TERM DEFINITION

For the purpose of this Ordinance, certain words and terms used herein are defined as set forth in this Section. If not specifically defined herein, words and terms shall be defined in Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11^th Edition.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Accessory Dwelling Unit A Dwelling Unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more Persons that is separate from the principal Dwelling Unit, . This definition includes Garage Apartments.

(Ord. No. 2375, 01/27/2026)

Effective on: 1/27/2026, as amended

Accessory Structure A Structure that is detached from a principal Structure and customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal Structure, which serves a purpose that is customarily and clearly associated with the Principal Use. Examples of Accessory Structures include, but are not limited to, storage sheds, gazebos, detached carports, and detached residential garages.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Accessory Use A use customarily incidental and subordinate to the Principal Use of a Zoning Lot or of a Structure. An Accessory Use is located on the same Zoning Lot as the Principal Use, except as otherwise allowed in this Ordinance. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Active Recreation Area Any park and recreational facility which is developed with recreation and support facilities such as playgrounds, Golf Courses, bicycle trails, baseball or softball fields, football or soccer fields, basketball courts, Swimming Pools, clubhouses, equestrian facilities, and tennis courts.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Addition A Structure added to the original Structure at some time after the completion of the original, or an extension, alteration, or increase in Floor Area or height of a Building or Structure.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Administrative or Business Office The use of a Building or a portion of a Building for the provision of executive, management, or administrative services. This includes Bookkeeping Services, Couriers, Insurance Offices, Personnel Offices, Real Estate Services, Secretarial Services, or Travel Arrangement Services.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Administrative Decision Any order, requirement, decision, or determination by the Charleston County Zoning and Planning Director or their designee relating to the administration or enforcement of the Charleston County Zoning and Land Development Regulations.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Adult Oriented Business Definitions provided in Sec. 6.4.18.C of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Adult Day Care Service A facility for adults that offers in a group setting a program of individual and group activities and therapies for adults 18 years of age or older as defined by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH). In the case of conflict between this definition and the definition utilized by SCDPH, the definition utilized by SCDPH shall control.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Affordable Dwelling Unit (AFU) In the case of Dwelling Units for sale, housing in which mortgage, amortization, taxes, insurance, and condominium or association fees, if any, constitute no more than 28 percent (28%) of the annual household income for a household earning no more than 80 percent (80%) of the area median income, by household size, for the metropolitan statistical area as published from time to time by the U.S. Department of Housing and Community Development (HUD) and, in the case of Dwelling Units for rent, housing for which the rent and Utilities constitute no more than 30 percent (30%) of the annual household income for a household earning no more than 80 percent (80%) of the area median income, by household size for the metropolitan statistical area as published from time to time by HUD.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Agriculture The use of the land for agricultural purposes, including farming, dairying, pasturage, apiculture, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, and Animal and poultry husbandry, and the Accessory Uses of packing, treating, or storing of produce; provided, however, that the operation of any such Accessory Uses shall be secondary to that of the principal Agriculture use.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Agricultural Processing Establishments primarily engaged in crushing oilseeds and Tree nuts, such as soybeans, cottonseeds, linseeds, peanuts, and sunflower seeds; processing meat and meat byproducts; processing grains or seeds into snacks; and other related processing and packaging of agricultural products. Agricultural Processing shall not include Slaughterhouses, Butcheries, Tanneries or Rendering Plants.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Agricultural Sales or Service  An establishment engaged in the retail or Wholesale Sale of feed, grain, fertilizers, pesticides, Farm equipment sale and services, and similar goods.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Agricultural Use, Bona Fide Allowed primary uses on real property to raise, harvest or store crops, feed, breed or manage livestock, or to produce Plants, Trees, fowl or Animals useful for human consumption, including the preparation of the products raised thereon for human consumption and disposed of by marketing or other means and which the Subject Property receives agricultural preferential assessment by the Charleston County Assessor’s Office. Such uses include Agriculture, grazing, horticulture, forestry, dairying and Mariculture. Uses that do not qualify as Bona Fide Agricultural Uses include recreation, hunting clubs, fishing clubs, vacant land (land lying dormant), and any other similar uses.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Agritourism Activities conducted on a farm that are offered to a member of the general public or invited guests for farm-related education, recreation, or active involvement in the farm operations. 
(Ord. No. 2375, 01/27/2026)

Effective on: 1/27/2026, as amended

Aircraft Manufacturing and Production, including Related Parts An establishment engaged in the manufacturing, processing, fabrication, packaging, or assembly of Aircrafts or related parts. Natural, man-made, raw, secondary, or partially completed materials may be used. Products may be finished or semi-finished and are generally made for the wholesale market, for transfer to other plants, or to order for firms or consumers. Goods are generally not displayed or sold on site, but if so, this is a subordinate part of sales. Relatively few customers come to the site.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Alley A minor vehicular way used primarily for access to the side or rear of properties.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Alteration, Structural Any change or rearrangement in the supporting members of a Building or Structure, such as bearing Walls, columns, beams, or girders, or in the dimensional or configurations of the roof or exterior Walls. Structural Alterations shall not include the application of exterior siding to an existing Building for the purpose of beautifying and modernizing. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Animal Any live or dead dog, cat, nonhuman primate, guinea pig, hamster, rabbit, or any other warm blooded Animal, which is being used, or is intended for use, for research, teaching, testing, experimentation, or exhibition purposes, or as a pet. This term excludes: Birds, rats of genus Rattus and mice of the genus Mus bred for use in research, and horses not used for research purposes and other Farm Animals, such as, but not limited to livestock or poultry, used or intended for use as food or fiber, or livestock or poultry used or intended for use for improving Animal nutrition, breeding, management, or production efficiency, or for improving the quality of food or fiber. With respect to a dog, the term means all dogs, including those used for hunting, security, or breeding purposes.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Animal, Exotic Any Animal not identified in the definition of "Animal" that is native to a foreign country or of foreign origin or character, is not native to the United States, or was introduced from abroad. This term specifically includes Animals such as, but not limited to, lions, tigers, leopards, elephants, camels, antelope, anteaters, kangaroos, water buffalo, and species of foreign domestic cattle, such as Ankole, Gayal, and Yak.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Animal and Insect Production The raising of Animals or insects on pasture land, controlled environments or selected environments, or production of Animal or insect products on an agricultural or commercial basis. Animal and Insect  Production shall include those Accessory Uses and activities customarily associated with this type of operation, as determined by the Zoning and Planning Director. Animal and Insect Production shall not include Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, Slaughterhouses, or Butcheries.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Apiculture The keeping and maintenance of bees, commonly in man-made hives, on a commercial scale for the production of honey.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Applicant A Person, firm, entity, or governmental agency that executes the necessary forms to obtain approval or a permit for any zoning, Subdivision, land Development, Building, land disturbance, or other activity regulated by this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Application, Complete An application for Development review and approval that: (1) has been submitted in the required format; (2) includes all information required by this Ordinance to be submitted for the subject application type; and (3) is accompanied by the required fee.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Approvable State  Applications are considered in an Approvable State if they demonstrate compliance with all of the applicable requirements of the Charleston County Zoning and Land Development Regulations Ordinance, as determined by the Zoning and Planning Director.
(Ord. No. 2375, 01/27/2026)

Effective on: 1/27/2026, as amended

Aquaculture comprises establishments primarily engaged in the farm raising and production of aquatic Animals or Plants in controlled or selected aquatic environments. It includes land devoted to the hatching, raising, and breeding of fish, shrimp, or other aquatic Animals or Plants for commercial purposes. The term also includes those Accessory Uses and activities customarily associated with this type of operation, such as finfish farming, fish hatcheries, and shrimp farming in ponds. This definition does not include Mariculture uses, which are separately defined in this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Arborist, Certified A Person certified by the International Society of Arboriculture.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Archaeological Site   A place (or group of physical sites) in which evidence of past activity is Preserved (prehistoric, historic, or contemporary), and which has been, or may be, investigated using the discipline of archaeology and represents a part of the archaeological record. A site may range from one with few or no remains visible above ground, to a Building or other Structure still in use. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Artisan and Craftsman Any business establishment that produces articles of artistic quality or effect or handmade workmanship on the premises. Examples include candle making, furniture making, glass blowing, weaving, pottery making, woodworking, sculpting, painting, and other associated activities.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Assisted Living A residential facility providing 24-hour supervision and services for residents who need medical attention.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Aviation Airports, landing fields, aircraft parking, and service facilities, and related facilities for operation, service, fueling, repair, storage, charter, sales, and rental of aircraft, including activities directly associated with the operation and maintenance of airport facilities and the provision of safety and security. Aviation also includes facilities for loading, unloading, and interchange of passengers, baggage, and incidental freight or package express between modes of transportation. This definition excludes Private Air Strips.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Bank An establishment that is engaged in the business as a bank or trust company, and is federally chartered or state chartered. "Bank" also includes credit unions that are federally or state chartered, and mortgage companies that provide mortgage loans as a principal part of their operation, with the loans secured by an interest in real property as collateral for the loan.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Banner A strip of cloth containing a message or advertisement.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Bar or Lounge A use engaged in the preparation and retail sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, where 25 percent or more of the gross receipts are for sale of alcohol. This use includes taverns, cocktail Lounges, and any member exclusive Bars or Lounges.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Barn A Farm Building used for storing Farm products or sheltering livestock. This term excludes any Residential Use or non-agricultural use.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Base Course A layer or layers of specified or selected material of designated thickness or rate of application placed on a subbase or Subgrade to comprise a component of the Pavement structure to support the Pavement or subsequent layer of construction.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Base Flood Elevation (BFE) The elevation of surface water resulting from a flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year, as determined by the Charleston County Building Inspections Services Department. 

Effective on: 9/20/2022, as amended

Berm A man-made landscape feature generally consisting of a linear mound of soil, designed to provide visual interest, screen undesirable views, decrease noise, and/or control or manage surface drainage. Temporary soil stockpiles and retaining Walls shall not be considered a Berm.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Billboard A large, standardized third party/off premise Structure displaying advertising intended for viewing from extended distances, generally more than 50 feet that is erected, maintained, or used for public display of poster, painted Signs, or Wall Signs that advertise a business, a commodity sold, service, or attraction which is not carried on or manufactured in or upon the premises upon which said Billboard is located. Billboards include, but are not limited to, bulletins, Wall murals, wrapped posters, 30 sheet posters, and eight sheet posters.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Boat Ramp A ramp that provides access to the water for the launching and retrieving of watercraft. Boat Ramps may be located at Marinas, public access points, or at Community and Commercial Docks subject to the applicable regulations.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Boat Slip A docking space alongside a pier, wharf, or mooring dolphins in which a waterborne boat may be moored. For purposes of this Ordinance and in the absence of an authorized quantity of Boat Slips by state or federal regulating agencies, a Boat Slip shall be considered a minimum length of 25 feet for side mooring and 15 feet for stern moorings.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Boat Yard A land-based operation primarily for the repair and service of boats, including any incidental storage of boats in the process of being repaired.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Bona Fide Forestry Operation The property is eligible for, and actually used for forestry or timber operations, and written application has been approved by the County Assessor for the special assessment for agricultural use for the property in question pursuant to SC Code Sec. 12-43-220, SC Department of Revenue Regulation 117-1780.1., and other applicable statutes, rules and regulations.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Botanical Garden A place, generally open to the public for a fee, where a wide variety of Plants are cultivated for scientific, educational, or ornamental purposes.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Brewbar A Bar, Lounge, or Restaurant which produces on the permitted premises a maximum of 2,000 barrels a year of beer for sale on the premises as allowed by SC Code Title 61, Chapter 4, as amended.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Bridge A Structure, including supports, erected over a depression or an obstruction, as water, highway, or railway, and having a track or passageway for carrying traffic or other moving loads.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Buffer, Landscape A vegetated area of varying width designed exclusively to provide screening between adjoining properties, Rights-of-Way, Parking Lots and Structures, as described in Article 9.4, Landscaping, Screening, and Buffers, of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Buffer, Wetland An area of varying width , providing a visual, spatial, and ecological transition zone between the OCRM Critical Line and land Development. The Wetland Buffer is designed to protect water quality and wildlife habitat.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Building Any Structure having a roof supported by columns or Walls and intended for the shelter, housing, or enclosure of any individual, Animal, Plant, process, equipment, goods, or materials of any kind. When a portion thereof is completely separated from every other portion by a dividing Wall (or firewall when applicable) without openings, then each such portion shall be deemed to be a separate Building.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Building Code The Building Code of Charleston County.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Building Coverage The proportion, expressed as a percentage, of the area of a Lot covered by Buildings (Principal and Accessory) or roofed areas, as measured along the outside Wall at ground level, and including all projections, other than fire escapes, canopies, and the first two feet of a roof overhang. Swimming Pools (excluding the pool decking) shall be included in Building Coverage.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Building Height The vertical distance between the Design Flood Elevation (DFE), or ground level if the Structure is not in a Flood Hazard Area as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and:

1. 1.
   The average height level between the eaves and ridge line of a gable, hip or gambrel roof; or
2. 2.
   The highest point of a mansard roof; or
3. 3.
   The highest point of the coping of a flat roof.

Building Height

Gable, Hip, or Gambrel Roof                              Mansard Roof                                                    Flat Roof

Effective on: 2/23/2023, as amended

Building Length The length of the Facade facing the Street for that unit which the Sign shall apply. The Building Length (Facade facing the Street for the business) plus the Setback from the Street Right-of-Way/property boundary line shall determine the “Maximum Size” of the Wall Sign for that business.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Building Materials or Garden Equipment and Supplies Retailers An establishment offering products for sale including, but not limited to: ​​​​​​ plumbing materials; plaster; concrete; floor coverings; pool liners; roofing material; gutters; hardware tools and supplies; indoor or outdoor Plants; garden fixtures, packaged Plant food; pesticides; garden tools; manually or power operated tools and equipment with associated parts and accessories; or paint, varnish, or wallpaper. This definition includes hardware stores, Garden Supply Centers, outdoor power equipment stores, or paint, varnish, or wallpaper stores. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Building Permit An official document or certificate issued under the Charleston County Building Code for any carpentry, masonry, roofing, or related construction or repair. A Building Permit is not required for construction under $1,000.00, unless the construction or repair involves a structural modification or work done by a contractor.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Building, Principal A Building within which the main or primary use of the Lot or premises is located. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Business, Professional, Labor, or Political Organization A Building or establishment providing meeting, recreational, or social facilities for associations or organizations, with two or more members, that have a joint or common interest in Business, Professional, Labor, or Political issues.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

