BZA approves variance to build family home in Phillips Community; tree mitigation required

The Charleston County Board of Zoning Appeals on Sept. 8 approved a variance that allows construction of a single‑family home at 1594 Joe Rouse Road in the Phillips Community, including authorization to remove a 26‑inch red oak tree rated grade A subject to mitigation. The applicant, Fred Lamar (Lamar) Rouse, told the board he intends to return to live next to his parents and that prior survey work may have mislocated property lines around two unpermitted sheds. Staff told the board the 0.5‑acre property contains two unpermitted accessory structures and a 26‑inch live oak near the proposed home footprint. Staff said the request met several variance approval criteria but might not meet others; recommended conditions included inch‑for‑inch mitigation (planting canopy trees of at least 2.5 inches in caliper), payment to the county tree fund, or a combination of the two, with mitigation in place prior to any removal. Staff also recommended obtaining required permits for the unpermitted sheds. Rouse said he explored alternative home designs but that the combination of floodplain constraints and the tree’s location prevented placing the house elsewhere without compromising the home’s size. He said that the sheds were built by a relative and that he expects to resurvey the property to adjust lot lines; his father, who spoke in support, said the 1985 survey shows different lines and that the sheds predate the sale. Neighbors and community members, including speakers who said they have deep family roots in the Phillips Community, testified in support of Rouse’s effort to return and build in the neighborhood. The board unanimously approved the variance and attached staff’s recommended conditions, including a mitigation plan to address removal of the 26‑inch tree; staff will provide next steps and permit instructions to the applicant within 10 business days.