Zoning board approves side-yard variance for Carver Maritime at 1212 9th Street

The North Charleston Zoning Board of Appeals voted March 2 to grant Carver Maritime a variance reducing the minimum side-yard from 100 feet to 50 feet for property at 1212 9th Street in an M-2 heavy industrial zone.

Planning staff told the board the site is split-zoned between M-1 and M-2, has an irregular parcel shape and lacks certain right-of-way frontage, constraining usable area. Staff said Carver Maritime needs the additional building area to construct indoor storage for raw or critical materials that staff described as serving the state and surrounding region. Under the variance standard (Section 7-73), staff concluded the lot's peculiar shape and split zoning constitute extraordinary and exceptional conditions and recommended approval.

Board members requested an exhibit showing the portion of the site affected by the reduction; staff and the applicant pointed to the enlargement and an on-screen site plan, and one member said it took time to locate the site on a map. After limited discussion, the board approved the variance by roll call; Closser, Calhoun, Simmons, Morrow, O'Callaghan, Harper and McElveen voted yes.

The approval permits the applicant to demolish an existing building and construct a larger building for indoor storage in the portion of the parcel zoned M-2. Staff noted the industrial nature of the surrounding properties, including sites on the former Navy base and proximity to the port, and found no substantial detriment to adjacent parcels.

The staff report for this application was emailed to the applicant on February 14, according to the record given at the meeting.

The board moved on to a staff update on the Unified Development Ordinance after the action.