Berkeley County BZA OKs special exception to allow boat and RV storage on parcel zoned for self-storage

The Berkeley County Board of Zoning Appeals voted to grant a special exception allowing boat and recreational-vehicle storage on a parcel the applicant said is already zoned for self-storage.

Holly McElhaney, speaking for Michael McElhaney, told the board the 4.128-acre parcel is currently zoned for a self-storage facility and that the applicant sought to “have it, as boat and RV storage in this area.” She said the project would include a 20-foot front buffer, 20-foot rear setbacks and 10-foot side setbacks. “This is the final,” she said of the submitted plan, pending any board-requested changes.

Board members pressed for details on proximity to residences and screening. One member estimated the distance from outdoor storage to the nearest residential property could be about 123 feet; McElhaney said she did not have precise measurements available at the meeting but described retention ponds, wetlands and a perimeter drive on the site. Staff reminded the board that an earlier variance application for the same general area had sought understory trees instead of canopy trees because of a power-line easement along the front of the property.

After questions, Mister Smith moved to approve the special exception and received a second. The board approved the motion by voice vote; the applicant thanked the board.

The approval allows the proposed use to proceed subject to any final plan adjustments the board may require. The applicant did not provide a specific timeline for construction during the meeting.