Planning commission approves waiver for Edisto Drive after residents raise maintenance and cost concerns

The Berkeley County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a waiver to the county's private roadway requirements for a one‑lot subdivision on Edisto Drive, following resident testimony about who will maintain the gravel road and pay for materials.

Staff read the waiver request from Legia Esperanza Guerra Gallo, for an intended one‑lot subdivision (TMS 123‑00‑03‑029) in the Santee Circle community, and said the applicant submitted a gravel road maintenance agreement signed by about six to eight neighbors. Applicant representative Alma Lesue said she visited neighbors to collect signatures but that several households were vacant or unavailable.

The matter drew sustained comment from resident Tony Weeks (336 Stetson Lane), who said he and his family have historically maintained the road with their equipment but that he will not accept sole financial responsibility. “I don't mind doing the work, but I'm not gonna be the one to sign something to be responsible for buying rock and doing all that. That gets expensive, and I can't do that on a retirement income,” Weeks said. Weeks told commissioners there are about 21 lots served by the road and that only a minority signed the maintenance agreement.

Staff and commissioners discussed the agreement's wording. Staff clarified the maintenance document does not name a single resident as solely responsible and described it as a neighborhood‑level commitment rather than an individual guarantee. A county staffer also explained that the family subdivision provision referenced by a resident had been changed: properties without public sewer could still be developed if an acceptable septic or sewer mechanism can be installed; to remove a family‑subdivision restriction a replat or resubdivision is required.

After questions and public comment, a commissioner moved to approve the waiver; the motion was seconded and the commission voted in favor. The commission's approval is a recommendation to Berkeley County Council, which holds final authority on rezoning and subdivision waivers.

Next steps: the item, with the planning commission's recommendation, will proceed to Berkeley County Council for final action. The planning department advised applicants and residents to follow the item to county council and provided contact guidance for upcoming land use committee and council meeting dates.