Council approves downzoning of 1123 Fort Johnson Road to agricultural preservation

The Town Council of James Island voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 2026-08, rezoning 1123 Fort Johnson Road (TMS 4280600069) from low-density suburban residential (RSL) to Agricultural Preservation (AG-5).

Applicant Blake Smith told the council he preferred a single residence over denser development and said the property could support limited landscaping-business uses. "I'd much rather have one house than six," Smith said, describing his intent to maintain vegetation, install screening and keep any operations neat and permitted. Council members asked about equipment, access and impacts because the parcel sits near a school, a park and the fire station; the mayor and planning staff confirmed a vegetated buffer and a Dominion Energy easement would limit visible storage or activities.

Council members pressed Smith on the potential for heavy equipment and trailer traffic. Councilwoman Julia Drayton Crumlin said she supported downzoning to reduce residential density but warned that heavy equipment near the school and park raises safety concerns: "I'm just a little concerned about it," she said. Staff confirmed the lot is about 2.25 acres and that property frontage allows two entrances, which would reduce the need to back large trailers onto Fort Johnson Road. After discussion, the council approved the ordinance on second reading with a unanimous roll-call vote.

The rezoning changes the allowable development intensity for the parcel; the council characterized the measure as a downzoning that preserves lower density and reduces potential runoff compared with higher-density zoning. The ordinance passed at the meeting and staff will implement the zoning change per standard administrative procedures.