B.Y.O.B Establishment An establishment primarily offering sit-down counter or table services with entertainment and/or serving food prepared on the premises for on-premises consumption, which also allows customers and patrons to bring beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverages or malts for on-premises consumption that are purchased or obtained off the premises.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Caliper The diameter of a Tree trunk measured six inches above the ground on Trees with Calipers of four inches or less.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Campground  An outdoor venue where mobile or non-permanent lodging is used or provided for recreational, educational, or vacation purposes. Short-Term Rental uses and RV Parks are not included in this definition. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Canopy Tree A Tree, with a diameter of at least two and one-half inches (as measured six inches above Grade) at the time of planting, which will grow to a minimum height of 50 feet at maturity.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Caretaker An individual or Family who resides on premises as an Accessory Use for the purpose of maintaining, protecting, or operating a permitted Principal Use on the premises.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Catering Service An establishment that prepares and provides food and related services to off-premises locations.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Causeway An earthen Structure with at least one side adjacent to a depression, wetland, or marsh that supports a road for carrying traffic or other moving loads.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Cemetery Land used or intended to be used for the burial of the dead and dedicated for Cemetery purposes, including columbariums, crematoriums, mausoleums, and mortuaries when operated in conjunction with and within the boundaries of such Cemetery.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Center Line of Street The line surveyed and monumented as the Center Line of the Street; or if such center line has not been surveyed, it shall be the line running midway between the curbs or ditches of such Street.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Certificate of Nonconformity A certificate issued by the Charleston County Zoning and Planning Department to any Sexually Oriented Business which is operating at the time of the enactment of the regulations of Sec. 6.4.18, of this Ordinance, and is not in compliance with one or more of its provisions.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Chemical Manufacturing and Production An establishment engaged in the manufacturing, processing, fabrication, packaging, or assembly of chemicals. This includes, but is not limited to, Pharmaceutical Product, Chemical Fertilizer or Pesticide Manufacturers. Natural, man-made, raw, secondary, or partially completed materials may be used. Products may be finished or semi-finished and are generally made for the wholesale market, for transfer to other Plants, or to order for firms or consumers. Goods are generally not displayed or sold on site, but if so, this is a subordinate part of sales. Relatively few customers come to the site.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Child Care Center A facility which regularly receives thirteen or more children for child care as defined by the Department of Social Services (DSS). In the case of conflict between this definition and the definition utilized by DSS, the definition utilized by SCDHEC shall control.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Child Caring Institution A facility licensed by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) with one or more staffed residences for children who are in care apart from their parents, relatives, or guardians on a continuing full-time basis for protection and guidance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Charter Boat or other Recreational Watercraft Rental Service A land-based operation primarily for the rental or leasing of boats or other recreational watercraft. Any operation that is associated with a Marina or provides direct water access shall be considered a Water-Dependent Use in accordance with Article 5.3 of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Civic/Institutional Use A nonprofit or quasi-public use, such as a religious institution, Library, public or private School, Hospital, government-owned or government operated facility.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Clay or Related Products Manufacturing and Production An establishment engaged in the manufacturing, processing, fabrication, packaging, or assembly of clay and related products. Natural, man-made, raw, secondary, or partially completed materials may be used. Products may be finished or semi-finished and are generally made for the wholesale market, for transfer to other plants, or to order for firms or consumers. Goods are generally not displayed or sold on site, but if so, this is a subordinate part of sales. Relatively few customers come to the site.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Clay or Related Products Wholesalers An establishment primarily engaged in selling and/or distributing of clay or related products to retailers, users, firms, or other wholesalers, as well as activities involving the movement and storage of products and equipment. This use often includes display areas, and sales to the public are limited. Products may be picked up on-site or delivered to the customer.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Clearing Removal of surface material including, but not limited to, Trees, brush, grass, and weeds that does not include the removal of vegetative matter from underground.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Commercial Dock  A docking facility used for commercial purposes. A commercial dock is not necessarily a Marina, a Boat Yard or a dry storage facility. All Commercial Docks shall be considered a Water-Dependent Use in accordance with Article 5.3 of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Commercial Guest House (CGH) A property located in the RO, GO, NC, RC, or CC Zoning Districts, where lodging is offered, advertised, or provided to Short-Term Rental Tenants (excluding Family members) for a fee or any form of compensation, for intervals of 29 days or less during a calendar year.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Commercial or Industrial Machinery or Equipment Rental or Leasing An establishment that rents or leases commercial or industrial machinery or equipment to an entity for a period of time, but does not transfer ownership of the machinery or equipment to the entity renting or leasing it.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Commercial Timber Operations Tracts of five acres or more devoted to the production of marketable forest products through generally accepted Silvicultural practices including, but not limited to, harvesting, site preparation, and regeneration.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Common Open Space (or Conservation Area) Land within or related to a Subdivision or Planned Development that is set aside to conserve natural resource, scenic, cultural, historic, or archeological values, or provide active or passive recreation, or accommodate support facilities related to the Subdivision, and that is restricted from significant Development or intensive use except for approved recreational or support facilities and protected in perpetuity in a substantially undeveloped state.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Communication Service An establishment primarily engaged in the provision of broadcasting and other information relay services accomplished through the use of electronic and telephonic mechanisms, but excludes those classified as major Utility facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, Radio or Television Broadcasting Studios; News Syndicates; Film or Sound Recording Studios; Telecommunication Service Centers; or Telegraph Service Offices.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Communications Tower A tower of any size that supports communication equipment, transmission or reception, and is utilized by commercial, governmental, or other public or quasi-public users. This does not include Communication Towers for amateur radio operators licensed by the Federal Communications Commission which are exempt from local zoning restrictions, or Communications Towers under 100 feet in height used solely for educational communications purposes.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Community Dock Any docking facility that provides access for more than four families (greater than or equal to 5 watercraft slips and less than or equal to 10 watercraft slips) and is not a Marina. All Community Docks shall be considered a Water-Dependent Use in accordance with Article 5.2 of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 2/13/2023, as amended

Community Garden A private or public facility for the cultivation of fruits, flowers, vegetables, or ornamental Plants by more than one Person or Family. A Community Garden may be divided into separate plots for cultivation by one or more individuals or may be farmed collectively by members of the group and may include common areas maintained or used by group members. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Community Interest Notice Notice provided to any individual, group or organization that has submitted a written statement of interest to the Zoning and Planning Director. Municipalities within the Planning Area of the subject tract are also included.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Community Recreation A recreational facility that is the Principal Use of a Parcel of land and that is for use by residents and guests of the following: a particular Residential Development, Planned Development, church, private primary or secondary educational facility, community affiliated non-profit organization. Community Recreation can include both indoor and outdoor facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, Community Recreation Centers. This definition does not include venues (indoor or outdoor) used specifically for Special Events (See Special Events definition).

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Community Recreation Center A public or quasi-public Building designed for and used as a social, recreation, and cultural center. As a part of such recreation centers, there may be included craft rooms, music rooms, game rooms, meeting rooms, auditoriums, Swimming Pools, and kitchen facilities. Kitchen facilities and dining areas shall be used for events only.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Community Residential Care Facility (CRCF) As defined by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH), a CRCF is a facility that offers room and board and provides/coordinates a degree of personal care for a period of time in excess of 24 consecutive hours for two or more Persons, 18 years old or older, not related to the licensee within the third degree of consanguinity. A CRCF is designed to accommodate residents’ changing needs and preferences, maximize residents’ dignity, autonomy, privacy, independency, and safety, and encourage Family and community involvement. This also includes any facility (other than a Hospital) which offers, or represents to the public that it offers, a beneficial or protected environment specifically for individuals who have mental illness or disabilities. These facilities may be referred to as “Assisted Living” provided they meet the above definition of Community Residential Care Facility. In the case of conflict between this definition and the definition utilized by SCDPH, the definition utilized by SCDPH shall control.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Community Roads Roads that serve one or more Families and usually have no dedicated Rights-of-Way or drainage. These roads generally have a dirt surface, are not maintained on a regular basis, and are not in the state or county road system.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Computers or Electronic Products Manufacturing and Production An establishment engaged in the manufacturing, processing, fabrication, packaging, or assembly of computers or electronic products. Natural, man-made, raw, secondary, or partially completed materials may be used. Products may be finished or semi-finished and are generally made for the wholesale market, for transfer to other Plants, or to order for firms or consumers. Goods are generally not displayed or sold on site, but if so, this is a subordinate part of sales. Relatively few customers come to the site.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation A confined area or facility within which the property is not grazed or cropped annually, and which is used and maintained for the purposes of engaging in the business of the reception and feeding of: more than 50 beef or dairy cattle; more than 50 horses; more than 150 hogs, sheep or goats; more than 1,000 or more birds, such as turkeys, chickens, ducks or geese: or more than 1,000 small Animals, such as guinea pigs, rabbits, and minks. This term shall also include commercial feed lots.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Conditional Use Permit A permit formerly issued by the Charleston County Zoning and Planning Department authorizing a particular use in a specified location within a Zoning District, upon demonstrating that such use complies with all the conditions and standards specified by the zoning Ordinance. Conditional Use Permit is a term used in the Charleston County Zoning Ordinance prior to April 21, 1999.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Conservation Easement An Easement granting a right or interest in real property that is appropriate to retaining land or water areas predominantly in their natural, scenic, open, wooded, or topographic condition; retaining such areas as suitable habitat for fish, Plants, or wildlife; or, maintaining existing slopes and land use.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Construction Material Wholesalers An establishment primarily engaged in selling and/or distributing construction material to retailers, users, firms, or other wholesalers, as well as activities involving the movement and storage of products and equipment. This use often includes display areas, and sales to the public are limited. Products may be picked up on-site or delivered to the customer. This includes, but is not limited to: Brick, Cement, Concrete, Lumber, Millwork, Plywood, Shell, Stone, Wood Panel or other Related Material Wholesalers.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Construction Permit A series of permits required by Charleston County Building Services that may include Building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning), or gas permits.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Construction Tools or Equipment Rental or Leasing An establishment that rents or leases construction tools or equipment to an entity for a period of time, but does not transfer ownership of the tools or equipment to the entity renting or leasing it.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Consumer Convenience Service An establishment providing services, primarily to individuals, of a frequent or recurrent nature. This includes Automated Bank/Teller Machines, Dry cleaners, coin-operated laundries, laundry pick-up service stations, locksmith, one-hour photo finishing, or tailors or seamstresses.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Consumer Goods Rental Center An establishment primarily engaged in the rental or leasing of new or used products to the general public, excluding vehicle or watercraft rentals. This includes the rental of electronics, appliances, formal wear, costume, video or disc, home health equipment, recreational goods, or other household items.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Container Storage Facility Any inside or outside area designated for the storage of freight containers, prior to collection or removal to another facility or site.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Convenience Store Establishments primarily engaged in the provision of frequently or recurrently needed goods for household consumption, such as prepackaged food and beverages, newspapers, and limited household supplies, to customers who generally purchase only a few items. These establishments may include the sale of beer and wine in unopened containers for off-premise(s) consumption. The sale of products other than beer and wine shall comprise at least 51 percent of the gross sales of the establishment, and at least 51 percent of the total display or shelf space is devoted to products other than beer and wine. Convenience Stores shall not include fuel pumps or the selling of fuel for Motor Vehicles.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Convention Center A formal meeting place where the Building or rooms are rented or leased to the members, representatives, or delegates of a particular group. These centers can usually accommodate large groups.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Copy The wording, logo, shapes, or object content of a Sign in either permanent or removable letter media.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Correctional Institution Publicly or privately operated facilities housing Persons awaiting trial or Persons serving a sentence after being found guilty of a criminal offense. Such uses may include cafeterias, housing for facility staff, outdoor storage and maintenance areas, recreational areas, agricultural facilities, and facilities for the production of goods or materials produced for sale.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Counseling Service An establishment providing counseling, guidance, or similar services to Persons requiring rehabilitative, vocational, or related assistance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Country Club Land area and Buildings that may contain Golf Courses, recreational facilities, a clubhouse, and other customary Accessory Uses, open only to members and their guests.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

County Non-Standard Roads County Non-Standard Roads are a class of roads formerly known as Community Roads that have been brought into the County Maintenance System as approved by County Council.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Court of Law A place where trials and legal cases are heard and a verdict handed down based on statutes or common law.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Courtyard An open unoccupied space, other than a yard, on the same Zoning Lot with a Building, unobstructed from floor or ground level to the sky.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Cul-de-Sac The turnaround area at the end of a dead-end Street or an egress.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Cultural Event Land use of a temporary nature to display objects or events of a community and cultural interest in one or more of the arts and sciences, such as Civil War re-enactments.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Culvert Any Structure not classified as a Bridge which provides an opening under any Roadway, including pipe Culverts, and any Structure so named in the plans.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Curb A stone, concrete, or other improved boundary marking the edge of a road or other paved area.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Curb Cut A break in a Curb intended to provide driveway access to a Roadway. If there is no Curb, the joint or line separating the Roadway from the driveway is deemed to be the "Curb Cut."

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Data Processing Service Establishments primarily involved in the compiling, storage, and maintenance of documents, records, and other types of information in digital form utilizing a main frame computer.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Day Camp A camp for school-age children providing care and activities that is attended only during the daytime hours and provides no sleeping facilities.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Decibel (Db) A unit which describes the sound pressure level or intensity of sound. A sound level meter is calibrated in decibels.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Decision-Making Body The entity that is authorized to finally approve or disapprove an application or permit as required under this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Deck An unroofed platform, unenclosed except by a railing, which is attached to the ground and/or another Structure.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Dedication The action of a Property Owner or Developer to transfer an interest in property to the County or other service provider. The approval of a Subdivision Plat by County Council is deemed to affect an acceptance by the county of a proposed Dedication of a Street, Easement, or other ground shown on the Plat.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Deferred Presentment Lender A business or use that regularly accepts checks from a borrower drawn on the borrower’s bank account to be presented for payment at a later date and that charges a fee for the service, such as those regulated by Chapter 39 of Title 34 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, as amended.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Demolish or Demolition To raze or destroy, whether entirely or in significant part, a Building, Structure, site, or object. Demolition includes the removal of a Building, Structure, or object from its site, the removal or destruction of the Façade or surface, or the alteration to such an extent that repair is not feasible or is so costly so as to be prohibitive, rendering the property unfit for use. Demolition includes Demolition by neglect.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Density The number of Lots or principal Dwelling Units per unit of land area, as applicable.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Density/Intensity and Dimensional Standards Provisions of this Ordinance controlling the size and shape of Zoning Lots and the location and bulk of Structures thereon. Such regulations include those relating to Density, Lot Area, Lot Width, Setbacks, buffers, Building Coverage, Impervious Surface Coverage, height, and Open Space.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Derelict Manufactured Housing Unit A Manufactured Housing Unit that is not connected to electricity or not connected to a source of safe potable water supply sufficient for normal residential needs, or both; not connected to a Department of Health and Environmental Control approved wastewater disposal system; or unoccupied for a period of at least thirty days and for which there is clear and convincing evidence that the occupant does not intend to return on a temporary or permanent basis; and that is damaged, decayed, dilapidated, unsanitary, unsafe, or vermin-infested that it creates a hazard to the health safety of the occupants, the persons using the Manufactured Housing Unit, or the public.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Design Flood Elevation (DFE) The Base Flood Elevation (BFE) plus Freeboard, as determined by the Charleston County Building Inspections Services Department.

