Development News for North Charleston, South Carolina

Board Denies Variance for Storm Shelter Setback at 2900 Bird Street

The Board of Zoning Appeals heard a request for a variance from the minimum front setback requirement at 2900 Bird Street, an M2 Heavy Industrial zoned property. The applicant sought to reduce the front setback from 50 ft to 25 ft to allow for the construction of a 500 ft storm shelter building. The proposed location was chosen for proximity and safety for employees during storm events. Staff disagreed with the necessity of the variance, citing alternative feasible locations and the possibility of mitigating impacts on grand trees with arborist reports. Despite the applicant's arguments about grading challenges, utility lines, drainage issues, and the importance of preserving grand trees, the Board ultimately denied the variance request.