Board clears pottery studio in accessory building with limits on classes, signage and space

The North Augusta Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved a special exception March 3 allowing a pottery studio in an accessory building at 1004 West Avenue, with five conditions intended to protect neighborhood character and circulation.

Staff noted the accessory building is roughly 1,100 square feet per tax records but recommended limiting use to no more than 500 square feet so the studio qualifies under the home-occupation accessory‑building rule. Staff also recommended that all studio activities occur inside the structure, that outdoor work be prohibited, that classes be limited if offered, and that no exterior signage be permitted.

Applicant Susan Denlinger (who asked to be called “Ding”) told the board she has used the studio for more than 20 years, does not intend to teach regularly and typically sells work off-site at markets and reenactments. "I've been potting in my studio since it was built... I don't want to teach... it's just a quiet little studio," Denlinger said.

Neighbors offered mixed views in public comment. Some residents expressed concern about parking and the potential for classes to increase traffic in an alley; others and an adjacent property owner supported Denlinger, saying the studio has operated quietly for years. Staff and the board explained that home-occupation approvals apply specifically to the current owner and property and do not rezone the land for future owners.

After reviewing the 11 special-exception criteria in the development code, the board approved the application with the following conditions: all studio activities (including instruction) shall occur inside the existing studio; no outdoor work; classes limited to two students per day; business-related traffic shall not exceed ten trips per day; and no exterior signage shall be permitted. The motion passed by unanimous vote.