Columbia Judge Faces Road Ownership Dispute in Buckingham Landing Variance Request

The Beaufort County Zoning Board of Appeals convened on April 24, 2025, to address several pressing issues, including a significant variance request related to property ownership and road access in the Buckingham Landing community.

The meeting began with a discussion regarding a road closure ordered by Judge Dukes, which has left a local property owner in a challenging position. The owner, who has been using the road as a driveway since the 1970s, is now seeking legal counsel to clarify ownership issues stemming from a historical platting decision made by the Ulmer family in the 1940s. The Ulmers had attempted to develop Buckingham Landing into a suburban community but failed to finalize the necessary steps, resulting in multiple "ghost roads" throughout the area.

The applicant emphasized the need for a variance to allow for normal residential maintenance without requiring county involvement for every action taken on the property. The discussion highlighted the complexities of property boundaries in Buckingham Landing, where historical usage does not always align with current survey results. The applicant has already moved a building onto the ghost road based on a recent survey, which revealed discrepancies in property lines.

The board was informed that the property in question is managed by a minor and has been a source of contention for over three years. The applicant's efforts to comply with community development codes, including the preservation of historic trees and prevention of coastal erosion, were noted as positive contributions to the neighborhood.

As the meeting progressed, board members sought clarification from county representatives regarding the specifics of the variance request. The outcome of this discussion remains pending, with the board expected to deliberate on the variance in future sessions. The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by residents in navigating property rights and community development in Beaufort County.