James Island BZA unanimously approves variance for backyard pool despite new stormwater rule

The Town of James Island Board of Zoning Appeals on April 15, 2025, voted unanimously to approve a variance permitting a residential pool on a 0.19-acre lot in a planned development, despite the town's supplemental stormwater design standard that limits impervious surfaces to 40 percent of a parcel.

Board members said the planned development's dedicated open space and an existing retention pond made the property's circumstances unusual and unlikely to harm neighboring parcels. The motion to approve the variance, subject to staff conditions, was made by Mr. Yannatelli and seconded by Mr. Smith and Mr. Hayes; the board recorded a unanimous vote and directed staff to mail the final decision to the applicant within 10 working days.

The variance request was filed as case BZA-3-25-040. Planning staff entered written materials into the record, including an April 10, 2025, email from the planning…