: is consistent with the goals and land use recommendations design and appearance of commercial developments residential subdivision standards that meet the associated goals
within the Five Forks Area. At that time, the plan of the community:
of the Five Forks Area Plan update.
1. Primary Access Level of Service must be C or better on recommended the creation of several Overlay Zoning 1. Ensure adequate infrastructure is in place before
roadways and intersections during peak hours. 2. Support land use decisions consistent with the Five Forks
Districts in order to improve the aesthetics and development occurs, including roads, intersections, sewer
Future Land Use Map (Map 6.1).
2. Proposed development must not decrease Peak AM or function of the community’s commercial activity availability, public services, and education
PM Level of Service (LOS) below level C. 3. Preserve the low density residential character of areas by centers, as well as to improve access, circulation, and 2. Improve screening and buffering of subdivisions
maintaining R-S (Residential-Suburban) zoning in these connectivity among compatible land uses.
3. Access roads must meet County standards per the areas. 3. Improve walkability
Greenville County Land Development Regulations,
4. Encourage walkable Mixed-Use developments near
The effort to transition these areas into a more
Section 5.1. 4. Link open spaces and subdivisions for passive recreation
commercial activity centers where feasible. interconnected and walkable community was never
4. Safe ingress and egress must be a priority for those realized due to a lack of implementation of these 5. Improve stream buffers for water quality protection and
entering, leaving, and for traffic along existing access roads. 5. Incorporate the community’s adequate infrastructure development standards. Nevertheless, these goals natural vegetation preservation
standards into the land development process.
5. Protected left-turn, protected right-turn, and center lanes remain a high priority for Five Forks residents. In 6. Protect the existing tree canopy through tree preservation
are needed at busier intersections to ensure the smooth 6. Provide road, trail, and sidewalk connections wherever addition, residents expressed an interest in improving
flow of traffic. possible to ease traffic choke-points and encourage safe the design and appearance of new residential 7. Require dedicated turn lanes for new developments
alternatives to driving.
subdivisions as well. 8. Require setbacks of 50 to 150 feet for new residential or
higher-density developments for future road widening
As a result, the recommendations of the East Woodruff
Road Area Plan concerning land development and 9. Limit or prohibit mass grading for new developments
design have been incorporated here along with similar
residential standards to present a preferred strategy COMMERCIAL DESIGN
for future development in Five Forks.
This section lays out the guiding principles of
The Development Standard Goals are to: neighborhood-friendly design, which will serve as
the foundation for the recommended commercial
1. Protect and preserve trees and natural vegetation.
design standards. The following design principles
2. Improve water quality of creeks and natural are intended to serve as a guide when designing or
water resources. evaluating development proposals in any of the
commercial activity centers within the study area:
3. Protect and preserve open space and allow for
accessible, passive public recreation. 1. Utilize human scale design elements (scale,
placement, and orientation of buildings should
4. Incorporate neighborhood-friendly design encourage and facilitate pedestrian accessibility).
principles into future commercial development.
2. Create interconnectivity between compatible
5. Improve access, circulation, and connectivity land uses.
between compatible land uses.
3. Reduce impervious surfaces and minimize visual
6. Improve the overall pedestrian accessibility of impact of parking lots.
Five Forks with sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian
and bike trails using “safe street” design. 4. Reduce urban light pollution.

