BZA approves tree‑encroachment plan with monitoring for proposed Folly Road fitness center

The Board of Zoning Appeals on Sept. 8 approved requests for encroachment into protected root zones of two live oaks to allow construction of a proposed fitness and training facility at 1773 Folly Road, contingent on a tree‑preservation program and mitigation requirements. Applicant representatives described a half‑acre vacant parcel located inside the Folly Road corridor overlay. Staff reported the site contained seven grand trees and that two live oaks would experience encroachment — one at 27 percent of its root zone (grade B) and another at roughly 43 percent (grade C) — under the current site plan. Staff found the request may meet most variance criteria and recommended conditions including inch‑for‑inch mitigation or payment to the Charleston County Tree Fund if a tree dies within three years, installation of temporary tree barricades, and retention of a certified arborist to monitor and treat grand trees within 40 feet of disturbance through construction. Applicant John Pearson and civil engineer Andy Bojovsky told the board the design minimized impervious surface in the tree canopies; parking aisles and most surfaces will be unpaved gravel, and only the required ADA route will be paved. The development team provided a tree preservation plan and said the proposed building footprint was shifted to protect canopies where feasible. Members voted unanimously to approve the encroachment with the staff recommendations attached. The applicant must submit the tree preservation plan and confirm mitigation commitments before zoning permit approval.