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Board grants variance for accessory structure on Taylor’s Island property in floodplain
Summary
The Board approved a variance allowing a 972-square-foot accessory structure within an expanded buffer and floodplain area, citing limited buildable area and no objections from the Critical Area Commission.
The Dorchester County Board of Appeals on Aug. 7 approved a variance allowing construction of a 972-square-foot accessory structure within an expanded buffer area and floodplain at 3962 Punch Island Road on Taylor’s Island.
Agent Steve Whitten presented the site plan and told the board the property is heavily wooded and mapped by the Department of Natural Resources as having non-tidal wetlands, leaving very limited open space suitable for construction. Whitten said the proposed building would be sited on an existing millings parking pad, avoiding tree clearing and additional wetland impact. The county’s environmental planner recommended approval, and the Critical Area Commission had no opposition.
The board reviewed the statutory variance criteria including whether literal interpretation of the ordinance would deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties. Staff and the applicant argued special conditions—chiefly the mapped wetlands and limited buildable area—warranted a variance. After board discussion and a motion, the variance was approved; an opposed vote was recorded by board member Eric Dunn during the roll call.
The approval does not change critical-area requirements for other land and requires the applicant to obtain the standard permits before construction.
