BZA approves variance for Russellville property owner who warned plantings could block post office access

The Berkeley County Board of Zoning Appeals voted to grant a variance for a triangular parcel at 1735 Highway 35 in Russellville after the property owner warned that required buffer plantings could block postal vehicle access.

Terry Trousdale, the applicant, said she bought the adjoining property largely to preserve the local post office and that a previous county direction required trees on all three sides. "If we plant trees in that area on the back of the property ... it would obstruct any of the postal vehicles from getting in and out of the post office," Trousdale said, explaining that parts of the post office parking lot overlap the parcel she purchased.

Board members and county staff discussed buffer-yard rules and options to reduce required widths. Mister Downey, a county staff member, told the board that buffer-yard widths may be reduced by 50 percent with an opaque fence and that existing vegetation could count toward buffer requirements. The chair and other members asked whether planting or fencing could be limited so postal vehicles would still have safe access.

After discussion and questions from members of the board, a motion to grant the variance was made and seconded. The board proceeded with a voice vote; members signified their approval by saying "aye." The formal motion on the record was to grant the variance for TMS 025-00-05-036.

The decision resolves the immediate setback and buffer requirements for the parcel as presented; staff did not list additional conditions on the record. The applicant and staff may next coordinate on the precise fence or planting plan and any required permits or inspections.

The board moved on to the next agenda item after the vote. The file for this application remains with county staff for any necessary follow-up work.