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Council adopts zoning overlay and PUD change to refine tiny‑home rules and acreage thresholds
Summary
Council approved Ordinance 26‑3 (medium‑high density residential overlay) and Ordinance 26‑4 (PUD revisions) with clerical fixes: the tiny‑home footprint was corrected to 2,500 sq ft, the MHDR acreage clarified (1.5 up to less than 5 acres), and the blanket ban on chain‑link fences was narrowed in favor of privacy/screening subject to approval.
The Mount Pleasant City Council voted to amend the municipal code to create a medium‑high density residential overlay and to revise the planned unit development (PUD) rules, including technical corrections for tiny homes and acreage thresholds.
During discussion, a council member identified multiple clerical inconsistencies between the MHDR and PUD drafts—most notably a tiny‑home footprint listed as 2,599 square feet in one draft versus 2,500 in the other and ambiguous language about whether 5.00 acres is included in the MHDR or PUD. Councilors agreed to clarify that the MHDR will apply from 1.5 up to less than 5 acres (with the PUD applying at 5 acres or more) and to correct the tiny‑home footprint to 2,500 square feet.
Council members also discussed fence standards for the overlay. The ordinance language had prohibited chain‑link and similar utilitarian fences; members argued that privacy improvements (for example, slats in chain‑link) can be visually compatible if paired with landscaping and should be allowed by approval rather than by blanket prohibition. The council directed staff to reword the provision so the fence and associated landscaping provide effective screening and are subject to discretionary approval.
A motion to approve Ordinance 26‑3 and a separate motion to approve Ordinance 26‑4 (with the two clerical changes) were made, seconded and carried on roll call. Staff said the changes are primarily clerical and technical, and that final language will be matched to the council’s intent before publication.
The approved amendments affect future development proposals that seek to use the MHDR or PUD overlay; developers will need to follow the clarified acreage thresholds and the updated tiny‑home footprint standard.