Effective on: 9/20/2022, as amended

Design Professional An individual or firm appropriately licensed and registered in the State of South Carolina.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Detention The temporary holding back of stormwater and releasing it at a controlled rate.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Developer The legal or beneficial owner of a Lot or of any land proposed for Development; or the holder of an option or contract to purchase, or any other Person having an enforceable contractual interest in such land.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Development The changing of land characteristics through redevelopment, construction, Subdivision into Parcels, condominium complexes, apartment complexes, commercial parks, shopping centers, industrial parks, mobile home parks, and similar Developments for sale, lease, or any combination of owner and rental characteristics.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Developments of County Significance Proposed Developments that: (1) have a gross acreage equal to or exceeding 1,000 acres, (2) are located in the Rural Area of the County, and (3) may be considered consistent with the recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan if they comply with the criteria and requirements of the Developments of County Significance provisions contained in the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning and Land Development Regulations Ordinance

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Diameter Breast Height (DBH) The total diameter, in inches, of a Tree trunk or trunks measured at a point four and one-half feet above existing Grade (at the base of the Tree). In measuring DBH, the circumference of the Tree shall be measured with a standard diameter tape, and the circumference shall be divided by 3.14.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Digital or Electronic Changing Billboard (Outdoor Advertising Structure) A Billboard designed to accommodate frequent message changes composed of images, characters or letters that can be changed electronically utilizing digital or light emitting diodes (LED’s) or similar electronic methods to create a changeable image display area without altering the face or the surface of such Sign.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Dock A Structure extending into or upon a waterway, marshland, or other natural water feature.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Dock, Joint Use Any Private Dock intended for the use of two to four Families. Joint Use Docks shall be exempt from the requirements of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Dock, Private A Dock intended for the use of one Family. Private Docks shall be exempt from the requirements of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Drip Line A circular area the circumference of which is determined by the outer reaches of a Tree's widest branching points

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Drive-In Theater An area of land that includes one or more large outdoor screens or other Structure for the display of motion pictures and an area for parking automobiles from which the motion pictures are viewed. Drive-in theaters may also include a concession stand and outdoor seating areas.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Dry Stack Storage for Watercraft A facility for storing boats out of water. This is principally a land operation, where boats are dry stored or "stacked" until such time as they are transferred to the water for use. Any type of dry stack storage facility for watercraft will be considered a Water-Dependent Use in accordance with Article 5.3of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Dumpster An Accessory Use of a property where trash or recyclable material containers, or any other type of waste or refuse container is stored.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Duplex Two Single-Family Dwelling Units contained within a single Building, other than a Manufactured Housing Unit, and are serviced by separate electrical meters.

Effective on: 12/6/2022, as amended

Duplicating or Quick Printing Services An establishment in which the principal business consists of duplicating and printing services using photocopy, blueprint, or offset printing equipment, including publishing, binding, and engraving.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Dwelling (Dwelling Unit) A Building or portion of it designed and used for residential occupancy by a single household and that includes exclusive sleeping, cooking, eating and sanitation facilities, provided, however, that legally permitted Dwelling Units may be used as Short-Term Rental Properties pursuant to the requirements of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Dwelling Group Two or more Principal Structures, each a Single-Family Detached Dwelling Unit (not including Manufactured Housing Units), that are located on the same Zoning Lot. This definition does not include Accessory Dwelling Units. Manufactured Housing Units shall not be included in Dwelling Groups, with the exception of those existing as legal non-conforming Principal Dwelling Units and permitted Accessory Dwelling Units, in accordance with this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Dwelling, Multi-Family A Structure containing three or more Dwelling Units, including residential condominiums and apartments. This does not include Single-Family Attached Dwelling Units, Duplexes, Triplexes, or Fourplexes which are separately defined in this Chapter.

Effective on: 12/6/2022, as amended

Dwelling, Principal The primary or predominant Dwelling Unit on a Lot.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Dwelling, Single-Family Attached The use of a site for two or more Dwelling Units, constructed with common or abutting walls, which may or may not be  located on a separate Lot. Also known as townhouses or rowhouses.

Effective on: 12/6/2022, as amended

Dwelling, Single-Family Detached The use of a site for only one Dwelling Unit, other than a Manufactured Housing Unit, that is not attached to any other Dwelling Units.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Earth Roads Those in which the traveled Roadway is constructed of compacted earth material creating an earthen driving surface.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Easement A privilege or right of use, access or enjoyment granted on, above, under or across a particular tract of land by the landowner to another Person. An Easement does not constitute fee simple ownership of the land.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Easement, Drainage The right of access of stormwater runoff from the adjacent natural drainage basin into the drainage way within the Drainage Easement.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Electric or Gas Power Distribution A pipeline or system of pipelines including without limitation, mains, pipes, boxes, reducing and regulating stations, laterals, conduits, and services extensions, together with all necessary appurtenances thereto, or any part thereof located within the Right-of-Way, for the purpose of supplying electricity or natural gas for light, heat, power, and all other purposes.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Electric or Gas Power Generation Facility A facility that generates electricity or gas using fossil fuels or renewable fuels and deliver it to the power grid or Power Distribution facilities.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Electrical or Telephone Switching Facility A facility that is used for the transmission and exchange of electricity or telephone signals.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Emergency Shelter A facility providing shelter and supervision during crisis intervention for victims of crime, abuse, or neglect. Such facilities may provide counseling and supervision services.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Encroachment Any structural element that breaks the plane of a vertical or horizontal regulatory limit, extending into a Setback, into the Public Frontage, or above a height limit.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Enlargement An increase in the size of an existing Structure or use, including physical size of the property, Building, parking, or other improvements. Enlargement would also include the addition of other Structures or uses on the Lot.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Extended Home Rental (EHR) A property with an owner or non-owner occupied residential dwelling, located in the S-3, R-4, UR, or MHS Zoning Districts, where lodging is offered, advertised, or provided to Short-Term Rental Tenants (excluding Family members) for a fee or any form of compensation, for more than 72 days but not to exceed 144 days in the aggregate during any calendar year, with individual rental terms not exceeding 29 consecutive days. To establish a EHR, a Property Owner must obtain a Special Exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) pursuant to the requirements of Article 3.6 of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Facade The entire Building Wall, fascia, windows, doors, canopy and on any complete elevation.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Fall Zone The area on the ground within a prescribed radius from the base of a wireless telecommunications facility. The Fall Zone is the area within which there is a potential hazard from falling debris, such as ice, collapsing material or the collapse of the tower itself.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Family An individual, or two or more Persons related by blood or marriage living together; or a group of not more than six individuals, including live-in servants, not related by blood or marriage but living together as a single housekeeping unit. Residents of Community Residential Care Facilities licensed by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) for nine or fewer individuals shall be considered a Family.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Family Home A facility that provides care for up to 6 children at any given time within the home of the child care provider as defined by the Department of Social Services (DSS). In the case of conflict between this definition and the definition utilized by DSS, the definition utilized by SCDHEC shall control.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Family, Immediate The Property Owner's or Property Owner's spouse's, parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, or uncles.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Farm A Parcel of land that is used for one or more of the following: the tilling of the land, the raising of crops, fruits, and vegetables, and the raising and keeping of Animals and Plants.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Farm Labor Housing A Building or Structure which is designed or constructed as accommodations for  transient Farm workers .

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Farmers' Market An Open Air Market, other than a Roadside Stand, used for the retail sale of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, eggs, flowers, herbs, or Plants by one or more vendors. No more than 25% of gross receipts may be derived from the sale of other unprocessed food stuffs; home processed food products such as jams, jellies, pickles, sauces, or baked goods, and home-made handicrafts; and commercially packaged handicrafts or commercially processed or packaged foodstuffs. Produce sold may be grown on the property where the Open Air Market is located or may be trucked in from area Farms. Vehicles, boats, and RVs cannot be stored or sold as part of Open Air Market operations. Otherwise, this use shall be considered a Special Event or Retail Sales. This definition does not include Food Trucks and Restaurants.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Fence (or Wall) A structural device erected to serve as an architectural element, landscape element, visual screen, or physical barrier.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Financial Guarantee Surety intended to ensure that all improvements, facilities, or work required by this Ordinance will be completed, restored, or maintained in compliance with this Ordinance. (See Article 8.14)

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Financial Service An establishment primarily engaged in the provision of financial and banking services.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Flag A piece of fabric or other flexible material, usually rectangular and of distinctive design which is used as a symbol, such as for a nation, state, locality, or corporation.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Floor Area The sum of the gross horizontal areas of the several floors of the Building, measured from the exterior faces of the exterior Walls or from the center lines of Walls separating two Buildings, computed as follows: (1) floor space devoted to the Principal Use of the premises, including accessory storage areas located within selling or working space, such as counters, racks, or closets; (2) any basement Floor Area devoted to the production or processing of goods or to business or Professional Offices. Floor Area shall not include space devoted primarily to storage purposes (except as otherwise noted herein), off-street parking or loading facilities, including ramps, and maneuvering space, or basement Floor Area, other than area devoted to retailing activities, the production or processing of goods, or business or Professional Offices.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Flower, Nursery Stock or Florists' Supplies Wholesalers An establishment primarily engaged in selling and/or distributing flower, nursery stock, or florists’ supplies to retailers, users, firms, or other wholesalers, as well as activities involving the movement and storage of products and equipment. This use often includes display areas, and sales to the public are limited. Products may be picked up on-site or delivered to the customer.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Food Sales An establishment primarily engaged in the retail sale of food for home consumption. These establishments may include the sale of beer and wine in unopened containers for off-premise[s] consumption where the sale of products other than beer and wine comprise at least 51 percent of the gross sales of the establishment, and at least 51 percent of the total display or shelf space is devoted to products other than beer and wine. These establishments include grocery stores, meat markets, butchers, retail bakeries, or candy shops.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Food Truck A large wheeled vehicle from which food is sold, that typically contains cooking facilities where the food is prepared.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Fourplex A Structure that consists of four Dwelling Units, typically two on the ground floor and two above. The Structure has a single entrance from the Street that serves all four Dwelling Units and leads to a shared corridor within the Structure from which the Dwelling Units are accessed. The Dwelling Units are not entered into directly from the Street.

Effective on: 12/6/2022, as amended

Freeboard A factor of safety usually expressed in feet above a mandatory Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for purposes of floodplain management, as determined by the Charleston County Building Inspections Services Department. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Freight Forwarding Facility A Building or area in which freight brought by truck, air, or ship is assembled and/or stored for routing or reshipment and often stored in containers on site. This facility does not include permanent or long-term accessory storage of goods, but may include storage areas for trucks and repair of trucks associated with the facility. This definition includes truck terminals, marine terminals, and packing and crating facilities.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Front Yard The actual area that exists between a Building and the front property line of the Lot on which the Building is located, extending along the full length of the front property line between the side property lines.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Fuel Dealer An establishment that distributes fuel oil for compensation.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Fuel Storage Facility A facility where tanks are located above the ground to store fuel oil, prior to collection or removal to another facility or site. This excludes the storage of nuclear fuels.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Funeral Service An establishment engaged in undertaking services such as preparing the human or Animal dead for burial and arranging and managing funerals. This includes crematories and mortuaries that are not operated in conjunction with, or within the boundaries of a Cemetery, as well as Funeral Homes.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Garage (Private) An Accessory Structure or space on a Lot with a Dwelling Unit devoted to or designed for the storage of automobiles and small (one-half-ton capacity or less) trucks and not used for business purposes or occupancy.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Garage Apartment A single Dwelling Unit located over a private detached Garage and containing square footage no greater than that of the Garage.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

General Contractor An establishment that has the ability to furnish a variety of Building materials and provide multiple construction services at a specified price. This includes paving contractors.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Golf Course A tract of land laid out for at least nine holes for playing the game of golf and improved with tees, greens, fairways, and hazards and that may include a clubhouse and shelter.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Golf Driving Range An area where golf players drive golf balls from a common driving tee. Such uses may include a concessions stand, netting, exterior lighting fixtures, putting greens, as well as maintenance and outdoor storage areas. Such uses do not include Golf Courses.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Government Office Federal, state, county, or city Offices, administrative, clerical or public contact services, together with incidental storage and maintenance of necessary vehicles.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Grade For the purpose of determining Building Height:

1. For Buildings adjoining one Street only, it is the elevation of the sidewalk directly opposite the center of that Wall which adjoins the Street; in such case where the average elevation of the finished ground surface adjacent to the exterior walls of the Building is lower than the elevation of the sidewalk Grade, or where there is no sidewalk Grade, or where there are no sidewalks, the Grade shall be the average elevation of the ground on the lowest side adjacent to the exterior Walls of the Building.
2. For Buildings adjoining more than one Street, it is the elevation of the sidewalk directly opposite the center of the Wall adjoining the Street having the lowest sidewalk elevation.
3. For Buildings having no wall adjoining the Street, it is the average level of the finished ground surface adjacent to the exterior Walls of the Building.
4. All Walls which are approximately parallel to and not more than 25 feet from a Front Lot Line shall be considered as adjoining the Street. In Alleys, the surface of the paving shall be considered to be the sidewalk elevation. Where the elevation of the sidewalk or Alley paving has not been established, the Public Works Director shall determine such elevation for the purpose of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Grain Terminals or Elevators An agrarian facility designed to stockpile or store grain. This may or may not include a  tower containing an elevator or conveyor, which scoops up grain from a lower level and deposits it in a silo or other storage facility.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Grand Tree Any Tree with a diameter breast height of 24 inches or greater, with the exception of Pine Tree and Sweet Gum Tree (Liquidamber styraciflua) species.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Grooming Salon An establishment primarily engaged in the grooming of Household Pets.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Ground Cover Low-growing Plant material less than 18 inches in height.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Group Home A facility that provides care for seven to twelve children in the home of the child care provider. The facility may care for up to eight children without an additional caregiver as defined by the Department of Social Services (DSS). In the case of conflict between this definition and the definition utilized by DSS, the definition utilized by SCDHEC shall control.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Group Residential Occupancy of a residential facility or Dwelling Unit by more than six Persons unrelated by blood or marriage, including but not limited to, fraternity or sorority houses, dormitories, or residence halls, excluding rooming or boarding houses.

Effective on: 10/27/2017, as amended

Gross Receipts The amount that is or would be reported as Gross Receipts on a business's state income tax return, or on the federal income tax return filed with the state income tax return if the state return does not separately state Gross Receipts for the most recently completed tax year. Taxes collected under this section are not subject to the tax imposed by this section and are not included in Gross Receipts.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Grubbing Removal of vegetative matter from underground, including, but not limited to, stumps, roots, buried logs, and other debris, and other earth disturbing activities.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Habitable A Dwelling Unit that is fit for residential occupancy.

Effective on: 10/27/2017, as amended

Hair, Nail or Skin Care Service An establishment providing personal care services related to hair, nail, skin, or beauty to individuals. This includes barber shops, hair salons, or beauty salons.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Half-Story The space under a gabled or hipped roof, where the Wall plates, or knee Walls, on at least two opposite exterior Walls are not more than two feet above the finished floor of such story. The aggregate width of dormers on a Half-Story shall not exceed 50 percent of the width of the exterior Wall below the dormer(s).

