BZA grants access‑drive width variance for landscape business on Johns Island

The Charleston County Board of Zoning Appeals on Sept. 8 approved a variance allowing an access drive narrower than the 20‑foot zoning standard at 3555 Bohicket Road, a 14.6‑acre site proposed for landscaping and horticultural services. Applicant representatives and the property owner explained that the existing driveway, set through tree cover and adjacent to wetlands, has functioned for decades at roughly 10–12 feet wide and that widening it would require removal of established trees and wetland filling. The applicant presented a letter from the St. Johns Fire District’s fire marshal stating the narrower drive is acceptable provided vertical clearances and turnaround design meet emergency access needs; the site plan includes designated fire‑truck turnarounds and gravel drive aisles with widened areas near activity centers. Staff told the board the project is in site‑plan review and recommended a condition that the applicant complete site plan review prior to zoning permit approval. Board members asked about materials and confirmed the drive and turnaround areas will use gravel base consistent with stormwater and construction plans and that many of the trees on the 14.6‑acre parcel will be preserved. Neighbors did not appear in opposition. The board voted unanimously to approve the driveway variance with the staff condition requiring completion of site plan review before permit issuance. County staff will issue the decision and instructions to the applicant within 10 business days.