BZA approves Johns Island short‑term rental with limit reduced to eight guests

The Charleston County Board of Zoning Appeals on Sept. 8 approved a special exception to operate an Extended Home Rental at 1876 Chilhowee Drive on Johns Island but limited occupancy to eight people. The board also adopted staff conditions including completion of the Short Term Rental Program limited site plan review and adherence to Article 6.8 of the zoning ordinance. Lonnie Mueller, the applicant, told the board he lives about three to five minutes away and will manage the property; he said the plan is to list the house on Airbnb and that the unit will include six beds arranged to accommodate up to 10 guests but that he was willing to accept a lower limit if required. He said he had spoken with nearby neighbors and that five parking spaces are on site. Board members pressed Mueller on noise monitoring, proximity to other short‑term rentals and septic capacity. Mueller said the septic system had been replaced in 2024 and included a 66‑gallon hot‑water tank; he said he could reduce the advertised occupancy if the board wanted. Commissioners also asked whether the applicant would provide a cell phone number to neighbors for late‑night complaints; he agreed. After public testimony closed, a board member moved to approve the application with staff conditions and to amend the occupancy limit from 10 to eight guests. The motion included the four conditions staff recommended: completion of the STRP limited site plan review prior to permit issuance; compliance with Article 6.8; a 144‑day aggregate cap on short‑term rental days per calendar year; and the property owner’s responsibility for ensuring tenant compliance with the county noise ordinance. The motion passed unanimously. Staff will mail the final decision and next‑step instructions to the applicant within 10 business days.