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Hardship A restriction on property so unreasonable that it results in an arbitrary and capricious interference with basic property rights. Hardship relates to the physical characteristics of the property, not the personal circumstances of the owner or user, and the property is rendered unusable without granting a Variance, exception, or modification.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Health Care Laboratory A facility primarily involved in the testing, diagnosis, or observation of medical or dental samples collected at heath care facilities. The samples are generally sent to the laboratory from off-premises facilities.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Heating Oil Dealer An establishment that distributes heating oil for compensation.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Heavy Commercial Trailer A trailer vehicle used for any commercial purpose and having more than four tires and which is greater than 15 feet in overall length. Examples of heavy trailers include, but shall not be limited to “container chassis”, “dump bodies”, “reefers”, and other trailers commonly utilized within the commercial shipping industry.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Heavy Commercial Vehicle A Class 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 Vehicle as defined by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). For the purposes of this Ordinance, this definition does not include 6-wheel pickup trucks, motor homes, campers, or Recreational Vehicles.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Heavy Construction Services Services involved in road, Bridge, Building, or other Infrastructure construction.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Heavy Duty Truck or Commercial Vehicle Rental or Leasing An establishment that rents or lease Heavy Duty Trucks or commercial vehicles to an entity for a period of time, but does not transfer ownership of the trucks or vehicles to the entity renting or leasing.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Heavy Duty Truck or Commercial Vehicle Dealer An establishment that sells Heavy Duty Trucks or commercial vehicles, including incidental storage, maintenance, and servicing.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Height (of Signs) The vertical distance measured from ground level at the base of the Sign Structure to the highest point of Sign Structure.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Helipad Any landing area for helicopters on public or private lands, which in addition, includes all necessary facilities for the picking up and discharging of passengers or freight.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Hemp Crop Production and/or Processing The raising and harvesting of hemp crops on an agricultural or commercial basis and/or the preliminary processing of hemp crops into packaged products. Hemp Crop Production and Processing shall include those Accessory Uses and activities customarily associated with this type of agricultural operation, as determined by the Zoning and Planning Director.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Higher Education Facility An educational institution that offers courses of general or specialized study leading to a Degree, Diploma, Certificate, or similar qualification. This definition includes a Business or Trade School, Colleges, and Universities.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Highland The dry land area of a Lot. This excludes any Freshwater Wetlands or OCRM Critical Line areas that are present on the Lot.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Historic Building A “Building”, such as a house, Barn, church, Hotel, or similar construction, that is created principally to shelter any form of human activity. "Building" may also be used to refer to a historically and functionally related unit, such as a courthouse and jail or a house and Barn. Buildings must include all of their basic structural elements; parts of Buildings, such as interiors, Facades, or wings, are not eligible independent of the rest of the existing Building. Examples may include, but are not limited to: administration Building; carriage house; church; city or town hall; courthouse; detached kitchen, Barn, and privy; dormitory; fort; Garage; Hotel; house; library; mill Building; Office Building; post Office; school; shed; social hall; stable; store; theater; or train station.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Historic District A Historic District possesses a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites, Buildings, Structures, or objects united historically or aesthetically by plan or physical Development. It means a geographically definable area, urban or rural, which contains sites, Buildings, Structures, objects, works of art, or a combination thereof which:

• Have a special character or special historical or ethnic heritage or aesthetic interest or value;
• Represent one or more periods or styles of architecture typical of one or more eras in the history of Charleston County or the state or region; and
• Cause such area, by reason of these factors, to constitute a visibly perceptible section of Charleston County, which may either be locally-designated or NRHP-listed.

A Historic District derives its importance from being a unified entity, even though it is often composed of a wide variety of resources. The identity of a district results from the interrelationship of its resources, which can convey a visual sense of the overall historic environment or be an arrangement of historically or functionally related properties. For example, a district can reflect one principal activity, such as a mill or a ranch, or it can encompass several interrelated activities, such as an area that includes industrial, residential, or commercial Buildings, sites, Structures, or objects. A Historic District can also be a grouping of Archeological Sites related primarily by their common components; these types of districts often will not visually represent a specific historic environment.

A Historic District can comprise both features that lack individual distinction and individually distinctive features that serve as focal points. It may even be considered eligible if all of the components lack individual distinction, provided that the grouping achieves significance as a whole within its historic context. In either case, the majority of the components that add to the district's historic character, even if they are individually undistinguished, must possess integrity, as must the district as a whole.

A Historic District can contain Buildings, Structures, sites, objects, or Open Spaces that do not contribute to the significance of the Historic District. The number of noncontributing properties a Historic District can contain yet still convey its sense of time and place and historical Development depends on how these properties affect the Historic District’s integrity. In archeological districts, the primary factor to be considered is the effect of any disturbances on the information potential of the district as a whole.

Effective on: 10/27/2017, as amended

Historic Object The term “Historic Object” is used to distinguish from Buildings and Structures those constructions that are primarily artistic in nature or are relatively small in scale and simply constructed. Although it may be, by nature or design, movable, an object is associated with a specific setting or environment. Small objects not designed for a specific location are normally not included in this definition. Such works include a transportable sculpture, furniture, and other decorative arts that, unlike a fixed outdoor sculpture, do not possess association with a specific place. Objects should be in a setting appropriate to their significant historic use, roles, or character. Objects relocated to a Museum are inappropriate for designation. Examples may include, but are not limited to: boundary marker; monument; milepost fountain; sculpture; or statuary.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Historic Property A Historic Site, Historic Building, Historic Structure, or Historic Object that is fixed in location, which reflects historic, cultural or architectural significance.

Effective on: 10/27/2017, as amended

Historic Site The location of a significant event, a prehistoric or historic occupation or activity, or a Building or Structure, whether standing, ruined, or vanished, where the location itself possesses historic, cultural, or archeological value regardless of the value of any existing Structure. A site need not be marked by physical remains if it is the location of a prehistoric or historic event or pattern of events and if no Buildings, Structures, or objects marked it at the time of the events. However, when the location of a prehistoric or historic event cannot be conclusively determined because no other cultural materials were present or survive, documentation must be carefully evaluated to determine whether the traditionally recognized or identified site is accurate. A site may be a natural landmark strongly associated with significant prehistoric or historic events or patterns of events, if the significance of the natural feature is well-documented through scholarly research. Generally, though, the definition of "site" excludes natural waterways or bodies of water that served as determinants in the location of communities or were significant in the locality's subsequent economic Development. While they may have been "avenues of exploration," the features most appropriate to document this significance are the properties built in association with the waterways. Examples may include, but are not limited to: battlefield; campsite; Cemeteries significant for information potential or historic association; ceremonial site; designed landscape; habitation site; natural feature (such as a rock formation) having cultural significance; petroglyph; rock carving; rock shelter; ruins of a Building or Structure; shipwreck; trail; or a village site.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Historic Structure The term “Historic Structure” is used to distinguish from Buildings those functional constructions made usually for purposes other than creating human shelter. Structures must include all of the extant basic structural elements; parts of Structures cannot be considered eligible if the whole Structure remains. For example, a truss Bridge is composed of the metal or wooden truss, the abutments, and supporting piers, all of which, if extant, must be included when considering the property for eligibility. If a Structure has lost its historic configuration or pattern of organization through deterioration or Demolition, it is considered a "ruin" and is categorized as a site. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Home Occupation A business, profession, occupation, or trade which is conducted within a Dwelling Unit or its Accessory Structure for the economic gain or support of a resident of the Dwelling, and is incidental and secondary to the Residential Use of the Lot, and which does not adversely and/or perceptively affect the character of the Lot or surrounding area.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Home Health Agency A public, nonprofit, or proprietary organization licensed by the South Carolina Department of Public  (DPH) which furnishes or offers to furnish home health services. These services include part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care, as ordered by a physician and provided by or under the supervision of a registered nurse, and at least one other therapeutic service. The majority of home health services are furnished on a visiting basis in a place of temporary or permanent residence used as the individual's home. (See S.C. DPH Regulation 61-77, Standards for Licensing Home Health Agencies)

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Home Improvement Center A facility with over 5,000 square feet of Floor Area engaged in the retail sale of various basic hardware lines, such as tools, builders' hardware, paint and glass, housewares and household appliances, and garden supplies.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Homeowners' (or Property Owners') Association A formally constituted non-profit association or corporation made up of the Property Owners and/or residents of a fixed area. The Homeowners' or Property Owners' Association may take responsibility for costs and upkeep of Common Open Space or facilities, or enforce certain covenants and restrictions.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Horticultural, Greenhouse, Nursery, Crop, and Floriculture Production Establishments primarily engaged in growing soil or water-based crops of any kind and/or growing nursery stock and flowers, Shrubs, or Trees intended for ornamental or landscaping purposes for wholesale or retail sale in order to be transplanted to a different location. Retail sales shall not comprise more than 25 percent of gross sales. This definition excludes private gardens where flowers, fruit, vegetables, etc. are grown for use/consumption by the residents onsite.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Hospice Facility An institution, place, or Building in which a licensed Hospice provides room, board, and Inpatient Services on a 24 hour basis to individuals requiring Hospice care pursuant to the orders of a physician.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Hospital A licensed facility primarily providing in-patient medical, surgical, or psychiatric care. Hospital facilities may also include out-patient services and the following types of accessory activities: out-patient diagnostic and treatment centers, Rehabilitation Facilities, Offices, laboratories, teaching facilities, meeting areas, cafeterias, maintenance, and parking facilities. This definition includes General Hospitals, Specialized Hospitals, Chronic Hospitals, Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals, or Hospices.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Hotel or Motel A Building or portion thereof, or a group of Buildings, which provides sleeping accommodations, with or without meal service, for transients on a daily or weekly basis. Except where explicitly distinguished, Hotel and Motel are to be considered synonymous uses. This definition does not include Short-Term Rental Properties.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Impervious Surface Any monolithic surface made of non-porous material that prevents water from infiltrating through. Examples are a concrete or asphalt slab, driveway, patio, rooftop, and including elevated Decks constructed not to allow water to pass through to the underlying soil.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Impervious Surface Coverage A surface which has been compacted or covered with a layer of material so that it is highly resistant to infiltration by water. The term includes most conventionally surfaced Streets, roofs, sidewalks, Parking Lots, and other similar Structures. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Impound Yard A facility that provides temporary outdoor storage for:

• Mechanically operable/drivable, licensed vehicles that are to be claimed by titleholders or their agents; and/or
• Wrecked Motor Vehicles awaiting insurance adjustments and transport to repair shops.

This term excludes: Scrap and Salvage Yards; Junk Yard; Towing Facilities; Vehicle and Storage; and accessory storage of Inoperable Vehicles.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Indigenous Produce Fresh fruit, vegetables, and agronomic crops (crops such as field corn, soybean, wheat, and oats) grown in, or which are characteristic of Charleston County. This term specifically excludes livestock, Animals, or seafood.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Industrial Park  Land that has been subdivided and developed according to a comprehensive plan for Industrial Uses as defined in Table 6.1-1, Use Table, of this Ordinance.

(Ord. No. 2375, 01/27/2026)

Effective on: 1/27/2026, as amended

Inoperable Vehicle Any motor-driven vehicle, regardless of size, which is incapable of being self-propelled upon the public Streets of the County or which does not meet the requirements for operation upon the public Streets, including a current Motor Vehicle registration.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities As defined by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH), a facility that serves four or more Persons with an intellectual disability or Persons with related conditions and provides health or rehabilitative services on a regular basis to individuals whose mental and physical conditions require services including room, board, and active treatment for their intellectual disability or related conditions. For purposes of this regulation, the definitions of “Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities” and “Habilitation Center for Persons with Intellectual Disability or Persons with Related Conditions” are the same and both terms are utilized interchangeably. In the case of conflict between this definition and the definition utilized by SCDPH, the definition utilized by SCDPH shall control.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Inverted Island  Shallow landscaped area that utilizes engineered soils and vegetation to capture and mitigate storm water runoff with the ability to drain dry within 72 hours. 
(Ord. No. 2375, 01/27/2026)

Effective on: 1/27/2026, as amended

Job Training or Placement Services An Office or site used for education, preparation, or placement of individuals for a job in a specific field or skill. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Jurisdictional Wetland An area that is inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. A Jurisdictional Wetland can only be determined as being such by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Kennel A facility that provides boarding for three or more dogs, cats, or other Household Pets for a fee, and may include grooming, breeding, training, or selling of Animals. This definition also includes pet shelters who provide boarding and care for injured or abandoned dogs, cats, or other Household Pets.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Landfill A disposal facility or part of a facility where solid waste is placed in or on land.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Landscaping and Horticultural Services The base of operations for services that provide care to Trees, Plants, or lawns. This may include the storage of vehicles, equipment or materials associated with the service. Services include, but are not limited to, landscaping, Tree trimming, and Tree removal.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Laundry, Dry Cleaning, or Carpet Cleaning Plants A facility used for the cleaning of fabrics, textiles, wearing apparel, or articles of any sort by immersion and agitation, or by immersions only, in water or volatile solvents.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Letter of Coordination Formal correspondence from an agency, organization, or individual which expresses acknowledgement and/or consent of an application, project, or proposal.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Library A public or nonprofit facility in which books, periodicals, audio or video recordings, film, and comparable materials are kept for use or loaning to patrons of the facility. Such use may also offer use of computers and the incidental or periodic sale of surplus books. This definition also includes an Archives facility.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Limited Home Rental (LHR) A property with an owner-occupied residential dwelling, located in the RM, AG-15, AG-10, AG-8, AGR, RR, S-3, R-4, UR, or MHS Zoning Districts, where lodging is offered, advertised, or provided to Short-Term Rental Tenants (excluding Family members) for a fee or any form of compensation, not to exceed 72 days in the aggregate during any calendar year, with individual rental terms not exceeding 29 consecutive days.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Bottled Gas) Dealers An establishment that distributes bottled gases such as propone or liquid petroleum for compensation.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Liquor, Beer, or Wine Sales An establishment primarily engaged in the retail sale of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption. This definition includes all retail stores where the sales of alcoholic beverages comprise 49 percent or more of gross sales.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Lot A designated Parcel, tract, or area of land established by Plat, Subdivision, or as otherwise permitted by law, to be separately owned, used, developed, or built upon and is recorded with the Register of Deeds of Charleston County.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Lot Area The total area included within the boundaries of a Lot, measured in a horizontal plane, excluding Freshwater Wetlands and OCRM Critical Line Area.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Lot, Corner Either a Zoning Lot bounded entirely by streets or a Zoning Lot which adjoins the point of intersections or meeting of two or more Streets and in which the interior angle formed by the Street Lines is 135 degrees or less. If the Street Lines are curved, the angle shall be measured at the point of intersection of the extensions of the Street Lines in the directions which they take at the intersection of the Street Line with the Side Lot Line and with the Rear Lot Line of the Lot. If the Street Line is curved at its point of intersection with the Side Lot Line or Rear Lot Line, the tangent to the curve at that point shall be considered the direction of the Street Line.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Lot, Double-Frontage An Interior Lot that abuts on two parallel Streets or that abuts on two Streets that do not intersect at the boundaries of the Lot. Lots with access on a Street and Alley shall not be considered Double-Frontage Lots.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Lot, Flag A Lot that has less than the minimum required Frontage, but no less than 20 feet of Frontage, on a public or private Street, has access to a public or private Street by a narrow strip of land, and the largest portion of the Lot is situated behind adjoining Lots which front on a public or private Street.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Lot Frontage The distance for which a Zoning Lot abuts on a Street.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Lot, Interior A Lot with only one Front Lot Line.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Lot Line A line of record bounding a Lot which divides one Lot from another Lot or from a public or private Street or any other public space.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Lot Line, Front The Lot Line separating a Lot from the Street that is used as the primary access point to the Lot.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Lot Line, Interior The Lot Line other than a Front Lot Line.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Lot Line, Rear The Lot Line opposite and most distant from the Front Lot Line.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Lot Line, Side Any Lot Line other than a Front or Rear Lot Line.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Lot, Through See "Lot, Double-Frontage" for definition.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Lot Width

1. Width of an Interior lot: the length of the Front Lot Line or its chord.
2. Width of a Corner or Double-Frontage Lot:
   1. If there are two Front Lot Lines, the shorter of such lines or its chord;
   2. If there are more than two Front Lot Lines, the average length of the two shortest of such lines or their chords.
3. Width of Lots served by a Cul-de-Sac: width shall be measured at the Building line. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Lots of Record, Approved A platted Parcel or Parcels of land created and recorded with the Register of Deeds of Charleston County since January 1, 1955, in conformance with the Subdivision regulations and bearing the Planning Commission or County Council stamp of approval, or identical Parcels created and recorded by Plat or meets and bounds prior to January 1, 1955.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Lot, Zoning Any Lot that falls within the jurisdiction of Charleston County's Zoning and Land Development Regulations.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Low Intensity Lighting Required lighting associated with electronic Readerboards. Lighting shall automatically provide day and night dimming to reduce the illumination intensity of the Sign from one hour after sunset to one hour prior to sunrise and provide adjustments in the light levels to a maximum of 0.3 foot candles over ambient light levels as measured head on (at a 90 degree angle) 150 feet away from the Sign.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Lowest Floor Means the lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement). Unfinished or flood resistant enclosure, usable solely for the parking of Vehicles, Building access, or storage in an area other than a basement area is not considered a Building's Lowest Floor; provided such enclosure is not built so as to render the Structure in violation of this Ordinance. 

