Isle Of Palms Board considers short term rental at Goat Island amid parking concerns

The Charleston County Board of Zoning Appeals convened on June 2, 2025, to discuss a special exception request for a short-term rental property on Goat Island. The applicant, Benjamin Farmry, seeks to rent a four-bedroom property that is not owner-occupied, which disqualifies it from being classified as a limited home rental. The proposed rental would accommodate a maximum of eight guests, with parking arrangements made at the applicant's office in Wild Dunes Yacht Harbor.

During the meeting, staff presented the application, noting that the property meets some of the approval criteria. However, they emphasized that the Board could approve, conditionally approve, or deny the request based on their findings. The staff recommended several conditions for approval, including a limit on rental days to 144 per year and compliance with local noise ordinances.

Board members raised concerns about parking availability, given that Goat Island has no cars and limited access. The applicant clarified that they do not anticipate guests parking on Isle of Palms and that most would arrive by boat. Farmry mentioned that he owns multiple properties and has access to parking spaces at various marinas, which could accommodate guests who own boats.

Despite the applicant's assurances, some board members expressed skepticism about the practicality of parking arrangements, especially during peak seasons. They highlighted the existing parking challenges on Isle of Palms and questioned the feasibility of accommodating guests without sufficient parking.

After deliberation, a motion was made to approve the application, citing the applicant's compliance with the approval criteria and the limited scale of the rental operation. However, concerns about parking and potential impacts on the community remained a focal point of discussion.

The board ultimately voted to approve the request, incorporating the staff's recommended conditions. This decision reflects a balance between the applicant's intentions to utilize the property for short-term rentals and the board's responsibility to ensure community welfare and compliance with zoning regulations.