The York County Planning Commission voted on Monday, August 10, 2026, to reject a proposed rezoning request for a vacant, 24-acre Walmart-owned tract at the corner of U.S. Route 21 and Flint Hill Road. The developer, SDP Charlotte, LLC, had petitioned to change the property’s classification from General Commercial (GC) to Light Industrial (LI) to build a warehousing and wholesale distribution complex totaling roughly 270,500 square feet.
The commission’s vote followed a recommendation from county staff to deny the application. Planning officials noted that placing a high-intensity logistics operation on the site is inconsistent with the York Forward 2035 Comprehensive Plan, which designates the area for neighborhood residential and complementary mixed-use development. Staff highlighted that industrial designations are intentionally positioned on the opposite side of Highway 21 and Flint Hill Road to buffer residential areas and nearby places of worship from heavy industrial activity.
The property was originally acquired by Walmart in 2016 for a retail grocery store project that never materialised. Local residents voiced strong opposition during discussions, expressing concerns over heavy semi-truck traffic, dock noise, and compatibility with surrounding homes.
Because the planning commission serves in an advisory role, its recommendation to deny the rezoning will now go before the York County Council for a public hearing and formal readings, scheduled for September 8, 2026.