(Ord. No. 2372, 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025, as amended

Lumber Mill, Planing or Saw Mill An establishment primarily engaged in one or more of the following: (1) sawing dimension lumber, boards, beams, timber, poles, ties, shingles, shakes, siding, and wood chips from logs or bolts; (2) sawing round wood poles, pilings, and posts and treating them with preservatives; (3) treating wood sawed, planed, or shaped in other establishments with creosote or other preservatives to prevent decay and to protect against fire and insects; and (4) chipping or mulching of wood.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Mail Order House An establishment that conducts its business by receiving orders and shipping its merchandise through the mail and that supplies its customers with catalogs, circulars, etc.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Main Utility Lines Those facilities including piping, conduits, outlets, and other appurtenances necessary for the proper functioning of essential services to a Development including water, electricity, gas, sanitary Sewer, storm Sewer, cable, communications, etc.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Maintenance Guarantee Any security which may be required and accepted by the County to ensure that necessary improvements are maintained and will function as required for a specific period of time.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Major Recreational Equipment Any boat, boat trailer, camper or other Recreational Vehicle.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Manufactured Home Dealer A business engaged in the sales or rental of Manufactured Housing Units.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Manufactured Housing Park A Zoning Lot on which two or more Manufactured Housing Units are parked or on which spaces for the parking and occupancy of Manufactured Housing Units are rented. The term does not include Manufactured Housing Unit Subdivisions or premises where unoccupied Manufactured Housing Units, whether new or used, are parked for the purpose of inspection, sale, storage, or repair; or Recreational Vehicle Parks.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Manufactured Housing Unit Any Dwelling Unit constructed to standards and codes set forth by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, including the Federal Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. Article 5401). The term does not include Recreational Vehicles, travel trailers, or motorized homes licensed for travel on highways, nor Manufactured Housing Units designed and built to meet applicable requirements of the South Carolina Modular Buildings Construction Act.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Manufacturing and Production An establishment engaged in the manufacturing, processing, fabrication, packaging, or assembly of goods such as: alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and related products (excluding microbreweries and brewpubs); cement or concrete products including concrete batching or asphalt mixing; fabric or apparel including textile mills; food or related products; leather products including tanneries; manufactured home or other prefabricated structures; metal petroleum, coal and other mineral products including refineries, Motor Vehicles or trailers including related parts; paint, varnish or related supplies; plastics or rubber products; Signs; tobacco products; and watercraft and related parts.  Natural, man-made, raw, secondary, or partially completed materials may be used. Products may be finished or semi-finished and are generally made for the wholesale market, for transfer to other Plants, or to order for firms or consumers. Goods are generally not displayed or sold on site, but if so, this is a subordinate part of sales. This definition does not include other Manufacturing and Productions definitions that a separately defined in this Chapter.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Mariculture A specialized branch of Aquaculture involving the cultivation of marine organisms for food and other products in the open ocean, an enclosed section of the ocean, or a river. Mariculture does not include cultivation in tanks, ponds or raceways filled with seawater, such as the farming of marine fish, including finfish and shellfish like prawns, or oysters and seaweed in saltwater ponds.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Marina A Marina is any of the following: (a) lock harbor facility; (b) any facility which provides fueling, pump-out, maintenance or repair services; or (c) any facility which has permanent docking space for 11 or more watercraft slips (d) any water area with a Structure which is used for docking or otherwise mooring vessels and constructed to provide temporary or permanent docking space for more than ten boats; (e) a dry stack facility. All Marinas shall be considered a Water-Dependent Use in accordance with Article 5.3 of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Market-Rate Dwelling Unit A Dwelling Unit priced according to prevailing market trends and sold with no restrictions on the sale price, rent rate, or on the buyer's income.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Maximum Extent Feasible The point at which all possible measures have been undertaken by the Applicant, at which point further measures would involve physical or economic Hardships that would render a Development project unfeasible or would be unreasonable in the judgment of a review or Decision-Making Body.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Maximum Lot Coverage The percentage or portion of a Lot that can be covered with Impervious Surfaces including, but not limited to, Principal Buildings, Accessory Structures, parking, driveways, and walkways.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Mean Sea Level Elevation 0.0 as determined by NGVD29 datum.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Medical Office or Outpatient Clinic An Office or clinic for the private practice of health care professionals licensed by the State of South Carolina, or a publicly owned facility or not-for-profit organization providing health services for ambulatory patients. The majority of patient encounters in the Office or clinic involve examination, diagnosis, treatment, or surgical procedures on an outpatient basis not extending beyond a 24 hour period. These centers can include related facilities such as laboratories, clinics, and Administrative Offices typically operated in connection with such care centers. This definition excludes any facilities that have been more specifically defined in this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Medical Services Any services provided by a licensed medical practitioner.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Microbrewery A facility for the production and packaging of beer as allowed by SC Code Title 61, Chapter 4, as amended, with a capacity of not more than 5,000 barrels per year.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Mitigation Bank A site, or suite of sites, where aquatic resources (e.g., wetlands, streams, riparian areas) are restored, established, enhanced, and/or preserved for the purpose of providing compensatory mitigation for impacts authorized by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permits. This definition is limited to those sites which are governed by a mitigation banking instrument approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Mixed Use/Occupancy Occupancy of a Building or land for more than one use.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Mixed-Use Structure A Structure containing both residential and nonresidential uses.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Model Home A Dwelling Unit that is temporarily used as a model to display the layout and finishes of other Dwelling Units that are or will be available for sale within a Subdivision or condominium Development.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Modular Building Unit A Building including the necessary electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating, and other service systems, manufactured off-site and transported to the point of use for installation or erection, with or without other specified components, as a finished Building and not designed for ready removal to another site. A Modular Building Unit must meet the applicable requirements of the South Carolina Modular Buildings Construction Act. This term is not to be limited to residential Dwelling Units.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Motor Vehicle Every vehicle that is self-propelled that can be licensed and registered to be driven on public Streets, roads or Rights-of-Ways, except mopeds, and every vehicle that is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Mulching Operation An operation that produces mulch. Mulch consists of organic substances placed on the earth as a protective covering around Plants to retard weed growth and prevent moisture evaporation and freezing of roots.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Museum A Structure or Building that displays, preserves, and/or exhibits objects of community and cultural interest in one or more of the arts and sciences, intended to be used by members of the public for viewing, with or without an admission charge.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Natural Grade  The Grade unaffected by construction techniques such as fill, landscaping, or berming.

(Ord. No. 2372, 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025, as amended

Nature Exhibition A public display of materials or living things of the outdoors, including the re-creation of natural wildlife habitats native to the Charleston area. This term does not include facilities, such as Zoos, where the primary purpose is the display of live Animals.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Non-Commercial Copy Material written for informational purposes only. This material is non-promotional and does not advertise a business or service.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Nonconforming Lot A tract of land, designated on a duly recorded Subdivision Plat, or by duly recorded deed, or by other lawful means, that complied with the Lot Area, Lot Width, and Lot depth standards of the Zoning District in which it was located at the time of its creation, but which does not comply with the minimum Lot Area, Lot Width, or Lot depth requirements of the Zoning District in which it is now located.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Nonconforming Sign A Sign that was legally established but which no longer complies with the Sign Regulations of Article 9.6 of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Nonconforming Structure A Building or Structure that was legally established but which no longer complies with the Density/Intensity and Dimensional Standards of the base Zoning District.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Nonconforming Use A use that was legally established but which is no longer allowed by the use regulations of the Zoning District in which it is located.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Nonstore Retailer The selling of goods and services outside the confines of a retail facility. This can include a Direct Selling Establishment, electronic shopping, and/or a Mail Order House.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Office Unless the context clearly suggests a more specific meaning, the term Office shall mean any of the following: Government Office, Administrative or Professional Office.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) Critical Line Area This line is defined by South Carolina Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management at the date of application and determines their jurisdiction.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Open Space Land and water areas retained for use as active or Passive Recreation Areas or for resource protection, which are intended to remain generally in their natural state.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Open (Or Field) Storage The location of bulk items, assemblies or sub-assemblies in areas exposed to weather, in whole or in part, for the end use of further manufacturing process, sale or transportation. This shall include, but not be limited to, open display of transportation vehicles, marine craft, aircraft, Manufactured Housing Units, modules, Recreation Vehicles, Junk Yards, or "piggy-back" containers. It does not include uses that are totally enclosed.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

On-Site Sales Office A Dwelling Unit within a Subdivision; a Dwelling Unit within a condominium; or a modular unit that is temporarily used as a sales Office for a Subdivision or condominium.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Outdoor Living Space Uncovered, horizontal Open Space on a Zoning Lot, which:

1. Does not include loading or parking areas, driveways, or refuse storage area and is so arranged as to prevent entry by Motor Vehicles;
2. Is paved, landscaped, or otherwise improved to make it suitable for passive or active outdoor recreational use and in the case of roofs and balconies is so arranged as to be safe for use by children;
3. Is readily accessible to the residents of the Building for which it is required; and
4. May include land, balcony, and roof areas.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Outdoor Shooting Range The use of land for archery and/or the discharging of firearms for the purposes of target practice, skeet and trap shooting, mock war games, or temporary competitions such as turkey shoots.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Outpatient Facility for Chemically Dependent or Addicted Persons As defined by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH), a facility providing specialized non-residential services for chemically dependent or addicted persons and their Families. The outpatient services are based on an individual treatment plan in a non-residential setting including diagnosis, treatment, individual and group counseling, Family therapy, vocational and educational development counseling and referral services. In the case of conflict between this definition and the definition utilized by SCDPH, the definition utilized by SCDPH shall control.  

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Owner-Occupied Short-Term Rental Property A property with a Dwelling where lodging is offered, advertised, or provided to Short-Term Rental Tenants (excluding Family members) for individual rental terms not exceeding 29 consecutive days for a fee or any form of compensation, and which is occupied by the record owner of the Subject Property who has designated the Subject Property as his/her legal residence subject to the legal assessment ratio according to the records of the County Assessor’s Office and who:

1. Has designated the Subject Property as his/her legal voting address; or
2. Has designated the Subject Property as the address on his/her driver’s license or other government issued identification.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Paper Mills Factories or plant locations where various pulps in slurry form are mechanically treated, mixed with the proper dyes, additives, and chemicals, and converted into a sheet of paper by the processes of drainage, formation, and drying on a paper machine.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Parcel A designated Parcel, tract, or area of land established by Plat, Subdivision, or as otherwise permitted by law, to be separately owned, used, developed, or built upon and is recorded with the Register of Deeds Office of Charleston County.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Parking Lot An open area providing off-street parking for the Motor Vehicles of residents, tourists, customers, or employees on a temporary, daily, or overnight basis.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Parking Garage A Building where residents, tourists, customers, or employees park their Motor Vehicles on a temporary or daily basis with a service charge or fee being paid to the owner or operator.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Parking, Off-Site The minimum number of Required Parking spaces for the existing or proposed use(s) not on the Parcel for which the use(s) is located.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Parking, On-Site The minimum number of Required Parking for the existing or proposed use(s) on the Parcel for which the use(s) is located.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Parking, Required The minimum number of parking spaces for a specific use(s) as defined in this Ordinance. Required Parking spaces cannot be located within public Right-of-Ways.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Parking, Shared Off-street parking facilities shared by two or more uses that are in close proximity to one another and the parking area, and that have different operational characteristics such that use of the parking facilities by one use will not generally overlap with the use of the parking area by the other use(s).

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Parks and Recreation Parks, playgrounds, Swimming Pools, recreation facilities, and Open Spaces available to the general public, either without a fee or under the management or control of a public agency.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Parole Office or Probation Office An Office for those who supervise parolees or Persons placed on probation by a court in criminal proceedings.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Parties in Interest Any individual, associations, corporations or others who have expressed an interest in writing in an application pending before the Zoning and Planning Department and that has been received by the Zoning and Planning Director.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Passive Recreation Area Areas in and located due to the presence of a particular natural or environmental setting and that may include conservation lands providing for both active and passive types of resource-based outdoor recreation activities that are less formalized or program-oriented than activity-based recreation. Resource-based outdoor recreation means and refers to activities requiring a natural condition such as boating, fishing, camping, nature trails and nature study. Farms are considered as passive Open Space if they are protected from Development by a Conservation Easement.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Paved Streets Those in which the traveled Roadway is constructed of a layer or layers of materials with the surface usually being constructed of Portland cement concrete or asphaltic concrete.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Paved Surface Any area which has been surfaced with bituminous asphalt, concrete, compacted aggregate Base Course, or other alternative paving material of sufficient thickness to accommodate the proposed use.

Effective on: 10/3/2017, as amended

Permanent Storage Unit Any Manufactured Housing Unit, Modular Building Unit, or Pre-Manufactured Container Unit exceeding 120 square feet in size that is used solely for non-residential purposes.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Pavement The uppermost layer of material, usually the wearing or riding surface. This term is used interchangeably with "surface course" or "surfacing" and will usually imply Portland cement concrete or asphalt concrete.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Pawn Shop A use engaged in the loaning of money on the security of property pledged in the keeping of the pawnbroker, and the incidental sale of such property.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Person Individual, proprietorship, partnership, corporation, association, or other legal entity.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Personal Improvement Education An establishment primarily engaged in the provision of information or instruction relating to a particular subject or hobby, including but not limited to, fine arts schools and automobile driving schools. This term excludes any educational services more specifically defined in this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Personal Improvement Service An establishment primarily engaged in the provision of informational, instructional, personal improvements or similar services. This includes but is not limited to, dance studios, photography studios. This excludes any services that have been more specifically defined in this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Pervious Surface Coverage A surface type including, but not limited to, grass, permeable asphalt, and permeable concrete, that allows water to penetrate through the surface and drain to the ground below at a rate greater than 0.3 in/hr, as approved by the Charleston County Public Works Department. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Pet, Household Domestic Animals typically kept for company or enjoyment within the home. Household Pets shall include, but not be limited to: domestic cats; domestic dogs; domestic ferrets; gerbils; guinea pigs; hamsters; domestic laboratory mice; domestic rabbits; goldfish, canaries, and parrots.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Pet Store An establishment primarily engaged in the retail sale of Household Pets.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Petroleum Wholesalers An establishment primarily engaged in selling and/or distributing petroleum to retailers, users, firms, or other wholesalers, as well as activities involving the movement and storage of products and equipment. This use often includes display areas, and sales to the public are limited. Products may be picked up on-site or delivered to the customer.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Pharmaceutical, Fertilizer and Pesticide Wholesaler.  An establishment primarily engaged in selling and/or distributing of pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and/or pesticides or pharmaceutical, fertilizer, or pesticide supplies to retailers, users, firms, or other wholesalers, as well as activities involving the movement and storage of products and equipment. This use often includes display areas, and sales to the public are limited. Products may be picked up on-site or delivered to the customer.