7. Limit or prohibit mass grading for new

41 Example of mass graded site. Chastain Glenn, Five Forks. developments. 42
RECOMMENDED COMMERCIAL DESIGN • Maximum height for pedestrian walks is 12’ TRANSITIONAL CORRIDOR: OFFICE 3. Road Buffer Requirements
STANDARDS • Lighting should meet the requirements of the TRANSITIONAL & ADAPTIVE REUSE • Minimum buffer of one hundred fifty (150) feet
most recent IES standards. width shall be provided between any lot of a
Building Scale and Placement Residential/Office Transitional Major Subdivision and the road right-of-way
• Installed lighting fixtures should be dimmable
• Front: Minimum 25’ (Corner Lots: Min. 15’) during late night/early morning hours to It is the intent of this plan to preserve the residential • Minimal disturbance of existing trees &
• Side: Minimum 5’ minimize light pollution character and minimize traffic impacts on this section established visual vegetative screening min. 6 feet
of Woodruff Road. The Future Land Use Map (6.1) in height
• Rear: Minimum 12’ Signage
shows parcels appropriate for limited professional • No screening plant material within 25 feet of the
• Lot Width: Minimum of 60’ • Projecting Signs office uses, that have been given a future land use road right-of-way
• Max square footage: 35,000 sf • Qty. 1 (max. size 6sq. ft.) per business designation of Transitional Corridor.
4. Permitted Development/Uses Within Road
• Lot Coverage: 70% • Wall Signs For the purposes of this plan, “limited professional Frontage Buffer
Sidewalks • Qty. 1 (10% of wall area maximum) per offices” are offices including: accounting; auditing
• Walkways, paths, trails and other elements
business and bookkeeping services; advertising agencies;
• Required 5’ wide sidewalk along road frontage associated with passive recreation or the
• No larger than 8’ high X 40 sq. ft. total architectural, engineering and planning services;
(outside of road right-of-way), to provide provision for continuous pedestrian and bicycle
attorneys; counseling services; data processing and
continuous, safe pedestrian access • Prohibited Signs: connections between adjoining properties.
computer services; secretarial and word processing
Parking • Electronic Reader Boards services; public relations and consulting services; and • Entrance features and signage to the extent
medical offices. Office uses that require the use of permitted
• Parking is to be located in side or in the rear of • Pylon or Billboard Signs
drive-thru windows are not an appropriate use for • Clearing for sight distances required for traffic
buildings or the interior of a shopping center • Sign Lighting this future land use category. Office buildings in safety, in cases where other feasible options are
• No parking to be located between the building this future land use category should be limited to a not available, is permitted up to a maximum of
Open Space
and road or adjacent to the public road frontage maximum of 5,000 square feet and should be designed fifty (50) feet in width within the required 150-
• A minimum of ten percent of the development to be residential in character using residential design
• 2 Bike spaces per 20 auto spaces foot buffer.
site should be dedicated to undeveloped open features such as pitched shingled roofs, first story roof
Street Trees & Landscaping space and be continuous, publicly accessible, lines, minimal signage, and low level lighting per most 5. Lighting
and usable. It cannot include fenced detention, recent IES standards.
• 1 tree per 30’ of linear road frontage , no more • All outdoor lighting to meet requirements of
or retention areas, used for stormwater
than 20 feet from ROW the most recent IES (Illuminating Engineering
management. Adaptive Residential Reuse
• Exceed current parking lot landscaping standards Society) and Dark Sky Model Lighting
(Section 12.4, Greenville Co. Zoning Ordinance) Access Standards: Several single family dwellings, due to their location Ordinance standards
• Thoroughfares (Woodruff Rd. and SC 14): and orientation on Woodruff Road, were identified as • Full cut off fixtures
• Require trees to be provided at a rate of 1 every
appropriate for potential adaptive reuse as professional
10 spaces • Minimum separation between driveways: *Significant Trees: Any healthy tree of at least 12”
offices, so were added to the Transitional Corridor on
400ft. the Future Land Use Map 6.1. This is an effort to DBH (excluding those listed on the USDA Natural
Architecture
• Minimum separation between intersecting provide some flexibility in the future land use while Resources Conservation Service SC State Noxious
• Front of building must face public road Weeds and SC Exotic Pest Plant Council lists)
public road and driveways: 250ft. taking precautions to preserve the residential character
• Building materials: Brick, Wood, Fiber-cement/ of this section of Woodruff Road by utilizing the
• Maximum of two access points allowed
Stucco (60% earth tones)
• Collector Roads
existing residential structures. FIVE FORKS AREA DESIGN OVERLAY
• New structures on opposite sides of the same DISTRICTS
street should have same for height and scale • Minimum separation between driveways:
350ft.
FIVE FORKS ENVIRONMENTAL Introduction
• Entrances facing public road shall be recessed PRESERVATION OVERLAY STANDARDS
with awnings and or canopy • Minimum separation between intersecting The overlay district is a zoning technique that has been
public road and driveways: 200ft. 1. Stream Protection Buffer - Undisturbed, minimum used in Greenville County and the City of Greenville
Lighting 150 foot buffer, from each side of stream bank, for
• Maximum of two access points allowed for many years. It is most commonly used to control
• Full cut-off fixtures listed waterways. design features or preserve historic buildings. A local
• Connectivity Standards
• Max height for parking areas is 22’ 2. Tree Preservation - Significant trees* to be example in Greenville County is the Airport Environs
• Provide cross access between all contiguous Overlay District. This overlay district is used to add
parcels planned for non-residential use. identified prior to development and protected during
43 development 44
 MAP 7.1: Proposed Five Forks Environmental Preservation Overlay District (FFEPOD)
additional development provisions to areas around 2. Landscaping in the vegetative setback and along
the airport. the existing rights-of-ways should be informal
and picturesque. Indigenous vegetation should be
Overlay zoning is an effective zoning tool that allows Environmental Preservation Overlay
context sensitive design standards to be prescribed
used to the greatest extent possible.
§
¦
¨85
Natural Preservation
to specific areas of the county. It creates a special 3. Land Preservation: Require dedicated,
zoning district that is placed over the base zoning and contiguous, and accessible open space for all new
identifies special provisions in addition to those in the developments. "
) 14

