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Kiawah Island BZA denies setback variance for 30 Grama Widgeon Lane
Summary
The Town of Kiawah Island Board of Zoning Appeals voted to deny a requested 89‑square‑foot reduction of a 25‑foot side setback for a proposed single‑family home at 30 Grama Widgeon Lane after staff recommended disapproval, finding criteria c and g unmet; the chair announced the motion carried with an announced tally of 6–1 (the transcript briefly also states 5–1).
The Town of Kiawah Island Board of Zoning Appeals on July 20 denied a variance request for 30 Grama Widgeon Lane that would have reduced a required 25‑foot side setback by about 89 square feet. Planning staff had recommended disapproval after finding the application failed to satisfy two required criteria (c and g of section 12‑1‑63(4)), and the board approved a motion to deny the request.
Planning staff summarized the case for Round 2 LLC, noting the 26,736‑square‑foot lot sits adjacent to freshwater wetlands, that prior zoning and building permits issued in August 2023 had expired, and that the applicant’s proposed encroachment does not extend into the 20‑foot wetland buffer. Staff concluded that while several approval criteria were met, criteria c (whether the ordinance unreasonably restricts use) and g (whether the need resulted from the applicant’s actions) were not satisfied and recommended disapproval. Daniel Vincent, planning staff, told the board staff “does recommend disapproval of the requested variance” and asked that, if approved, an as‑built survey be submitted to verify encroachments.
During deliberations multiple board members said no structure currently exists on the lot and that a redesign should be possible. Board member Larry Rosenfeld said he saw "no need to allow the variance" and moved to deny the request citing criteria c and g. Board member Philip Adams opposed the denial, saying he “disagree[d] with the conclusions on both c and g” and announced his vote against the motion. The chair announced the motion carried; the chair’s announcement included two close counts in the record but the final announced result was that the variance was denied (chair announced “By account of 6 to 1,” and the recording also briefly referenced “denied 5 to 1”).
The board closed the public portion after staff reported no speakers had been sworn in to speak for or against the request. Staff noted no new cases are currently scheduled for next month.
