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Planning commission approves rezoning to AG‑8 for landscaping business along River Road
Summary
The Charleston County Planning Commission approved a rezoning request to change a parcel from AGR to rural agricultural AG‑8 to allow a landscaping and horticultural operation; staff recommended approval because the change reduced residential density and the use is allowed with conditions in AG‑8.
CHARLESTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION — On Aug. 11 the planning commission approved a request to rezone a parcel (TMS 259-00-00-123) from AGR (agricultural residential) to AG‑8 (rural agricultural) to permit a landscaping and horticultural business.
Staff rationale: Planning staff said the requested AG‑8 district permits the landscaping and horticultural use with conditions and would actually reduce residential density compared with AGR (AG‑8 minimum lot-area standards result in lower maximum dwelling-unit intensity). Based on the review criteria, staff recommended approval.
Applicant testimony: Daniel Berryman and Laura Berryman, who operate a landscape company, said the parcel’s location along River Road would put them in a practical location to serve clients across Kiawah and downtown Charleston and relieve operational constraints. Daniel said the company has operated for more than a decade and needs a properly zoned site for its business.
Commission discussion and conditions: Commissioners asked about potentially allowed uses in AG‑8 that differ from AGR, including a conditional allowance for outdoor recreation and entertainment; staff clarified that outdoor recreation and entertainment is defined in the ZLDR (examples include amusement parks, fairgrounds, race or go‑kart tracks and sports arenas) and such uses would be subject to buffers and other conditions in AG‑8, including a minimum 50‑foot land‑use buffer to adjacent AGR and residential properties (100 feet when tied to an outdoor shooting range). Commissioners and applicants agreed the primary intent was landscaping operations, not entertainment.
Vote and next steps: The Planning Commission approved the rezoning. Staff noted the County Council will hear the case at a Sept. 16 public hearing and then at a Sept. 25 Planning & Public Works Committee meeting; council action requires three readings.
Limits: The approval by the Planning Commission is a recommendation to County Council; any future site development will require adherence to AG‑8 conditions and site plan review.
