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James Island BZA unanimously approves two setback variances
Summary
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved variance requests for additions at 934 Ravenswood Drive and 1216 Midvale Avenue on May 21, 2026, each subject to staff conditions; both decisions were unanimous and applicants will receive written decisions within 10 working days.
The Town of James Island Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved two variance requests at a public hearing on May 21, 2026, granting relief from setback requirements for additions at 934 Ravenswood Drive and 1216 Midvale Avenue.
At the start of the meeting, Chair David Savage outlined the BZA's quasi‑judicial role and the seven criteria the board must apply under town ordinance section 153.049. For the first case, staff recommended approval after describing a proposed addition that would encroach about 2.6 feet into the required 10‑foot interior side setback at 934 Ravenswood Drive. Kristin Crane, the town planning director, told the board the variance would not harm the character of the zoning district and recommended approval with conditions. Applicant Beth Plant presented the request and her husband Craig Plante said the staff packet “pretty much captures everything we wanna present.” A neighbor, Alice Abrams of 931 Ravenswood Drive, spoke in favor. With no opposition, the board voted to approve the request; Chair Savage said a final decision will be mailed within 10 working days.
The second variance, for 1216 Midvale Avenue, sought a reduction of the 25‑foot front/side setback on a corner lot to allow a porch addition. Applicant Nathan Gifford told the board he had collected 12 neighborhood signatures in support and described the porch as additional living space for his family. Board members questioned site plan details, the existing garage setback, and whether the need for relief resulted from the applicant’s own actions (criterion FF). Several members noted the property's unusual configuration of two 25‑foot setbacks and emphasized preserving large oaks on the site. The board approved the variance with the two staff‑recommended conditions; Chair Savage again noted the applicant would get the written decision within 10 working days.
Both approvals were recorded as unanimous. The board closed both hearings after deliberation and adjourned; the next meeting was announced for May 19, 2026.
