Board tables special-exception request for rural wedding venue pending ordinance review

The Dorchester County Board of Zoning Appeals on Tuesday voted to table a special-exception request from SE2601 — an application to permit Use Group 13f (wedding/event venue) on a rural 28.7-acre property on Hill Branch Road — until the board's next regular meeting so county counsel can attend and the board can examine a recent ordinance amendment affecting road-access findings.

Tim, the county zoning administrator, told the board the application addresses compatibility and county development standards but will require a revised site plan and technical-review-committee approval. He said the board must make explicit findings under section 10.4.0.23 regarding access, traffic and safety: "The requirements of approving the special exception require the board to make explicit findings that the plans provided by the applicant mitigate insufficiencies in the road and impact to neighbors." The administrator also noted staff received written comments both supporting and opposing the application.

Board members raised new questions about a change to the ordinance's road requirement since the case was last considered in February. The chair said the amendment alters whether the interior feeder road meets the prior standard and recommended more time: "I'd like to know if anyone would entertain a motion to table this to next month for further evaluation and also to allow publication for counsel to be here to go into executive session on this matter." A motion to table was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The board directed staff to bring the ordinance text and counsel to the next meeting so members can make the required findings.