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Florence BZA approves setback variances for 1531 S. Irby Street commercial infill
Summary
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved variances to side-setback requirements for a narrow commercial parcel at 1531 South Irby Street, allowing construction of a proposed 1,500 sq ft commercial building with office space above.
The Florence Board of Zoning Appeals approved variances that reduce required side setbacks for a narrow commercial parcel at 1531 South Irby Street to permit a proposed infill commercial building.
City staff described the L-shaped parcel as small compared with neighboring lots and said the site fronts South Irby Street adjacent to Freedom Square. Staff said the Unified Development Ordinance requires 20-foot minimum side setbacks with a combined total of 50 feet; the applicant’s plan showed one side as about 18 feet 10¼ inches and the combined total slightly under 50 feet. Staff recommended relief because strict enforcement would make the parcel unusable for a reasonable-sized building and noted shared parking options behind adjacent properties.
William Scofield, president of Carolina Enterprises Incorporated and the property owner, told the board he and engineer Mike Padgett proposed a 1,500-square-foot ground-floor commercial space with about 1,500 square feet of office space above; he said typical tenant interest included a mobile-phone retailer and that he plans to remove an off-site sign and clean up the lot. Scofield said South Carolina Department of Transportation plans to alter nearby access and that future parcels in the area could gain additional road frontage as DOT work proceeds.
A board member moved to approve, arguing the parcel’s narrow frontage and existing mix of setback distances along that corridor justify relief and that approving an infill building would remove an “eyesore.” Mr. Valver seconded the motion. The board approved the variance; the chair announced “the ayes have it” and the motion carried.
Staff said the proposed building would meet front and rear setbacks and that the variance request covered minimal reductions to the total side setback and a single side below the 20-foot minimum. No written objections were reported; staff said they had received no calls about the property. Scofield said the building would be constructed of the character he has used nearby and that shared parking and adjacent commercial parcels would serve customers.
The board’s approval allows the applicant to proceed with a compact commercial building on the parcel, subject to standard permitting and any administrative conditions.
