Board denies setback variance for Johns Island Club parking garage and forwards recommendation to council

The Planning, Zoning and Variance Board recommended denial of Johns Island Club Inc.’s setback variance request for a proposed parking garage, and instructed that any tree‑removal or land‑clearing work would require separate permitting.

Applicant Blaine Bergstreser said the setback requests would affect east and west sides of the structure, with the west side abutting golf course land owned by the club and the east side adjacent to Silver Moss Drive, a private right‑of‑way maintained by the club. He reiterated the club’s rationale that consolidating parking on the parcel would be the most efficient use of the shaped, constrained lot.

Board members pressed whether neighboring property owners had been directly noticed and whether the homeowners’ association’s lack of objection equated to consent from affected property owners; the applicant said the HOA manager and club general manager had raised no objection, but the record showed individual adjacent owners had not all been directly notified. Board members also flagged an email indicating oaks planned for removal; staff and the chief building official clarified that tree removal would require a separate application and could not be approved simply by granting a setback variance.

Outcome: The chair moved to deny the setback variance; the motion was seconded and the board voted. A voice vote recorded multiple 'Aye' responses and at least one 'No'; the chair announced, "Motion carries." The board requested that its findings under the town code be included in the minutes and forwarded to Town Council for final action.

Next steps: The applicant may withdraw and return with revised plans or provide additional materials to the council. Any permits for tree removal or other site work must be sought through the appropriate town process before construction.