Charleston County BZA approves four extended home rentals, grants variance for unpermitted shed; one case deferred

The Charleston County Board of Zoning Appeals on Tuesday heard six new business items and approved four special‑exception short‑term rental requests and one variance for an unpermitted shed, while deferring one case to the April agenda.

Board members emphasized that approvals carry standard conditions: applicants must complete the county’s STRP limited site plan review, limit aggregate short‑term rental days to no more than 144 per calendar year, and ensure tenants comply with the Charleston County noise ordinance.

The board approved extended home rental (EHR) applications for properties on James Island, Tarington Lane, Goat Island and Harborview Road. Applicants described local property‑management plans and emergency contacts for neighbors while staff confirmed that each site “may meet” the three approval criteria in Article 6.8 of the Charleston County zoning and land development regulations ordinance. Applicants said they would list on‑site contact or co‑host numbers and screen guests; one applicant said a friend or handyman would respond when the owner is out of town.

Julian Hodgman, seeking to rent three bedrooms at 1546 Little Rock Boulevard on James Island, told the board, “I own and live at 1546 Little Rock Boulevard. I’ve been living there for about 7 months.” Hodgman said he sometimes travels for work and would screen guests and provide a local contact. The board approved his special‑exception request after a motion by Board member Thomas Trueslow and a second by Board member Neil; the decision carried…