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Planning commission approves downzoning so St. John’s Fire District can combine lots for Station 5 on Johns Island
Summary
Charleston County Planning Commission voted to approve a rezoning that staff said reduces allowable density to permit the St. John’s Fire District to acquire and combine an adjacent parcel for stormwater and a rebuilt Station 5. The decision proceeds to County Council for public hearings and possible three readings.
The Charleston County Planning Commission voted to approve a rezoning request that would change a parcel on River Road, Johns Island, from AGR (agricultural residential) zoning to AG-8 (agricultural, lower density).
Staff described the change as a downzoning intended to make the fire district’s existing parcel consistent with an adjacent parcel the district plans to purchase and combine. Wynn Carlisle, a planning staff presenter, said the request would reduce allowable density and leave dimensional standards largely the same except for lot size and width. Carlisle told commissioners staff recommends approval because the approval criteria were met.
Spencer Wetmore, general counsel for the St. John’s Fire District, told the commission the rezoning is intended to allow the district to obtain an adjacent parcel and move and renovate Station 5. “This zoning, rezoning request is actually a downzoning request in order to make our parcel consistent with a parcel that we wish to purchase and combine lots with next door,” Wetmore said. He added the extra parcel would be used for stormwater and make space for the renovated station.
No members of the public spoke in opposition at the meeting; staff said no public input had been received before the hearing. After a motion and second, the commission called the roll and recorded unanimous support. The chair declared the motion passed.
Next steps: staff noted the County Council will hold a public hearing on the request on Nov. 13, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers and will consider the item again at the council’s Planning and Public Works Committee meeting on Nov. 20, 2025. County Council would then consider up to three readings at its discretion.
Planning commission members and staff emphasized the change was a reduction in potential density to enable the purchase and consolidation for public infrastructure; no additional approvals were taken by the commission beyond the rezoning recommendation to council.
The commission’s approval is a recommendation to County Council; final zoning decisions and any legally binding deed restrictions would be determined by Council and recorded documents if Council approves the rezoning.
