Board approves special exception for James Island home to operate as short-term rental

The Charleston County Board of Zoning Appeals on the evening approved a special exception for 1990 Wild Wing Lane on James Island to operate as an extended short-term rental.

The board granted the request for property owners Michael and Joseph Hager to rent up to five bedrooms with a maximum of 12 guests, subject to conditions recommended by staff including completion of the STRP limited site plan review, compliance with Article 6.8 of the county zoning ordinance, a 144-day annual cap on rental days and responsibility for tenant compliance with the county noise ordinance.

County planner Lee Ziegler told the board the 0.15-acre property contains a five-bedroom house and that the applicants propose seven parking spaces; he noted the property is not owner-occupied and therefore not eligible for a limited home rental permit. Joseph Hager, who gave his address as 920 Hood Street, said the family built the home so his parents could stay seasonally and that summer rentals would help subsidize winter use by relatives: “We hope to use the short term rental in the summertime to create some funds to be able to allow my family to use the house in the winter months to stay and visit, our kids.”

Board member Mr. Truslow moved to approve the special exception under the three statutory criteria in Article 6.8 and subject to staff conditions; Mr. Sadel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The board’s decision will be mailed by certified mail within 10 working days; staff advised the applicants to contact the Charleston County zoning and planning department about next steps in permitting and site review.