Mount Pleasant adopts rewritten zoning code after extended debate on trees, cottage courts and effective date

Mount Pleasant’s Town Council approved a comprehensive rewrite of the town zoning code (a repeal-and-replace of Chapter 156) after extended debate on tree protection standards, the role of cottage courts, and the effective date of the new rules.

The rewritten code was the product of multi-year staff work and committee review. Planning staff and planning-committee members described the package as an effort to modernize zoning standards, strengthen tree protection and clarify development rules. Kelly Cousineau, who led a staff presentation at the meeting, described the proposed cottage-court standards and dimensional requirements while the town arborist explained why the draft treats certain large pines differently from smaller residential trees.

Council debate produced several substantive amendments and votes during a meeting that lasted well into the evening. Notable outcomes included:

- Cottage courts: A council motion to keep cottage courts as an allowed use in multifamily zoning failed after an 4–4 tie on an amendment; a later procedural motion left the draft without cottage courts in the code. Supporters characterized cottage courts as an option that could provide single-level, smaller-unit housing that appeals to downsizing households or aging residents; opponents said the draft standards were not sufficiently refined and there were few multifamily sites where cottage courts could be built without a rezoning.

- Effective date: Council approved an amendment to set an effective date for the entire zoning rewrite of May 1 (providing a lead time for applicants and staff). The roll call vote adopting the rewritten code as amended passed by 8–0.

- Tree protections and canopy: Council considered motions to remove the proposed new tree protections entirely and to refer tree provisions to a newly proposed Tree Task Force. Those motions failed. Council discussed at length the proposed changes: larger protected-caliper thresholds for pines, expanded tree-protection zones around trees, replacement and mitigation standards, and the role of a Tree Task Force to provide additional recommendations. Staff and the town arborist said the changes responded to observed tree loss and aimed to retain large, healthy specimens where feasible.

At final reading the council voted to adopt the rewritten Chapter 156 as amended; the clerk’s roll-call recorded unanimous approval. The ordinance will take effect on May 1, giving applicants several weeks to complete in-process applications under prior rules.

Ending: Council members said the code is not immutable and that future adjustments can be made; the town will form a Tree Task Force and the planning committee retained authority to address outstanding policy details as staff implements the new code.