Council advances accessory dwelling unit ordinance to register nonconforming units; first reading approved

The Town of James Island approved first reading of an ordinance establishing a definition and registration pathway for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a first phase toward addressing nonconforming ADUs.

Planning Director Kristen Crane described the measure as a phased approach: the ordinance would add an ADU definition, create a registration pathway for ADUs that predate the town’s current rules (notably those existing before October 2012), and set standards to confirm safety and flood requirements. Crane said the registry would help the town document existing ADUs and create a foundation for later steps — including potential Board of Zoning Appeals review for conversions or cases that require variance.

Council members supported advancing the ordinance to second reading and a public hearing, and staff said they will continue work on a second phase to address additional conversion and nonconformity details.

The first reading passed with a motion and second and a unanimous roll call vote.