underlying base zone.

4. Any land grading or changes in topography must
In an effort to ensure that the planned Commercial not change original slope more than 15% in any
Activity Centers adhere to the recommended design location.
standards found herein, this plan recommends
the adoption of multiple design overlay districts 5. New construction and development in areas with
identified in the prior East Woodruff Road Area Plan pre-existing wildlife habitat, flood zones, and

14

Batesville Rd
wetlands to be preserved, and future development y
(EWRAP), and proposes additional overlay districts
should adapt to these resources, preserving Hw
to meet the needs of the community.
as much as possible. New construction and
Currently, the only zoning tool available to development plans should consider these items
implement design-related recommendations is the in the pre-planning stages.
An
Planned Development (PD) zoning district, which Rope d
6. Incorporating a Five Forks Environmental rM ers
includes mixed use development. The recommended ou
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296

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this current method of implementation. It provides Rd
sensitive areas. d
necessary guidance to developers and gives area
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residents assurances that development will be built to Br
the adopted zoning standards. CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

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Five Forks Design Overlay Districts This plan recommends the use of overlay zoning to

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implement the desired commercial and residential

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1. Five Forks Environmental Preservation Overlay design standards of the community at large. In this

Rd
District (FFEPOD) (Map 7.1) plan, the application of overlay districts is needed to

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apply additional provisions to the aforementioned Sc

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Fi

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prescribed areas. These provisions are intended to eto

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District (Map 7.2)
better regulate function and appearance within the Wo

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3. Five Forks - Design Overlay District (Map 7.2) prescribed areas to ensure that future development in G re s h a m od

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these areas is consistent with the vision and goals of ff
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Overlay District (Map 7.2) Ge
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1. Develop and adopt recommended commercial i a Rd
5. Five Forks Suburban Residential Overlay and residential development standards to apply
District (Entire Five Forks Area) within prescribed overlay zoning districts.

eV
ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION 2. Minimize impacts on area roads by making Le
necessary improvements as development occurs
A major goal of all future development should be the
preservation of as much of the existing environment 3. Continue the work of the Five Forks Area
as possible. Advisory Committee to ensure implementation "
)
417

of the Five Forks Area Plan and address the future

1. The buffer of trees and bushes should be needs of the community.
minimally disturbed.
45 46 Source: Greenville County Geographic Information Systems (GIS), October 5, 2020 46
MAP 7.2 Proposed Design Ovelay Districts

