Zoning board approves driveway-width variance for 2016 Helm Avenue

The North Charleston Zoning Board of Appeals on March 2 approved a variance to allow a 16-foot driveway aisle at 2016 Helm Avenue, a reduction from the 24-foot minimum required by the city's zoning regulations.

Staff told the board the applicant, Marianne Prather Junior of Property Holdings of Charleston LLC, seeks the variance because the parcel is approximately 6,750 square feet and only 45 feet wide, which would make a standard 24-foot drive aisle consume more than half the lot and prevent access to residential units proposed behind the commercial frontage. Planning staff said the Fire Department reviewed the proposal and did not object; staff recommended approval under the Section 7-73 variance findings.

Board members agreed with staff. One board member said, "I agree with staff recommendation. I think the 24 foot drywall requirement is a barrier to infill development on these narrower lots," and also noted the fire department "did not have an issue with granting the variance." After brief discussion the board voted by roll call, with Closser, Calhoun, Simmons, Morrow, O'Callaghan, Harper and McElveen all voting yes.

Under the city's variance criteria presented by staff, the board must find that extraordinary or exceptional conditions apply to the specific parcel, the conditions are not generally applicable to neighboring properties, applying the ordinance would unreasonably restrict use of the property, and the variance will not harm adjacent properties or the public good. Staff concluded the narrow lot width and the inability to provide standard circulation met those criteria and recommended approval.

The approved variance allows the applicant to proceed with the proposed mixed-use configuration that uses a 16-foot drive aisle to serve the building and rear residential units. The board did not place additional conditions on the variance during the meeting.

The board moved immediately to consider another variance after the vote.