Effective on: 12/6/2022, as amended

Photo Finishing Laboratory  An establishment primarily engaged in developing film and/or making photographic slides, prints, and enlargements. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Plants The term Plants is meant to include seed, seedlings, nursery stock, roots, tubers, bulbs, cuttings, and other Plant parts used in the propagation of field crops, vegetables, fruits, flowers, or other Plants.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Plat A diagram drawn to engineer's scale showing all essential data pertaining to the boundaries and Subdivision of a tract of land as determined by a professional land surveyor.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Plat, Approved and Recorded A diagram drawn to engineer’s scale showing all essential data pertaining to the boundaries and Subdivision of a tract of land as determined by a professional land surveyor, illustrating the boundaries that correspond with the current recorded deed, is approved by the Zoning and Planning Department and recorded in the Register of Deeds (ROD) Office.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Pole Cover An enclosure for concealing and/or for decorating poles or other structural supports of a Pole-Mounted Sign.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Postal Service, United States Postal services, including post Offices, bulk mail processing, or sorting centers operated by the United States Postal Service.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Pre-Manufactured Container Unit A standardized, reusable vessel that is or appears to by (1) originally, specifically or formerly designed for or used in the packing, shipping, movement or transportation of freight, articles, goods or commodities, or (2) designed or capable of being mounted or moved on a rail car, or (3) designed for or capable of being mounted on a chassis or bogie for movement by truck trailer or loaded on a ship.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Pre-School or Educational Nursery A school, with an accredited training program and staffed with certified teachers, for children who are not old enough to attend kindergarten.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Preserved To remain relatively unchanged. In relation to Open Space, preserved shall mean land placed in a Conservation Easement with a permanent deed restriction that prohibits further Development.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Principal Use The primary or predominant use to which a property is or may be devoted and to which all other uses on the premises are accessory.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Printing Press Production or Lithography An establishment where printed material is produced, reproduced and/or copied by either a printing press, photographic reproduction techniques, lithography, or other similar techniques.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Private Air Strip  A single private runway or private helicopter landing area not open to the public, without normal air base or airport facilities. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Private Postal or Mailing Service The provision of one or more postal services, such as sorting, routing, and delivery on a contract basis. This does not include the United States Postal Service.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Professional or Commercial Equipment or Supplies Manufacturing and Production An establishment engaged in the manufacturing, processing, fabrication, packaging, or assembly of professional or commercial equipment or supplies. This includes, but is not limited to, Office, Medical, Restaurant Equipment, or Specialty Item Manufacturers. Natural, man-made, raw, secondary, or partially completed materials may be used. Products may be finished or semi-finished and are generally made for the wholesale market, for transfer to other plants, or to order for firms or consumers. Goods are generally not displayed or sold on site, but if so, this is a subordinate part of sales. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Professional Office A use providing professional or consulting services in the fields of law, architecture, design, engineering, accounting, and similar professions. This term does not include "Medical Office or Clinic" or "Parole or Probation Office."

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Property Owners' Association See "Homeowners' Association" for definition.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Property Owner The holder of the title in fee simple and every mortgagee of record.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Prosthetic Manufacturing (limited) A business which performs technical procedures related to the design, fabrication and fitting of custom-made artificial limbs or denture/orthodontic devices, and does not use hazardous materials in the manufacturing process. The majority of processes undertaken in this setting involve device design and manufacturing as prescribed by a health care professional licensed by the State of South Carolina, with no patient interaction.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Protected Tree Any Tree on a Parcel with a Diameter Breast Height of eight inches or greater prior to Development, and all Trees within required buffers or required landscape areas or any Tree within a Scenic Road Right-of-Way with a Diameter Breast Height of six inches or greater prior to Development. 

Effective on: 12/21/2023, as amended

Publicly Designated Area An area set aside for public use, by any federal, state, or local government.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Public Project Any project by or for a public agency using real property, as owner or tenant that falls within the jurisdiction of Charleston County. These public agencies include:

1. Agencies and departments of the State of South Carolina,
2. Counties, county agencies and departments, and
3. Municipalities, municipal agencies, and departments.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Public Works Director The Director of the Department of Public Works of the County of Charleston or an authorized representative.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Publishing Industry The production or distribution of information through the publishing of newspapers, periodicals, books, databases or software publishers.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Pulp Mills Facilities that process pulpwood, wood chips, or other such cellulosic material into pulp by using mechanical, cooking, screening and bleaching methods.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Rack A storage slip for a boat in a dry stack storage facility.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Railroad Facility Railroad yards, equipment servicing facilities, and terminal facilities.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Readerboard A Sign that is capable of displaying words, symbols, figures, or images that can be manually or electronically changed by remote or automatic means.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Rear Yard The actual area that exists between a Building and the rear property line of the Lot on which the Building is located, extending along the full length of the rear property line between the side property lines.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Recreation and Entertainment, Indoor Participatory and spectator-oriented recreation and entertainment uses conducted within an enclosed Building, excluding any Sexually Oriented Businesses. This includes, but is not limited to, Billiard Parlors; Bowling Centers; Ice or Roller Skating Rinks; Indoor Shooting Ranges; Theaters; or Video Arcades.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Recreation and Entertainment, Outdoor Participatory and spectator-oriented recreation and entertainment uses conducted in open, partially enclosed, or screened facilities, excluding any Sexually Oriented Businesses. This includes, but is not limited to, Amusement Parks; Fairgrounds; Race or Go-Cart Tracks; and Sports Arenas.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Recreational Vehicle A highway vehicular, portable Structure designed as a temporary dwelling for travel, recreational, and vacation uses. The term includes camping trailer, motor home, travel trailer, and truck campers; the term does not include Manufactured Housing Units.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

RV (Recreational Vehicle) Park Any Lot of land upon which two or more Recreational Vehicle sites, or Campground sites, are located, established, or maintained for occupancy as temporary living quarters for purposes of recreation or vacation. This term does not include any premises on which unoccupied Recreational Vehicles, whether new or used, are parked for the purposes of inspection, sale, storage, or repair.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Recreation Watercraft Rental See "Charter Boat Rental" for definition.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Recycling Center An establishment engaged in the processing, collection and transfer of recyclable materials. Typical recyclable materials include: glass, paper, plastic, cans, motor oil, or other source-separated, non-decayable materials.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Recycling Collection (Drop-Off) A facility used for the collection and transfer, but not the actual processing, of any of the following recyclable materials: glass, paper, plastic, cans, or other source-separated, non-decayable materials. "Recyclable materials" at a Recycling Collection Facility shall not include motor oil, chemicals, household appliances, tires, automobiles, automobile parts, or decayable materials.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Rehabilitation Facility A facility operated for the primary purpose of assisting in the rehabilitation of disabled individuals through an integrated program of medical, psychological, social, or vocational evaluation and services under competent professional supervision.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Religious Assembly A church, synagogue, temple, monastery, convent, retreat center or any permanent or temporary Building providing regular, organized religious worship of any denomination and religious education incidental thereto, but excluding private daycare, primary or secondary educational facilities. A property tax exemption obtained pursuant to state law shall constitute prima facie evidence of Religious Assembly use.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Relocated Tree A Protected Tree that has been relocated in accordance with the requirements of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Remodel The internal or external alteration or change, in whole or in part, of a Structure or thing that changes its characteristic appearance or the fundamental purpose of its existing design or arrangement and the uses contemplated. Not included in this meaning are the terms "Enlargement" and "extension".

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Rendering Plants Any premises where raw rendering materials are converted into fats, oils, feeds, fertilizer, and other products.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Rental Day Each calendar day or part thereof a residential Dwelling Unit or part thereof is rented by Short-Term Rental Tenants, excluding Family members.

Effective on: 10/27/2017, as amended

Rental Party Short-Term Rental Tenants who occupy any portion of a residential Dwelling Unit for a fee or any form of compensation, excluding Family members.

Effective on: 10/27/2017, as amended

Rental Transaction The act of a Short-Term Rental Tenant (excluding Family members) and Property Owners agreeing to rent a residential Dwelling Unit or part thereof, as provided in this Ordinance.

Effective on: 10/27/2017, as amended

Repair, Minor A repair affecting 25 percent or less of the gross Floor Area of a Structure.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Repair Service, Commercial An establishment engaged in the repair or servicing of electric motors, heavy duty trucks or machinery, industrial machinery, business machinery, consumer machinery, equipment, tools, or professional instruments, ​​​​or tire retreading or recapping, or welding,  or similar products or by-products.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Repair Service, Consumer An establishment primarily engaged in the provision of repair services to individuals and Households rather than firms. This includes, but is not limited to appliance, shoe, watch, furniture, jewelry or musical instrument repair. This excludes vehicle and Commercial Repair Services.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Required Tree Term used to refer, either collectively or separately, to all Trees required to be retained or replaced by Article 9.4 of this Ordinance including: all Grand Trees, all Protected Trees and all Trees required by Article 9.5 of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Research and Development Laboratory Indoor facilities for scientific research, and the design, development, and testing of electrical, electronic, magnetic, optical, and mechanical components in advance of product manufacturing, that are not associated with a manufacturing facility on the same site.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Residential Building or Use A Residential Building is a Building containing only Residential Uses and uses accessory thereto.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Residential Character The physical traits or characteristics of a residential Dwelling Unit which identify it as providing living accommodations as opposed to being a place of business. 

Effective on: 10/27/2017, as amended

Residential Treatment Facility for Children and Adolescents As defined by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH), a facility operated for the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and care of two or more children and/or adolescents in need of mental health treatment which provides: (1) An education program, including a program for students with disabilities, that meets all applicable federal and state requirements, as defined by the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE). The education program may be provided at the facility, if appropriate space is available to provide a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, or an alternate location; (2) Recreational facilities with an organized youth development program; and (3) Residential treatment for a child or adolescent in need of mental health treatment. In the case of conflict between this definition and the definition utilized by SCDPH, the definition utilized by SCDPH shall control.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Resource Extraction/Mining

1. The breaking of the surface soil to facilitate or accomplish the extraction or removal of ores or mineral solids for sale or processing or consumption in the regular operation of a business;
2. Removal of overburden lying above natural deposits of ore or mineral solids and removal of the mineral deposits exposed, or by removal of ores or mineral solids from deposits lying exposed in their natural state.
3. Removal of overburden and the Mining of limited amounts of ores or mineral solids are not considered Mining when done only for the purpose of determining location, quantity, or quality of a natural deposit, if no ores or mineral solids removed during exploratory excavation or Mining are sold, processed for sale, or consumed in the regular operation of a business and if the affected land does not exceed two acres in area. Mining does not include plants engaged in processing minerals except as the plants are an integral on-site part of the removal of ores or mineral solids from natural deposits. Mining does not include excavation or grading when conducted solely in aid of on-site farming or of on-site construction. Mining does not include dredging operations where the operations are engaged in the harvesting of oysters, clams, or the removal of shells from coastal bottoms.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Responsible Entity Defined as either (1) the unit of local government responsible under South Carolina law for the maintenance of the Roadway; or 2) in the case of private Roadways (non-publicly maintained), the owner of the property on which the Roadway is located, or if existing, a Homeowners Association previously created to maintain the Roadway.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Restaurant, Fast Food An establishment that offers quick food service, which is accomplished through a limited menu of items already prepared and held for service, or prepared, fried or griddled quickly, or heated in a device such as a microwave oven. A Fast-Food Restaurant generally has one or more of the following characteristics:

1. It serves ready-to-eat foods, frozen desserts, or beverages in edible or paper, plastic or disposable containers;
2. It serves foods that customers carry to the restaurant's seating facilities, to Motor Vehicles, or off-premises; or
3. It serves foods through a pass-through window, (which includes any and all drive-in restaurants) Alcoholic beverages shall not comprise more than 25 percent of Gross Receipts.

This includes, but is not limited to, snack or nonalcoholic beverage bars.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Restaurant, General An establishment engaged in the preparation and retail sale of food and beverages for on-premises consumption, where the sales of alcoholic beverages does not comprise more than 25 percent of Gross Receipts.  This definition includes, but is not limited to, Cafeterias, Diners, Delicatessens, or Full-Service Restaurants. This definition does not include Fast Food Restaurants.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Retail Sales and Service, General An establishment primarily engaged in the sale of new or used products to the general public. This includes art, hobby, musical instrument, toy, sporting goods, clothing, piece goods, shoes, jewelry, luggage, leather goods, drug stores, pharmacies, electronics, appliance, florist, furniture, cabinet, home furnishings, tobacconist, Building materials or garden equipment and supplies, hardware, garden and outdoor supplies, power equipment,  paint, varnish or wallpaper stores, and ice vending machines.  This excludes  those establishments more specifically defined in this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Review Body The entity that is authorized to recommend approval or denial of an application or permit required under this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Right-of-Way Land that has been, or is being, dedicated for the construction and maintenance of a Street. "Right-of-Way" may also be used to identify an area dedicated for use as part of a drainage system or Utility corridor.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Road, Major Major roads include Interstates, Arterial Roads, and Collector Roads, all as defined in this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Roadside Stand or Sweetgrass Basket Stand An open air stand that sells handmade baskets from locally grown sweetgrass or produce grown onsite. This definition does not include Farmers Markets.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Roadway The entire area between the outside limits of construction, including appertaining Structures, all slopes, ramps intersections, drive, and side ditches, channels waterways, etc., necessary for proper drainage. This term shall in general be considered synonymous with "Street" or "Road".

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Rock Road Those in which the traveled Roadway is constructed of compacted rock material creating a rock driving surface.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Rural Area The area designated as the "Rural Area" in the Comprehensive Plan.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Scenic Road A road or highway designated scenic by Charleston County or by the State of South Carolina.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

School, Primary A public, private or parochial school offering instruction at the elementary school level in the branches of learning and study required to be taught in the public schools of South Carolina.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

School, Secondary A public, private or parochial school offering instruction at the middle (junior) and senior high school levels in the branches of learning and study required to be taught in the public schools of South Carolina.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Scrap and Salvage Service An establishment primarily engaged in the storage, retail or wholesale sale, assembling, dismantling, sorting, distributing, or other processing of scrap, used equipment, mechanical components, or waste materials. This includes, but is not limited to: Automotive Wrecking Yards, Junk Yards, Parts Salvage, Paper Salvage Yards, Wholesale Scrap or Waste Materials Establishments, and Materials Recovery Facilities. This term excludes Impound Yards and Towing Facilities.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Screening (Elements) Various combinations of Walls, Fences, earthen Berms, Trees, shrubbery, and landscape materials which comprise a Screening plan approved by the Zoning and Planning Director to fulfill the requirements and serve the purposes of Article 9.5 of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Screening, Opaque A combination of Screening Elements, approved by the Zoning and Planning Director, designed to substantially or completely obscure horizontal views between abutting or adjacent properties. When Plant materials are used for screening, the Screening shall be opaque at the time of Plant maturity.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Screening, Semi-Opaque A combination of Screening Elements in compliance with the requirements of Article 9.5 of this Ordinance designed to partially obscure horizontal views between abutting or adjacent properties.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Seafood Related Retail Sales An establishment engaged in the retail sale of seafood and seafood related products to the general public.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Self-Service Storage Storage services primarily for personal effects and household goods within enclosed storage areas having individual access, but excluding use as workshops, hobby shops, manufacturing, or commercial activity.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Septic Tank Installation, Cleaning or Related Services A service or facility involved in the installation, cleaning, or maintenance of septic tanks or systems.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Service Connection/Utility Service Lateral The portion of pipe which runs from the customer’s property line to the main Sewer line, and which receives sewage from the “customer’s service line”.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Service Station, Gasoline Any premises used primarily for the retail sale of fuel for automobiles, light and medium trucks, motorcycles, Recreational Vehicles, and other consumer Motor Vehicles. A Gasoline Service Stations may include light maintenance such as engine tune-ups, lubrication, minor repairs, and carburetor cleaning, but shall not include heavy vehicle maintenance activities such as engine overhauls, automobile painting, and body fender work. This term may also include the sale of Motor Vehicle accessories, or used tires taken in trade on the premises, but does not include vehicle, moving truck, or trailer sales or rental. A Gasoline Service Station may or may not include a Convenience Store.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Services to Buildings or Dwellings The base of operations for services that provide maintenance to Buildings or Dwellings. This may include the storage of vehicles or materials associated with the service. Services include, but are not limited to, carpet or upholstery cleaning, extermination, or janitorial services.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Setback A required minimum distance from a Lot Line or Street Right-of-Way, ingress/egress Easement, or OCRM Critical Line that establishes an area within which a Structure shall not be erected.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Setback, Front The Setback measured from a Street Right-of-Way or ingress/egress Easement that is used to access a Lot.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Setback, Interior The Setback measured from any Interior Lot Line