§
¦
¨85
Five Forks Proposed Design
Overlay Districts
Highway 14 - Batesville Road Overlay
8. IMPLEMENTATION
Woodruff Road - Lee Vaughn Road Overlay
IMPLEMENTATION Future Land Use Recommendations: Included in
Five Forks - Woodruff Road Overlay Table 8.4 is the list of recommendations for future
"
) 14
The recommended action items section includes the land use. Many of the recommended actions in this
following: section can be implemented through County Council
actions as they consider rezoning requests. Others
• Transportation Improvements
will require changes to the Land Development
• Recreation Improvements Regulations, Zoning Ordinance (or Unified
Development Ordinance), as well as updates to the
• Future Land Use Recommendations County’s Comprehensive Plan.
14

Batesville Rd

y • Development Standards Development Standards: Included in Table 8.5 is

Hw
• Review and Maintenance of the Five Forks Area the list of recommended development standards. As
Plan with the future land use recommendations, many of
the action items for development standards can be
An Implementation strategies for each action item are implemented through changes to the existing Land
Rope d critical to the success of the plan. The organizations Development Regulations, Zoning Ordinance, or
rM ers
ou which will need to become involved to see these Unified Development Ordinance. Overlay districts
n tai
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n Rd action items succeed are in Table 8.1. can establish context-sensitive development and
R

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)
296
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Rd design regulations to specific areas without wholesale

d
Woodruff R
idge R Transportation Improvements: Included in Table changes for the entire county. This approach gives
Br 8.2 is the list of recommended transportation much needed flexibility in regulation as the “one size
d

improvements to allow for increased mobility

tts

fits all” approach is rigid and in many cases does not

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throughout the Five Forks community. produce the desired results.

en

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SB

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Recreation Improvements: Included in Table 8.3 is

rs
on

the list of recommended recreation improvements to

Rd
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improve the quality of leisure life in Five Forks.

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47 Source: Greenville County Geographic Information Systems (GIS), April 29, 2019 Rural driveway in the Five Forks area. 48
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FIVE FORKS AREA PLAN ACTION ITEMS
This section includes specific recommended action TABLE 8.2: Transportation Improvements
items. Table 8.1 details the organizations involved in
the action items. Action/Task Time Frame Partnerships
Advocate for additional funding for Five Short Term County Council, GPATS, SC DOT,
1
TABLE 8.1: Action Items Partners Forks transportation improvements. (1-3 yrs.) GLDTC
Organization Affiliation County Council, Planning Commission,
Prioritize and plan for needed traffic/road
Short Term Subdivision Administration, Planning &
County Council Greenville County 2 improvements at/on the noted intersections/
(1-3 yrs.) Zoning, Public Works-Roads & Bridges, SC
roads
DOT, GPATS
Residents of the Five Forks Area &
Five Forks Area Plan Committee
Greenville County Planning Staff Short Term SC DOT,GPATS, Public Works-Roads &
3 Identify and fix unsafe road conditions.
(1-3 yrs.) Bridges, Planning & Zoning
GLDTC (Greenville Legislative Delegation Transportation
Greenville County
Committee) Incorporate LOS (Level of Service)
County Council, Planning Commission,
requirement for new developments into Short Term
GPATS (Greenville-Pickens Area Transportation Study) Greenville County 4 Planning & Zoning, Subdivision
regulations per “Adequate Public Facilities (1-3 yrs.)
Administration
Greenville County Attorney’s Office Greenville County and Infrastructure” in area plan document

Greenville County Rec (Parks & Recreation Department) Greenville County Short Term Public Works-Roads & Bridges, GPATS,
5 Improve wayfinding and directional signage
(1-3 yrs.) SC DOT
Planning & Zoning Division Greenville County
Planning Commission - consists of nine members that are appointed County Council, Planning Commission,
Greenville County Require additional dedicated right-of-way
by Greenville County Council Short Term Subdivision Administration, Planning &
6 for future transportation improvements for
(1-3 yrs.) Zoning, Public Works-Roads & Bridges, SC
all new developments within the study area.
Public Works, Roads & Bridges Greenville County DOT, GPATS

Subdivision Administration (Land Development Division) Greenville County

Develop a comprehensive access
Short Term County Council, GPATS, SC DOT,
SCDOT (Department of Transportation) State of South Carolina 7 management plan for all Five Forks area
(1-3 yrs.) GLDTC, Five Forks Residents
commercial activity centers.

