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Board reduces front setback to preserve large live oaks and allow family home on Wadmalaw Island
Summary
A variance was approved to reduce a required 50-foot front street-side setback to 16 feet so a family can build a home while preserving two large live oaks; the board found the lot’s shape and utility/septic constraints created unique hardship.
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance to reduce the required 50-foot front street-side setback to about 16 feet at a vacant lot on Cherry Point Road so the applicants may build a family home while preserving two large live oak trees.
Staff described the lot as 0.51 acres in the PD-141 plan development and said three nearby lots in the development have a 25-foot front setback but the subject lot requires 50 feet. The applicants, Charice and Enoch Smiley, said they have four children and need a larger house; they asked the board to avoid removing a 36-inch- and a 54-inch-diameter live oak and explained septic and well siting rules limit alternatives. Hunter Quinn Homes representative Courtney Alexander said site constraints leave limited building options and asked the board to approve a 16-foot setback so the house footprint can be adjusted without removing the trees.
Mr. Truslow moved to approve the variance, concluding the lot’s configuration and tree preservation present extraordinary circumstances; Mr. Sadel seconded. The board voted unanimously in favor and staff will mail the final decision within 10 working days.