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Setback, OCRM Critical Line The Setback measured from the Critical Line, as determined by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management at the time of application.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Setback, Rear The Setback measured from the Rear Lot Line, or if the Rear Lot Line is not located on high ground, the OCRM Critical Line Setback shall apply (See “Setback, OCRM Critical Line” definition)

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Setback, Side Any Setback other than a Rear or Front Setback.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Settlement Areas The areas designated as "Settlement Areas" by the adopted Charleston County Comprehensive Plan.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sewage Collection Service Line A non-lateral line connecting Development to a Sewage Collector or Trunk Line.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sewage Collector or Trunk Line A public or private Sewer to which Building Sewers are connected and which conducts sewerage to an interceptor.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sewage Collection or Disposal Facility  Any arrangement of devices and Structures used for collecting and disposing of sewage waste.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sewer or Sewer Main A primary pipe or conduit for carrying sewage, which excludes Building Sewers, Building drains, Utility Service Laterals, and customer service links; may be a gravity or pressurized force main, owned, operated, and maintained by the provider.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sexually Oriented Businesses Definitions provided in Section 6.4.18.C of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Short-Term Lender A Deferred Presentment Lender or a Title Loan Lender.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Short-Term Rental Property (STRP) A Dwelling or any part thereof that is offered, advertised, or provided to Short-Term Rental Tenants (excluding Family members) for individual rental terms not exceeding 29 consecutive days for a fee or any form of compensation. Compensation may include, but is not limited to, an exchange or interaction between people conducting business, such as a rental contract, or agreement, cash or credit transaction, and/or bartering (exchanging goods or services for other goods or services without using money). The number of Rental Days applies per Lot and not per Dwelling.

Effective on: 10/27/2017, as amended

Short-Term Rental Tenant (STRT) Any Person (excluding Family members) who rents a Dwelling or part thereof, for individual rental terms not exceeding 29 consecutive days for a fee or any form of compensation.

Effective on: 10/27/2017, as amended

Shrub A self-supporting perennial Plant of low stature characterized by multiple stems and branches running continuous from the base.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Side Yard The actual area that exists between a Building and the side property line of the Lot on which the Building is located, extending along a side property line from the point of the minimum Front Setback to the point of the minimum Rear Setback.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sightseeing Transportation, Land or Water Base of operations for a business or guide providing motorized transportation for recreation and entertainment purposes, where transportation equipment may also be stored. The activity is local in nature and usually involves a same-day return to the point of departure. Services offered generally include, bus tours, helicopter rides, boat and dinner cruises and locomotive excursions.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign Any device or visual communication that is used to announce, direct attention, inform, or advertise to the public.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Abandoned A Sign advertising a Person, business, service, event or other activity that is no longer available, or a Sign containing inaccurate or outdated information.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Animated Any Sign so designed as to facilitate or permit the rotation, oscillation, or other movement of the Sign or of any of its visible parts.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Area of The entire area within a continuous perimeter, enclosing the extreme limits of Sign display, including any frame or border. Curved, spherical, or any other shaped Sign face shall be computed on the basis of actual surface area. The Area of Signs composed of individual letters, numerals, or other devices shall be the sum of the area of the smallest rectangle or other geometric figure encompassing each of said letters or devices. Area devoted to required house numbers shall not be included in the calculation of maximum Sign Area. The calculation for a double-faced Sign shall be the area of one face only. Double-faced Signs shall be constructed so that both faces are either parallel or have an interior angle of less than 90 degrees, and the two faces shall not be more than 12 inches apart. When calculating the Sign Area of a “Monument Sign”,  or “Pedestal Sign”, or “Pole-Mounted Sign”, the internal structural framework supporting the Sign or other solid structural features (not containing Copy or any graphic, word, symbol, insignia, text sample, model, device, or combination thereof which is primarily intended to advertise, identify or notify, exclusive of a frame or border) shall not be used in the calculation of the maximum area of the Sign.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Bona Fide Agricultural Use A Sign specifically used for the advertisement of products from Bona Fide Agricultural Uses, related activities, and Farm identification that meets the requirements of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Campaign A Sign that identifies or urges support for a specific political issue scheduled for inclusion on an upcoming election ballot, or a Sign that identifies or urges support for a political party or candidate for national, state, or local public Office.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Directional Signs designed to provide direction and wayfinding to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Electronic Copy Readerboard An electronic portion of a Free-Standing Sign tha channels light through tubes to create patterns that can produce changing display.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Flashing or Moving  Any illuminated Sign on which artificial light is not constant in intensity and color at times, and which may include any revolving, rotating, moving or Animated Signs with moving lights, or Signs which create the illusion of movement. For purposes of this Ordinance, strobe lights in window fronts visible from public Rights-of-Way are included in this definition. On/off time and temperature Signs and Readerboards are not considered Flashing Signs for the purpose of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Flutter Flag   A portable, lightweight, freestanding Flag used to advertise a business, product or location.

(Ord. No. 2375, 01/27/2026)

Effective on: 1/27/2026, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Gas-Filled Any inflated device intended to advertise or draw attention to a business or event. This definition includes balloons and inflatable figures.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Height of The vertical distance measured from the natural Grade elevation at the base of the Sign Structure to the highest point of the Sign Structure.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Illuminated A Sign designed to give forth artificial light or to reflect artificial light from a source incorporated in or associated with such Sign.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign Imitating Traffic Devices (Signals) Signs of such size, location, movement, content, and coloring, or of a manner of illumination that could be confused with or construed to be traffic control devices; or hide from view any traffic or Street signal; or obstruct the view in any direction from a Street intersection.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign Imitating Traffic Signs Signs that imitate official traffic Signs or signals or Signs that contain the words 'stop', 'go', 'danger', 'slow', 'caution', 'warning', or similar words in such a fashion as to imitate official traffic Signs or signals.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign in Disrepair Any Sign that contains damaged or defective parts, or otherwise presents an unsightly appearance due to lack of maintenance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign in Marshes Signs erected or displayed in a marsh area or on land subject to periodic inundation by tidal action.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Monument A Free-Standing Sign with a Sign support Structure that: (1) is designed as one architecturally unified and proportional element with the Sign itself, (2) is at least 90 percent of the width of the Sign face and (3) is solid from Grade at the base of the Sign to the top of the Sign Structure.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Neon or Tube A Sign that uses a cold-cathode gas-discharge tube that may be straight or formed. This is generally referred to as neon, though the gas contained inside may be a mixture of two or more inert gases, such as argon, helium, krypton, or xenon.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Off-Premises Bona Fide Agricultural Use Off-Premises Signs advertising products from Bona Fide Agricultural Uses, related activities and Farm identification.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Off-Premises Any Sign located or proposed to be located at any place other than within the same platted Parcel of land on which the specific business or activity being identified on such Sign is itself located or conducted.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, On-Premises A Sign which directs attention to a business or profession conducted, or to a principal commodity, service or entertainment sold or offered on the premises where such Sign is located.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Pedestal A Free-Standing Sign with a Sign support structure that: (1) is designed as one architecturally unified and proportional element with the Sign itself, (2) is at least 50 percent of the width of the Sign face and (3) is solid from Grade at the base of the Sign to the top of the Sign Structure.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Pole-Mounted A Freestanding Sign with visible support Structure.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Political A Sign containing language that expresses a point of view on a political issue or identifies a specific political party, political organization, or political official unrelated to an upcoming election.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Portable  Any Sign designed to be moved easily and not permanently affixed to the ground or to a Structure or Building.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Project Construction Signs announcing new Buildings or projects, erected after the commencement of construction.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Real Estate Temporary Sign advertising the real property upon which the Sign is located for rent or lease or sale; advertising a business or businesses to be located on the premises; or advertising the architect, contractor, Developer, finance organization, subcontractor or material vendor upon which property such individual is furnishing labor, services or material.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Roof Any Sign erected upon, against, or directly above a roof or roof eave, or on or above any architectural appendage above the roof or roof eave.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Sandwich Board/Sidewalk Sign A Sign not secured or attached to the ground or surface upon which it is located, but supported by its own frame and most often forming the cross-sectional shape of the letter “A” when viewed from the side.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Shared Freestanding A Freestanding Sign shared by one or more businesses or residential Developments on separate Parcels that also share a common property boundary or are located within an approved multi parcel Development. One shared Sign is allowed per jointly used shared Curb Cut/entry drive with an allowable maximum of two shared Signs per multi tenant Development.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Snipe Any unpermitted Sign painted on or affixed to Trees or other natural features, Utility poles, benches, or other Street furniture, including, but not limited to, waste receptacles, bike racks, drinking fountains, and public telephones, or Freestanding Signs affixed to the ground.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Special Sales Event A Temporary Sign advertising a Special Sales Event on a Parcel with a legally established business. A Temporary Special Sales Event Sign may be obtained for a maximum of five Special Sales Events per calendar year with each event not to exceed ten consecutive days.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Temporary Signs that are not permanently attached to a Building, other Structures or the ground and do not meet structural standards recognized and enforced by the Charleston County Building Inspections Services Department.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Vehicle A permanent or Temporary Sign affixed, painted on, or placed in or upon any parked vehicle, parked trailer or other parked device capable of being towed, which is displayed to attract the attention of the motoring public or pedestrian traffic.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Wall/Facade A Sign painted on or attached to the outside of a Building, and erected parallel to the face of a Building and supported throughout its length by such Building. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Sign, Wind-Blown Any attention-arresting device, with or without message, or a series of devices such as streamers, and/or pennants, with or without message, designed and fastened in such a manner as to move upon being subjected to pressure by the atmosphere. Examples of Wind-Blown Signs include: pennants, ribbons, Banners, streamers, spinners, or other similar moving devices.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Silviculture The cultivation of a forest for the purpose of harvesting timber.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Slaughter House and Meat Packing A facility for the slaughtering and processing of Animals and the refining of their byproducts; and/or a facility where slaughtered Animals (including game) are processed; and/or a facility where meat, poultry, or eggs are cooked, smoked or otherwise processed or packed.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Small Animal Boarding An establishment primarily engaged in the boarding of Household Pets within an enclosed Building.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Social or Civic Organization An establishment providing meeting, recreational, or social facilities for a nonprofit association, primarily for use by members and guests of youth organizations, fraternal organizations, and other similar groups. This use does not include any type of residential facility, such as fraternity or sorority houses.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Social Club or Lodge A Building, Structure, or grounds, or portion thereof, which is owned by or leased to private organizations, Social Clubs, or non-profit associations for meeting, recreational, or social purposes. The use of such premises is restricted to the members of these organizations and their guests.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Solar Collector A complete assembly of components, equipment, controls, interconnecting means, and terminal elements needed to convert solar energy into thermal energy for space heating or cooling, water heating, or processing purposes.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Solar Farm A solar energy system that is designed to create power and provide it to the electrical grid system.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Solid Waste Disposal Facility (Public or Private) All land, Structures, other appurtenances and improvements on the land used for treating, storing, or disposing of solid waste. A Solid Waste Disposal Facility may consist of several treatment, storage, or disposal operational units, including, but not limited to, one or more Landfills, surface impoundments, or combination thereof.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Special Exception An exception issued by the Board of Zoning Appeals authorizing a particular use in a specified location within a Zoning District, upon demonstrating that such use complies with all the conditions and standards specified by the Zoning and Land Development Regulations.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Special Event  Any activity that involves public assembly for which one or more of the following apply: (1) there is an admission fee or leasing fee; (2) there is controlled or ticketed entry; and/or (3) goods and/or services (e.g., food and drink) are available for purchase. Special Events include, but are not limited to, events held on private properties and properties owned by membership based organizations and businesses. This definition does not include private parties or private functions, including neighborhood gatherings, that do not meet the above stated criteria; however, community-wide events organized by non-profit or for-profit businesses or organizations, individuals, or groups are considered Special Events.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Special Trade Contractor An establishment that specializes in a specific aspect of construction. This includes, but is not limited to, Building equipment or other machinery installation contractors, carpentry contractors, concrete contractors, drywall, plastering, acoustical or insulation contractors, electrical contractors, excavation contractors, masonry or stone contractors, painting or wall covering contractors, plumbing, heating or airconditioning contractors, roofing, siding or sheet metal contractors, and tile marble, terrazzo or mosaic contractors.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Stable, Boarding Buildings or land where horses or other members of the horse family are kept for a fee.  Activities and access are limited to owners of horses or other members of the horse family that are boarded onsite and caregivers. 

Effective on: 12/21/2023, as amended

Stable, Commercial Buildings or land consisting of, but not limited to, Animal enclosures, riding arenas, corrals, paddocks, pens, Barns, and/or other Structures used for the boarding, breeding, raising, rehabilitation, riding, training and/or performing of horses or other members of the horse family.  

Effective on: 12/21/2023, as amended

Stable, Private Buildings or land where horse(s) or other members of the horse family are kept for the private use of the owner(s) or resident(s) of the property.  