Incorporate and plan multi-modal streets

County Council, Planning Commission,
that include the necessary infrastructure to
Short Term Subdivision Administration, Planning &
8 support and facilitate all modes of travel,
(1-3 yrs.) Zoning, Public Works-Roads & Bridges, SC
including multi-use trails/paths where
DOT, GPATS
obtainable and incorporate into regulations.

County Council, Planning Commission,

Improve traffic congestion through land use Subdivision Administration, Planning &
9 Ongoing
control and better access management. Zoning, Public Works-Roads & Bridges, SC
DOT, GPATS
Utilize “context-sensitive” design strategies County Council, Planning Commission,
as shown in examples to better calm, Subdivision Administration, Planning &
10 Ongoing
manage, and move traffic through the study Zoning, Public Works-Roads & Bridges, SC
area. DOT, GPATS

49 Clear Spring Fire & Rescue Headquarters Station No. 1 50

TABLE 8.2: Transportation Improvements Cont’d TABLE 8.4: Future Land Use Improvements
Action/Task Time Frame Partnerships Action/Task Time Frame Partnerships
County Council, Planning Commission, Incorporate the community’s recommended
Enforce existing ordinances and regulations Five Forks Area Plan Committee, County
Subdivision Administration, Planning & adequate infrastructure standards/ Immediate
11 that require sidewalks and street connectivity Ongoing 1 Council, Planning Commission, Planning &
Zoning, Public Works-Roads & Bridges, SC requirements into the land development (3-6 mos.)
(LDR 8.9; 10.3.1) Zoning, Subdivision Administration
DOT, GPATS process.
County Council, Planning Commission, Update and modify county comprehensive
Promote “multi-modal” and “safe streets”
Subdivision Administration, Planning & plan, as needed, to be consistent with
12 methodology in future land use planning Ongoing
Zoning, Public Works-Roads & Bridges, SC the approved Five Forks Area Plan,
with new and revised development. Short Term County Council, Planning Commission,
DOT, GPATS 2 ensuring that the comprehensive plan is
(6mos.-1yr.) Planning & Zoning
consistent with the goals and land use
TABLE 8.3: Recreation Improvements recommendations of the Five Forks Area
Plan
Action/Task Time Frame Partnerships
County Council, Planning Commission,
Incorporate designated locations for
Immediate County Council, Planning Commission, Establish Five Forks Environmental Subdivision Administration, County
1 recreational purposes into future land use
(3-6 mos.) Planning & Zoning; Land Development Preservation Overlay District (FFEPOD) in Short Term Council, Planning Commission,
map. 3
areas designated on Map 7.1 within the Five (6mos.-1yr.) Subdivision Administration, Planning &
Form a county led and approved Five Forks Forks Area. Zoning, Public Works-Roads & Bridges, SC
VERY DOT, GPATS
Recreation Committee/Citizens’ Advisory County Council, Planning & Zoning, Five
2 Short Term
Committee to address and advocate for Forks Residents, Greenville County Rec
(6mos.-1yr.) Preserve the low density character of
recreational items.
areas by maintaining R-S (Residential - County Council, Planning Commission,
Incorporate requirements for accessible, 4 Suburban) zoning throughout the study area Ongoing Planning & Zoning, Subdivision
Subdivision Administration, Planning per proposed Future Land Use Map 6.1 and Administration
connected open space and cross-access Short Term
3 & Zoning, Land Development, Public areas recommended in Five Forks Area Plan.
easements for greenways, trails, and multi- (1-3 yrs.)
Works-Roads & Bridges, SC DOT
use paths for all new developments
Support future land use decisions consistent
County Council, Planning Commission,
Planning & Zoning, County Council, with the Five Forks Future Land Use Map
Subdivision Administration, Planning &
Investigate private methods and available Short Term Greater Greenville Parks Foundation, Five 5 6.1 with proposed future development and Ongoing
4 Zoning, Land Development, Public Works-
grants to help fund recreation. (1-3 yrs.) Forks Recreation Committee/Citizens’ during changes to existing development
Roads & Bridges, SC DOT
Advisory Board within the study area.

Investigate and advocate for connecting County Council, Planning Commission, Form a county led and approved Five Forks
Mid-Term Committee/Citizens’ Advisory Committee
trails and recreation in Pelham-Batesville Planning & Zoning, Greenville Rec, Five
5 (3-5 yrs.)/ to serve as an advisory to staff and council, Short Term County Council, Planning & Zoning, Five
Corridor @ Ebenezer Rd./Hwy.14/Pelham Forks Recreation Committee/Citizens’ 6
Ongoing consisting of Five Forks citizens, to advocate (6mos.-1yr.) Forks Residents
Rd. Advisory Board
for land use improvements and review/
Plan and implement recreation at vacant County Council, Planning Commission, provide input for proposed developments.
Mid-Term
land available @ Enoree Landfill on Planning & Zoning, Greenville Rec, Five
6 (5-7 yrs.)/
Anderson Ridge Road and at MESA Soccer Forks Recreation Committee/Citizens’
Ongoing
Complex Advisory Board
County Council, Planning Commission,
Work with REWA to implement passive Mid-Term
Planning & Zoning, Greenville Rec, Five
7 recreation on property off of East Georgia (5-7 yrs.)/
Forks Recreation Committee/Citizens’
Rd. Ongoing
Advisory Board

51 52
TABLE 8.5: Development Standards TABLE 8.6: Area Plan Document Review & Maintenance
Action/Task Time Frame Partnerships Action/Task Time Frame Partnerships
Adopt recommended development Review the Five Forks Area Plan document Five Forks Area Plan Committee, Planning
Five Forks Area Plan Committee, County 1 Annually
standards, including overlay zoning districts, and revise as needed. Staff
Short Term Council, Planning Commission, Subdivision
1 and implement into county standards/
(6mos.-1yr.) Administration; Planning & Zoning, Land
regulations for the designated areas in Five
Development
Forks.
County Council, Planning Commission,
Incorporated recommended lighting Short Term
2 Planning & Zoning, Subdivision
standards into development requirements. (6mos.-1yr.)
Administration, Land Development
Five Forks Area Plan Committee, County
Incorporate wider setback requirements at Short Term
3 Council, Planning Commission, Planning &
creeks/waterways for new development. (6mos.-1yr.)
Zoning, Subdivision Administration
Establish Stream water Preservation Zoning Five Forks Area Plan Committee, County
Short Term
4 in areas designated on future land use map Council, Planning Commission, Planning &
(6mos.-1yr.)
within Five Forks study area. Zoning, Subdivision Administration
Enforce existing tree ordinance and Mid-Term Five Forks Area Plan Committee, County
5 investigate revision of regulations to protect (5-7 yrs.)/ Council, Planning Commission, Planning &
mature, healthy trees. Ongoing Zoning, Subdivision Administration
County Council; Planning Commission,
Investigate revision of open space Mid-Term
Planning & Zoning, Subdivision
6 regulations to insure designated open space (5-7 yrs.)/
Administration, Greenville County
can be used for recreational purposes. Ongoing
Attorney’s Office
County Council; Planning Commission,
Incorporate “Land Preservation” Mid-Term
Planning & Zoning, Subdivision
7 requirements as noted and defined in area (5-7 yrs.)/
Administration, Greenville County
plan into regulations. Ongoing
Attorney’s Office
Require necessary infrastructure
improvements as new development is County Council, Planning Commission,
8 Ongoing
approved using recommendations defined in Planning & Zoning, Greenville Rec
Five Forks Area Plan.

Senior housing complex in the Five Forks area.

53 54
 Five Forks Zoning Map

APPENDIX§¨¦
The following are the various zoning classifications of
the Greenville County Zoning Ordinance:
Existing Zoning
R-S
85
R-20
R-R3 AND R-R1, To provide a low density housing option in areas that are rural in character and necessarily served by public
RURAL RESIDENTIAL water or sewer. Minimum lot size - 3 acres (R-R3) and 1 acre (R-R1).
R-15
R-12
DISTRICTS
"
)14
R-7.5
R-M4 To provide reasonable safeguards for areas that are in the process of development with predominantly single-
R-M10 R-S, RESIDENTIAL family dwellings but are generally still rural in character. Minimum lot size - 25,000 sq ft with public water
R-M16 SUBURBAN DISTRICT or 37,500 sq ft without public water or as mandated by SCDHEC for lots requiring septic tanks. Density =
1.7 units per acre with 25,000 sq ft lots or 1.2 units per acre with 37,500 sq ft.
R-M20
FRD
These districts are established as areas in which the principal use of land is for single-family dwellings, both
PD R-20,R-20A, R-15, attached (R-10, R-7.5, and R-6) and detached (all districts). Minimum lot size*:
POD R-12, R-10, R-7.5,
D
14

Y
AND R-6, SINGLE- R-20: 20,000 sq ft 2.2 dwelling units per acre R-10: 10,000 sq ft 4.4 dwelling units per acre
BA T ESVILILE R

HW O-D
NC FAMILY RESIDENTIAL R-15: 15,000 sq ft 2.9 dwelling units per acre R-7.5: 7,500 sq ft 5.8 dwelling units per acre

C-1 DISTRICTS R-12: 12,000 sq ft 3.6 dwelling units per acre R-6: 6,000 sq ft 7.2 dwelling units per acre

C-2
C-3 Established to provide for varying population densities. Minimum lot size (Open Space) - No minimum
RO
PE
AN
DE
S-1 R-M2 THROUGH lot area for single-family detached, single-family attached (townhouses, condominiums), and two-family
R
M
OU R-M20, MULTIFAMILY (duplex developments) under the open space option. Minimum lot size - 7,500 sq ft. For single-family
RS

NT
RESIDENTIAL detached and two-family (duplex developments). Minimum lot size for Multifamily dwellings - 2 acres,
ON

AIN
RD
DISTRICTS
RI

G RD however, within a 2 acre multifamily development, no minimum lot size required. Density is based on a
D

E G E
RD
RI D maximum number of dwelling units per acre as specified by the zoning district.
T TS B
NNE
W
S BE
O

Established to provide for high population density. Minimum lot size - No minimum lot area for single-
O
D
RU
HW Y 1 4

family detached, single-family attached (townhouses, condominiums), and two-family (duplex developments)
R-MA, MULTIFAMILY
FF

D
under the open space option. Minimum lot size - 7,500 sq ft. For single-family detached and two-family
R

RESIDENTIAL (duplex developments). Minimum lot size for Multifamily dwellings - 12,000 sq ft; however, within a 12,000
DISTRICT sq ft multifamily development, no minimum lot size is required. Density = Maximum of 20 units per acre.
AN
D

SO
ER

SC
N

U
RD
RD

FIVE FO
FORKS R D FF
LE R-MHP, RESIDENTIAL Established to allow manufactured home parks provided certain location criteria are met and the request is
ADAMS MILL

TO
W
N W
MANUFACTURED HOME approved by County Council. Minimum Site Size = 2 acres.
O
PARK DISTRICT
RD

OD
RD

RU
M

GRE S H A FF
RD
Established to encourage innovative and creative design of residential and commercial developments, to
E
PD, PLANNED permit a greater amount of flexibility by removing some of the restrictions of conventional zoning. Mixed
GE
OR DEVELOPMENT use required. Minimum Site Size = 5 acres.
RD

GI
A
RD
E VAUGHN

Established to provide a way for inventive design to be accomplished and to permit development that cannot
FRD, FLEXIBLE be achieved through conventional zoning districts due to the parameter required therein. Minimum Site
REVIEW DISTRICT
LE

Size = None.

