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Florence City board approves variance for oversized accessory building at 2609 Avent Street
Summary
The Florence City Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing William R. Reynolds to build a larger-than‑normally permitted accessory structure at 2609 Avent Street, citing the lot’s half‑acre size and the building’s limited visibility from the street.
The Florence City Board of Zoning Appeals voted to grant a variance for an oversized accessory building at 2609 Avent Street on the board's Nov. 1 meeting.
City staff told the board the lot is in the NC15 zoning district and is a half‑acre parcel in the Pine Forest area across Pamplico Highway from MUSC. Staff said the Unified Development Ordinance’s 25% accessory‑building limit would allow “a little over 300 square feet” for a typical 1,500‑square‑foot principal building, but that without a variance the applicant would be limited to less than half the size he has proposed. “Without the variance, the applicant is limited to an accessory building that is less than half the size that he's proposed,” staff said.
Applicant William R. Reynolds told the board he needs the larger building to store tools and equipment he is inheriting from his father, who he described as “a lifelong carpenter.” “I’m inheriting a lifetime of tools, and I need somewhere to put them,” Reynolds said after being sworn.
Board member Edwards moved to approve the variance and recited findings that the request meets the UDO standards, including that the lot’s size and the building’s location reduce public‑view impacts and that authorization would not substantially harm adjacent properties. The Chair incorporated staff’s findings into the motion, a second was offered by Board member Poston, and the Chair declared the ayes have it.
Staff said the proposed accessory structure would sit behind the house and an attached two‑car garage, have the same setbacks as the house, and be painted to be compatible with the residence. Reynolds confirmed the building will be sited on a concrete slab, will meet a 10‑foot side and 10‑foot rear setback, and that no immediate plumbing is planned (any future fixtures would be installed to code). He also told the board he had spoken with nearby neighbors and did not receive complaints.
The board’s approval authorizes staff to issue the zoning permit so that Reynolds may apply for a building permit. Staff said they would send the zoning permit the next day.
The Board of Zoning Appeals concluded the meeting with a brief announcement and adjourned. The applicant may proceed with permit applications subject to usual building permit review and inspections.
