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Council adopts countywide accessory-structure standard, raises size limits and simplifies measurements
Summary
Council approved a text amendment to replace Lake Wylie–specific accessory-structure rules with a single countywide standard, raise maximum footprint allowances and switch from gross floor area to building footprint; staff and planning commission argued the change simplifies permitting.
On first reading York County Council approved a zoning text amendment that replaces the Lake Wylie overlay’s accessory-structure rules with a single countywide standard, increases the maximum allowable accessory-structure size and changes how the size is measured.
John Buono, a county planning staff member, said the amendment replaces the current mixture of rules with a single standard measured by building footprint instead of gross floor area (GFA). “We’re switching from GFA to building footprint. That’s much easier for applicants to draw onto their plats and for staff to calculate,” Buono said.
Under the proposed standard, accessory structures on lots smaller than 1 acre could occupy up to 65% of the principal dwelling’s footprint, with a previous Lake Wylie provision retained that allowed either 65% or 600 square feet, whichever was greater. The amendment also clarifies that accessory structures must be subordinate to the principal structure in dimensional terms and retains a 125% height limit for nonresidential accessory structures relative to the principal structure.
The amendment eliminates a Lake Wylie rule that forced accessory structures to remain behind the primary building line; staff said that requirement had produced a narrow buildable area between setback and riparian-buffer lines that pushed many applicants to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Buono used a Paddlers Cove example where a 1/5-acre lot with a 2,400-square-foot house would now be allowed a prefab 1,250-square-foot metal workshop under the countywide standard.
Council members engaged at length. Councilman Litton said he favored loosening restrictions for retirees and homeowners with boats or RVs, and suggested exploring a cap tied to total lot buildable area so smaller houses could still have proportionally larger shops. Buono and staff said applicants who need more than the relaxed standard would still be able to seek a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals, and that administrative adjustments (the separate amendment approved earlier) could also apply to eligible quantitative standards.
Council requested staff provide additional background and the Planning and Zoning Committee’s minutes before returning with the finalized ordinance. The planning commission recommended the amendment by a 7-0 vote. Council voted to approve first reading and asked staff to follow up with the requested materials before second reading.
