BZA approves private stable permit in Mount Pleasant overlay for Bluff Lane property

The Charleston County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special exception allowing a private stable to remain and be used for up to six horses at 2944 Bluff Lane, a property located in the Mount Pleasant Overlay Residential Area and the Sweetgrass special consideration area.

Staff reported the stable existed when the current owner, Jose de Jesus Navarro, purchased the property two years ago and that prior owners had kept horses onsite. The applicant reported the new metal stable building was built after purchase and that the intended use is private and non-commercial; the application requested permission to house up to six horses. Staff reviewed the site and concluded the application met the approval criteria and recommended the board impose a standard condition that the applicant complete the limited site plan review process for a private stable prior to zoning permit approval.

Neighbors and nearby residents who spoke in favor told the board they welcome the stable and the owner’s presence in the neighborhood. No public opposition speakers appeared at the meeting. The board unanimously voted to approve the special exception, adding the staff-recommended condition that the applicant complete the limited site plan review before a zoning permit can be issued.

Why it matters: the ruling formalizes a private, noncommercial stable in a sensitive overlay district — the owner must complete site-level review to ensure stable operations meet county standards for setbacks, animal care and neighborhood compatibility.

The owner will receive zoning-permit instructions from staff within 10 days; the board’s order and staff file will be available in the county record.