Jean’s Angels buffer reduction postponed to April 15 after unclear request

The Berkeley County Board of Zoning Appeals voted to table an application from Jean’s Angels (TMF162-01-00-059) seeking a reduction in required buffer-yard plantings around a fenced warehouse. The board set the item for the April 15 meeting to allow the applicant to supply clearer documentation.

William Pinkney spoke for Jean’s Angels and said the business has a six-foot opaque fence and that the owner seeks reduced buffer requirements so the operation can expand vendor space. Pinkney said the owner owns both sides of the fence but that the fence and existing building leave limited usable area inside the fenced parcel.

County staff explained the ordinance requires a number of trees and shrubs in addition to fencing; an opaque fence can reduce the buffer requirement (for example, a 15-foot Type A buffer can be reduced to 7.5 feet where an opaque fence is used, according to the staff explanation in the packet). However, the board said it could not determine from the submitted materials whether the fence lies on the property line or how much buffer appears inside the fence versus outside, and asked the applicant to work with staff to clarify the exact request.

Board member Smith moved to table the application until the BZA’s April 15 meeting; the motion carried by voice vote. Staff suggested the applicant meet with planning staff to confirm fence location, buffer distances and whether a 7.5-foot buffer could be met without board action. The board noted that if the owner has room to meet a 7.5-foot interior buffer, a variance to the full 15-foot buffer may not be necessary.