Jay Milligan seeks variance to remove grand trees for James Island residence

The Charleston County Board of Zoning Appeals convened on April 7, 2025, to discuss a significant variance request from Jay Marshall Milligan of Tiger Double LLC. Milligan seeks permission to remove two grand trees to facilitate the construction of a single-family residence at 311 Papa Charlie Way on James Island. This property, currently vacant, is situated in a special management zoning district, with adjacent properties designated for low-density residential use.

During the meeting, Milligan presented a revised site plan, which now proposes the removal of a 24-inch diameter red maple and a 24-28 inch live oak. This marks a reduction from an earlier request to remove three grand trees, which the Board deferred in January. The updated plan aims to preserve a 32-inch diameter Darlington oak, which was initially slated for removal.

The property contains eight grand trees, and Milligan plans to retain four of them, including a 76-inch triple oak and a 30-inch oak. The applicant emphasized the importance of preserving the natural beauty of the heavily wooded lot while acknowledging that the two trees proposed for removal are positioned in a way that obstructs the construction of the home.

The Board discussed the approval criteria for tree removal, noting that the application may meet several conditions outlined in the zoning regulations. If approved, the Board suggested three conditions for mitigation: submitting a tree restoration plan, installing protective barricades around remaining trees, and hiring a certified arborist to monitor the health of the trees during construction.

Milligan expressed his commitment to minimizing the impact on the existing trees, stating that the design process involved multiple revisions to ensure the preservation of as many trees as possible. He highlighted the unique characteristics of the property, which consists of three large lots, and his intention to maintain the area's character by avoiding excessive development.

The Board's decision on this variance request will have implications for future development in the area, particularly regarding the balance between residential construction and environmental preservation. The next steps will involve further review of the application and the proposed mitigation measures before a final decision is made.