Effective on: 12/21/2023, as amended

Standard Cubic Foot (Scf) A cubic foot of gas at standard temperature and pressure, which are 68 degrees Fahrenheit and 29.92 inches of mercury.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Stockpiling of Sand, Gravel or other Aggregate Materials A facility used for the storage of sand, gravel, or other aggregate materials, prior to collection or removal to another facility or site.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Stone or Shell Products Manufacturing and Production An establishment engaged in the manufacturing, processing, fabrication, packaging, or assembly of stone or shell products. Natural, man-made, raw, secondary, or partially completed materials may be used. Products may be finished or semi-finished and are generally made for the wholesale market, for transfer to other plants, or to order for firms or consumers. Goods are generally not displayed or sold on site, but if so, this is a subordinate part of sales. Relatively few customers come to the site.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Storage or Manufacturing of Weapons or Ammunition An enclosed facility used for the storage or manufacturing of weapons or ammunition prior to collection or removal to another facility or site.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Story That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the next floor above, or if there be no floor above it, then the space between such and the ceiling next above it. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Street A vehicular way which may also serve in part as a way for pedestrian traffic, whether called a Street, highway, thoroughfare, parkway, throughway, road, avenue, boulevard, land, place, Alley, mall, Easement, or otherwise designated, including the entire area within the Right-of-Way.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Street, Access Sometimes called a place or lane, the Access Street is designed to conduct traffic between Dwelling Units and higher-order Streets. As the lowest-order Street in the hierarchy, the Access Street carries some through traffic and includes short Streets, Cul-de-Sacs, and courts.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Street, Arterial A facility designed mainly for through traffic, but it also normally performs a secondary land service function. Parking and loading may be restricted or prohibited to improve the capacity for moving traffic. It accommodates major movements of traffic not served by expressways and brings traffic to and from expressways.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Street, Collector A Street which collects internal traffic movements within an area of the city, such as among Subdivisions, and connects this area with the Arterial Street system. It does not handle long through trips, but performs the same land service function as a local Street.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Street Line A Lot Line separating a Street from a Lot.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Street, Minor A Street other than an Arterial Street or Collector Street used or designated primarily to provide access to abutting property. The term includes marginal Access Streets which are generally parallel and adjacent to Arterial Streets, serve abutting properties and provide protection from friction with through traffic. The term Minor Street includes loop Streets and Cul-de-Sac Streets.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Stub Street A Street that intersects with another local Street and extends, usually one Lot deep, to the property line of the Development or rear of the block being developed.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Studio Dwelling Unit A Dwelling Unit that has only one combined living and sleeping room; or a living and sleeping room, along with a separate room that contains only kitchen facilities and also a separate room that contains only sanitary facilities.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Structure Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires more or less permanent location on the ground, or which is attached to something having a more or less permanent location on the ground. This term includes all Buildings as defined in this Ordinance unless the Zoning and Planning Director determines otherwise.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Subdivision All divisions of a tract or Parcel of land into two or more Lots, Building sites, or other divisions for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of sale, lease, or Building Development, and includes all division of land involving a new Street or change in existing Streets, and includes re-subdivision which would involve the further division or relocation of Lot Lines of any Lot or Lots within a Subdivision previously made and approved or recorded according to law; or, the alteration of any Streets or the establishment of any new Streets within any Subdivision previously made and approved or recorded according to law, and includes combination of Lots of record.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Subgrade The top surface of a roadbed upon which the Roadway Structure and shoulders are constructed.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Suburban Area The area designated as the "Suburban Area" in the adopted Charleston County Comprehensive Plan.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Subject Property Property, which may or may not include one or more Parcel identification numbers, or the total area impacted by a specific use, e.g., Utility service area, facility, Easement, or Right-of-Way. In the case of a Utility trunk or service line, the “Subject Property,” for the purpose of Posted Notice, shall be the entire distance or length of the trunk or main line Right-of-Way or Easement and shall be treated as one “Subject Property.”

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Support Activities for Agriculture and Forestry Provide support services that are an essential part of agricultural and forestry production. These support activities may be performed by the Agriculture or forestry producing establishment or conducted independently as an alternative source of inputs required for the production process for a given crop, Animal, or forestry industry. Establishments that primarily perform these activities independent of the Agriculture or forestry producing establishment are also included.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Swimming Pool A Structure intended for swimming, recreational bathing or wading that contains water over 24 inches (610 mm) deep. This includes in-ground, above-ground and on-ground pools; hot tubs; spas and fixed-in-place wading pools.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Tattoo or Tattooing To indelibly mark or color the skin by subcutaneous introduction of nontoxic dyes or pigments. The practice of Tattooing does not include the removal of tattoos, nor the practice of branding, cutting, scarification, skin braiding, or the mutilation of any part of the body.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Tattoo Facility Any room, space, location, area, structure, or business, or any part of any of these places where Tattooing is practiced or where the business of Tattooing is conducted and which is licensed by the Department (SC DPH) as a Tattoo Facility.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Taxi or Limousine Service  A facility or base of operations for a business or person that offers ground transportation in passenger automobiles or vans to Persons for a fare, or a fixed rate, or as a public service. The base of operations may include facilities for servicing and fueling the automobiles or vans, and may include accessory Office areas.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Temporary Driveway An access path from a roadway allowed for a period of 6 months from the date of encroachment permit issuance, unless otherwise specified within the encroachment permit approved by the Public Works Department.

(Ord. No. 2362, 10/14/2025)

Effective on: 10/14/2025, as amended

Temporary Portable Storage Unit Any Structure that is used for storage that is portable and does not have a door or other entranceway into a Dwelling Unit and that does not have water fixtures within its confines, the use of which is limited solely to storage of inanimate objects.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Tenant Dwelling A Dwelling Unit located on a bona fide Farm and which is occupied or designed to be occupied by a non-transient Farm worker employed by the owner or operator of the Farm.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Timber, Forestry, and Logging comprises establishments primarily engaged in: (1) growing Trees for reforestation; (2) gathering forest products such as gums, barks, balsam needles, rhizomes, fibers, Spanish moss, ginseng, and truffles; (3) the operation of timber tracts for the purpose of selling standing timber; and/or (4) cutting timber, cutting and transporting timber, and producing wood chips in the field.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Title Loan Lender A lender which regularly extends short-term non-purchase money loans secured by titles to motor vehicles, such as those regulated by S.C. Code Sec. 37-3-413 (Cum. Supp. 2011). The term does not include other federal or state regulated lenders, Banks, credit unions, savings Banks and like depository institutions.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Towing Facility An establishment that provides vehicle towing services and accessory temporary outdoor storage for the vehicles it tows, which shall only include: (1) mechanically operable/drivable, licensed vehicles that are to be claimed by titleholders or their agents; and/or (2) wrecked Motor Vehicles awaiting insurance adjustments and transport to repair shops. This term excludes: automotive services that have a tow truck on-site; Scrap and Salvage Services; Junk Yards; Impound Yards; Vehicle Storage; and accessory storage of Inoperable Vehicles.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Trade School See "Business School" for definition.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Traditional Neighborhood Design Development designs intended to enhance the appearance and functionality of the new Development so that it functions like a traditional neighborhood or town. These designs make possible reasonably high residential Densities, a mixture of residential and commercial land uses, a range of single and multi-family housing types, and Street connectivity both within the new Development and to surrounding Roadways, pedestrian, and bicycle features.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Transitional Housing A facility providing supervision or detention, or both, for residents making the transition from institutional to community living. This classification includes pre-parole detention facilities and halfway houses for juvenile delinquents and adult offenders. This classification also includes overnight shelters for the homeless.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Tree Any self-supporting woody plant having a single trunk or trunks of two inches DBH or greater and usually having branches.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Tree Preservation Plan A Tree Preservation Plan is a process by which trees are protected from construction damage with the use of various arboricultural services/practices including, but not limited to, canopy and root pruning, soil amendments, fertilization, root growth enhancements, and pesticides. In most cases, a Tree Protection Plan contains a set schedule which details when a service is to be administered and for which trees.

(Ord. No. 2362, 10/14/2025)

Effective on: 10/14/2025, as amended

Tree Protection Fencing A Fence or Wall at least four feet in height that ensures the protection of protected and Grand Trees during Development.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Triplex A Structure that consists of three Dwelling Units, typically two side-by-side on the same floor and the third on a separate floor with a shared entry.

Effective on: 12/6/2022, as amended

Truck Stop Any Building, premises, or land in which or upon which a business, service, or industry involving the maintenance, servicing, storage, or repair of commercial vehicles is conducted or rendered, including the dispensing of motor fuels or other petroleum products directly into Motor Vehicles and the sale of accessories or equipment for trucks and similar commercial vehicles. Any overnight accommodations and restaurant facilities primarily for the use of truck crews shall be considered as separate Principal Uses, and shall follow the use requirements for that particular use as provided for in this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Understory Tree A Tree, ten to twelve feet tall at the time of planting, which will grow to a minimum height of 20 feet at maturity.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Urban Transit System  A system that may include components of rail and bus, for the movement of Persons throughout an area. This also includes any Structure or use for the purpose of loading, unloading, or transferring passengers or accommodating the movement of passengers from one mode of transportation to another.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Use Allowed by Right A Principal Use allowed without the requirement of a Special Exception.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Utility A provider of electricity, gas, water, sewage service, telephone, cable, or other similar service for principal Development, and the provider of the service is publicly regulated.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Utility Pumping Station A facility or device located below or above Grade and used to supply gas, Sewer, water, electricity, communications, or television signal service.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Utility Service Lateral/Service Connection The portion of pipe which runs from the customer’s property line to the main Sewer line, and which receives sewage from the “customer’s service line”.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Utility Service, Major Facilities and Structures that are necessary for the generation, transmission, and/or distribution of utilities to support principal Development, such as Electric or Gas Power Generation Facilities, Electrical or  Telephone Switching Facilities, Utility Substations, Utility Pumping Stations, Sewage Collection or Disposal Facilities, Water or Sewage Treatment Plants, Water Storage Tanks, Sewage Collector or Trunk Lines, Water Mains, Wind Farms, and similar facilities. This definition does not include Solar Farms as defined in this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Utility Service, Minor Structures, such as lines, pipes, and poles, that are necessary to distribute Utilities and provide service. This includes, but is not limited to, Electric or Gas Power Distribution Lines; Sewage Collection Service Lines; and Water Service Lines.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Utility Substation A set of equipment that reduces utilities such as gas, water, electricity, communications, or television signal service to that level suitable for supply to consumers.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Variance A relaxation by the Board of Zoning Appeals of the dimensional regulations of the Ordinance where such action will not be contrary to the public interest and where, owing to conditions peculiar to the property and not the results of actions or the situation of the Applicant, a literal enforcement of this code would result in unnecessary and undue hardship; and such Variance is consistent with Sec. 6.29.800 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina, Title 6, Chapter 29.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Vehicle Parts, Accessories, or Tire Stores An establishment primarily engaged in the sale of new or used vehicle parts, vehicle accessories, or tires to the public.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Vehicle Rental or Leasing The rental or leasing of bicycles, automobiles, light or medium trucks, motorcycles, Recreational Vehicles, or utility trailers, including incidental storage, maintenance, and servicing. This use does not include boats or other watercraft.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Vehicle and Boat Repair or Service An establishment that provides service to automobiles, light and medium trucks, motorcycles, Recreational Vehicles, or boats that are less than 25 feet in length. These can include muffler shops, auto repair garages, tire or brake shops, body or fender shops, automotive oil change or lubrication shops, car washes, and boat repair services. The customer may or may not wait at the site while the service or repair is being performed. This term excludes any dismantling or Scrap and Salvage Service, Impound Yards and Towing  Facilities, or Boat Yards.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Vehicle Sales The sale of new or used automobiles, light or medium trucks, motorcycles, Recreational Vehicles, golf carts, or boats, including incidental storage, maintenance, and servicing.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Vehicle Storage An establishment offering long or short term storage of operating vehicles or vehicles contracted for repair.  This includes boat or RV storage. This term excludes Impound Yards, Towing Facilities, and any dismantling, Scrap and Salvage Service, or Junk Yards.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Veterinary Service An establishment offering Veterinary Services and hospitals for animals.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Vibration The periodic displacement or oscillation of the earth.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Vision Clearance Triangle A triangular area of unobstructed visibility extending from the intersection of a driveway and Roadway between three and 10 feet in height above Grade. The minimum area is formed by the connection of a perpendicular line measuring 15 feet from the point of intersection at the edge of the travelway into the driveway and a 15 foot parallel line away from the point of intersection along the Roadway.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Visitors Bureau An establishment or Building where an organization responsible for promoting a community as a travel destination is located.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Wall (or Fence) A structural device erected to serve as an architectural element, landscape element, visual screen or physical barrier.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Warehouse and Distribution Facility An establishment engaged in the storage or movement of goods, such as manufactured products, supplies, equipment or food, or parcels/mail. This term excludes bulk storage of materials that are inflammable or explosive or that create hazardous or commonly recognized offensive conditions. Goods are generally delivered to other firms or the final consumer, except for some will-call pickups. There is little on-site sales activity with the customer present. This definition includes Cold Storage Plants where activity includes the freezing and/or storing of frozen food products, warehouses or facilities used by moving or relocation companies for the storage of household goods in transit, and vending machine operators.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Waste-Related Use Uses that collect or receive solid or liquid waste for disposal, treatment, transfer to another location or production of energy from the waste. This includes, but is not limited to, Hazardous Waste Treatment or Disposal, Nonhazardous Waste Treatment or Disposal, Solid Waste Combustors or Incinerators, including Cogeneration Plants, Waste Collection Services and Waste Transfer Facilities. This term does not include uses otherwise defined as Utilities or otherwise defined in this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Water Mains A pipe or conduit for conveying water.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Water Service Line A non-lateral line connecting development to a Water Main.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Water or Sewage Treatment Facility A facility, or group of facilities, used for the treatment of industrial or domestic wastewater for sewer systems, or treatment of sewage, and for the reduction and handling of solids and gases removed from such wastes; and facilities used for the storage and distribution of potable and gray water to customers.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Water Storage Tank A container for storage of water for agricultural, residential, commercial, or industrial uses.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Water Transportation The process of transporting Persons via watercraft, such as a barge or boat, over a body of water, such as a sea, ocean, lake, canal or river. This includes private or public ferry services, and water taxi services. This also includes any Structure or use for the purpose of loading, unloading, or transferring passengers or accommodating the movement of passengers from one mode of transportation to another. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Wetlands, Freshwater Those areas of land that are inundated or saturated by fresh water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions and delineated as Freshwater Wetlands by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or by an environmental consultant utilizing the 1987 Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and the appropriate Regional Supplement(s) for Wetland Delineation as reviewed and approved by the Charleston County Public Works Department (Stormwater Division).

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Wholesale Sales An establishment engaged in the wholesale sale of products primarily intended for industrial, institutional, or commercial businesses. The uses emphasize on-site sales or order taking, and often include display areas. Businesses may or may not be open to the general public, but sales to the general public are limited. Products may be picked up on-site or delivered to the customer. This definition includes the Wholesale Sales of the following: Aircraft and Related Parts; alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverage and related products; books, periodicals or newspapers; chemicals (except pharmaceutical products, fertilizers or pesticides); computers or electronic products; electrical equipment, appliances or components; fabric or apparel; Farm supplies or equipment; food or related products; furniture, cabinets or related products; glass or related products; leather products; machinery, tools or construction equipment; manufactured home or other prefabricated structures; metal or mineral products (except petroleum); Motor Vehicles or trailers and related parts; paint, varnish or related supplies; paper or paper products; pharmaceutical products; plastics or rubber products; professional or commercial equipment supplies; Signs; tobacco or related products; toys or artwork; watercraft and related parts; and wood. This definition does not include other Wholesales Sales that are separately defined in this Chapter.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Winery An agricultural processing facility used for the commercial purpose of processing grapes, other fruit products or vegetables to produce wine or wine related spirits, excluding beer and liquor. Processing includes Wholesale Sales, crushing, fermenting, blending, aging, storage, bottling, Administrative Office functions for the Winery and warehousing.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Wine-Tasting Room An area that is devoted to the sampling and sales thereof of wine produced on or off the premises. Sale of food is prohibited; however, incidental provision of food without compensation is allowed.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Workforce Dwelling Unit (WDU) Housing affordable to low and moderate income Families (those earning up to 120% of the Charleston-North Charleston Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) median Family income, as defined in the schedule published annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Written Interpretation Any review or evaluation by the Zoning and Planning Director, in written form, concerning the Charleston County Zoning and Land Development Regulations, Comprehensive Plan, or any other relevant documents.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Written Notice Notice may be sent via U.S. mail or email.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Zoning and Planning Director Shall mean the Director of the Zoning and Planning Department of Charleston County or the authorized designee or representative of the Director.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Zoning District A specifically delineated geographic area or zone in Charleston County within which uniform Development regulations and requirements govern the use, Density, and the placement, spacing, or size of Buildings.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Zoning Permit A permit issued by the Charleston County Zoning and Planning Department that acknowledges that the intended land use, Structure, Building, or construction complies with the provisions of the Zoning and Land Development Regulations or authorized Variance therefrom. A Zoning Permit shall be required prior to the activities described in Article 3.8.1 of the Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Zoo A facility generally open to the public for a fee, where live Animals are kept for display.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended