Chatham County, NC - File #: 25-0514

• File #: 25-0514
• Version: 1
• Type: Agenda Item
• Status: Board Priorities
• File created: 10/2/2025
• In control: Planning
• On agenda: 10/20/2025
• Title: Vote to approve a request by Clay Matthews, on behalf of Swain Group, LLC for subdivision First Plat review and approval of Riverbend Estates at Laurel Ridge, consisting of 107 lots on 622.32 acres, located off Rock Rest Rd and Old Graham Rd, parcel 10927, 10919, 10922, 79194, 10925, 10923, 10924,10926, 66355, 85139, & 10970
• Indexes: Comp Plan Goal 1: Preserve the rural character and lifestyle of Chatham County, Comp Plan Goal 10: Foster a healthy community., Comp Plan Goal 2: Preserve, protect, and enable agriculture and forestry., Comp Plan Goal 4: Diversify the tax base and generate more high-quality, in-county jobs to reduce dependence on residential property taxes, create economic opportunity and reduce out-commuting., Comp Plan Goal 6: Provide recreational opportunities and access to open space.

Title
Vote to approve a request by Clay Matthews, on behalf of Swain Group, LLC for subdivision First Plat review and approval of Riverbend Estates at Laurel Ridge, consisting of 107 lots on 622.32 acres, located off Rock Rest Rd and Old Graham Rd, parcel 10927, 10919, 10922, 79194, 10925, 10923, 10924,10926, 66355, 85139, & 10970

Abstract
Introduction & Background:
Zoning: R-5
Water System: Public
Sewer System: Public
Subject to 100-year flood: Some flooding areas within the development.
General Information: The subdivision process is a four (4) step process: Concept Plan, First Plat, Construction Plan, and Final Plat. The applicant has completed the community meeting and the Concept Plan review. The minimum lot size requirement for the project is 3-acres with an overall average of 5-acres. The Planning Board has two (2) meetings in which to act on the proposal.

Discussion & Analysis: The request is for First Plat review and recommendation of Riverbend Estates at Laurel Ridge, consisting of 107 lots on 622.3 acres, located off Rock Rest Rd, S.R. 1547 and Old Graham Rd S.R. 1516. Per the Subdivision Regulations, Section 5.2C(4), a Public Hearing shall be held at the first Planning Board meeting to receive comments on the proposed subdivision. Item (b) states that following the Public Hearing, the Planning Board shall review the proposal, staff recommendation, and public comments and indicate their recommendation for approval, disapproval, or approval subject to modifications. As stated above, the Planning Board has two (2) meetings to act on the proposal.

Roadways: The main entrance for the project will come from Rock Rest Road. The road within the project is to be built as a 20-foot-wide travel way with a 60-foot-wide private right-of-way. The private easement travel way along lots 26-28 will need to be upgraded to the County standard road, Section 7.2 (D) 1-4 of Chatham County Su...