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County expands ADU allowances in text amendments, clarifies assessment rules for rentals
Summary
Council approved text amendments increasing accessory dwelling unit (ADU) allowances based on lot-size tiers and clarified that units rented more than 72 days per year are assessed at a higher rate; amendments expand ADU size caps for larger lots and adjust related setbacks.
Berkeley County council approved zoning text amendments that expand allowances for accessory structures and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), with tiered limits based on lot size and adjusted setbacks.
Miss Simmons summarized the changes: accessory structure caps increase in some suburban residential zones, and ADU allowances are tiered—smaller lots keep tighter caps while lots of 1 acre or larger may allow ADUs up to 75% of the primary dwelling (capped at a stated square-footage cap). She said the ordinance includes definitions for livable square footage so garages converted to non-livable space are excluded from the ADU measurement.
Councilman West (procedural question) asked about tax assessment on ADUs. Staff said the assessor’s office informed them that any residence rented for more than 72 days per year is assessed at 6% rather than 4%, meaning that renting an ADU beyond that threshold triggers a higher assessment rate tied to commercial use.
Council moved and carried the amendments on a voice vote. Staff noted these changes apply to base zoning districts (R-1, R-2 and rural zoning) and do not supersede planned developments (PDs).