NC, NEIGHBORHOOD Established to provide for convenient shopping areas and professional offices that meet the daily needs of
COMMERCIAL the surrounding neighborhood. Minimum Site Size = None.
"
)
417

Established to provide for office uses including but not limited to the following: accounting, advertising
O-D, OFFICE DISTRICT agency, bank, savings and loan, broadcasting studio, brokerage house, employment agency, insurance,
professional offices, real estate and research facilities.

55 Source: Greenville County Geographic Information Systems (GIS), April 29, 2019 56
POD, PLANNED OFFICE Established to accommodate office development that is found to be compatible with surrounding physical
DEVELOPMENT development. Minimum Site Size = None.

Established to provide commercial establishments for the convenience of local residents including but not
limited to the following: garden center, laundromat, medical clinic and office and commercial uses including
C-1, COMMERCIAL group commercial (shopping centers), and group offices uses not exceeding 75,000 sq ft. Single-Family and
Multifamily uses are allowed as conditional uses.

Established to provide for the development on major thoroughfares of commercial land uses that are oriented
to customers traveling by automobiles and for the convenience of local residents including but not limited to
the following: Auto Service Facilities and Stations, Catering Establishment, Electronics and home appliance
C-2, COMMERCIAL repair. The C-2 districts is the only district in Greenville County that allows for ABC (liquor sales), and
night clubs/taverns. Single-Family and Multifamily residential uses are allowed as conditional uses.

Established to provide for the development of commercial and light service land uses that are oriented to
customers traveling by automobile located in non-residentially zoned areas and along major thoroughfares
and for the convenience of local residents including but not limited to the following: commercial amusements,
C-3, COMMERCIAL animal shelters, cabinet/carpentry shops, nursing care facilities, firework stands, hospitals, museums, pawn
shops, recording studios, sign manufacturing. Single-Family and Multifamily Residential uses are allowed
as conditional uses.

Established to provide a transition between commercial and industrial districts by allowing commercial
uses which are service related and uses which involve light industry having a minimal effect of adjoining
S-1, SERVICES properties. The following are examples of permitted uses not limited to the following: institutional dry-
cleaning, commercial and industrial gas sales, kennel (outside runs), pest or insect control business, photo
processing (production).

Established as a district for manufacturing plants, assembly plants and warehouses. The following are
I-1, INDUSTRIAL examples of permitted uses not limited to the following: junkyards with a Special Exception, group industrial
development, and industrial uses.

Established to provide a high level of design quality, site amenities, and open space for light industry,
I-2, INDUSTRIAL PARK warehouse distribution, research and development operations, and similar industrial uses with compatible
operations with a park atmosphere.

ESD-PM, Established to protect the environmentally sensitive nature of Paris Mountain by encouraging the safe
placement of structures in conformance with the natural landform, landscape, and existing plant life.
ENVIRONMENTALLY
SENSITIVE DISTRICT -
PARIS MOUNTAIN

Established to provide a high level of design quality, site amenities, and open space for corporate headquarters,
clean manufacturing, research and development operations, data centers, business and professional offices,
BTD, BUSINESS office support services, and warehouse distribution, and similar business uses with compatible operations
AND TECHNOLOGY within an appealing business park atmosphere. The district also provides for “flex space” where different
DISTRICT combinations of uses on a site may occur over time as the market changes and adjusts to new or different
conditions.

57 58
59 60
the Five Forks Area Plan
www.GCPlanning.org
301 University Ridge, Suite 3800
Greenville, SC 29601
864-467-7270