Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

[Commentary—Planning Staff recommends that Property Owner(s) with existing split Zoning Districts apply for a Zoning Map Amendment (Rezoning) in order to eliminate split Zoning Districts if the Comprehensive Plan supports the proposed future land use or file a Comprehensive Plan Amendment.]

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

In the Rural Area, as defined in the Charleston County Comprehensive Plan, Density is calculated from the acreage of the parent tract as it existed on or prior to April 21, 1999.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

1. A.
   Exceptions to Setbacks. Every part of a required Setback must be open and unobstructed from the ground to the sky except as set out in this Section.

   1. 1.
      Trees, shrubbery, or other landscape features may be located within any required Setback; however, they shall be selected for site specific conditions. Plant material to be located adjacent to public Drainage Easements and Right-of-Ways shall be selected and placed not to impede future access. Additionally, vegetation planted within Utility Easements shall be selected and sited to minimize pruning for future maintenance and clearance of such utilities. The Zoning and Planning Director may require modifications (substitutions and relocation) of plant material on proposed landscape plans when necessary to assure access and ease of maintenance to any Easements and Right-of-Ways and to preserve the public health, safety, and welfare.
   2. 2.
      In all Zoning Districts, fences, hedges and walls may be located within any required setback, provided that no fence, wall or hedge shall obstruct the view of vehicular access to any Roadway between three and 10 feet in height above grade. For the safety of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, in residential Zoning Districts, an unobstructed vision clearance triangle shall be maintained along intersections of residential driveways with adjacent Roadways. The vision clearance triangle shall be 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 (see Figure 4.1, Residential vision clearance triangle). Residential driveways along Roadways with a classification of collector or higher may be subject to a greater distance of measurement.
   3. 3.
      In all Zoning Districts, elements that are not designed or intended to have a permanent location on the ground as determined by the Zoning and Planning Director including, but not limited to, vehicles, boats, RV’s, lawn and garden furniture and equipment, and similar items.

Figure 4.2.3 – Residential Vision Clearance Triangle
Note: Not to Scale

1.   
   4. 4.
      Driveways may be located in front and Street Side Setbacks.
   5. 5.
      Sidewalks may be located within any required Setback.
   6. 6.
      Utility lines, wires and associated structures, such as power poles, may be located within any required Setback.
   7. 7.
      Uncovered porches, uncovered steps to Building entrances, uncovered patio decks and uncovered balconies may extend up to five feet into any required Front, Rear or Street Side Setback.
   8. 8.
      Openwork fire balconies and fire escapes may extend up to five feet into any required Side Setback.
   9. 9.
      Sills, belt courses, cornices, buttresses, eaves, and other architectural features may extend up to two feet into any required Setback.
   10. 10.
       Chimneys and flues may extend up to two feet into any required Setback.
   11. 11.
       Satellite dish antennas may be placed in required Rear Setbacks.
   12. 12.
       Mechanical equipment, including Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment, may be extended up to five feet into required Side or Rear Setbacks in all Zoning Districts.
   13. 13.
       A Variance may not be required when a Structure encroaches less than 12 inches into any required Setback as shown on an as-built survey or site plan drawn to an engineer's scale. Such administrative Setback reductions shall be determined by the Zoning and Planning Director on a case by case basis.

2. B.
   Contextual Setbacks. Notwithstanding the Front Setback requirements of the applicable Zoning District, the front Building line of any Structure or Addition to a Structure may be as close to the Street as the front Building line of a Structure located on any Lot that is immediately adjacent to the subject Lot. If the subject Lot is located between two developed Lots, the front Building line of the Structure that is set back further from the Street shall apply to the subject Lot.
3. C.
   Setback Reductions. Where the Front, interior Side and Rear Setbacks of the applicable Zoning District reduces the buildable width of a Lot to less than 20 feet, the Zoning and Planning Director shall be authorized to reduce the required Setbacks as much as necessary, up to a 15-foot setback. For Lots created prior to October 26, 2021, where the Front, Interior Side, and Rear Setbacks of the applicable Zoning District reduces the buildable width of a Lot to less than 40 feet, the Zoning and Planning Director shall be authorized to reduce the required Setbacks as much as necessary, up to a 15-foot Setback.
4. D.
   Front Setbacks on Narrow Rights-of-Way. Where a Lot abuts a Right-of-Way with a width of less than 50 feet, the required Front Setback shall be measured from the centerline of the Right-of-Way, provided all Building Code and fire/safety requirements are met. On Lots where the Front Setback is 50 feet or greater, the Front Setback on the secondary Street may be reduced to 25 feet.
5. E.
   Front Setbacks on Narrow Ingress/Egress Easements. Where a Lot abuts an ingress/egress Easement with a width of less than 50 feet, and is used as a primary access point to the Lot as indicated on an approved Plat recorded prior to April 21, 1999, the required Front Setback shall be measured from the centerline of the Easement, provided all Building Code and fire/safety requirements are met. There shall be a minimum 25 foot Setback between the edge of the Easement to the front of any Structure.
6. F.
   Setbacks on Corner and Double-Frontage Lots. On Corner and Double-Frontage Lots, Front Setback standards will apply to each Lot Line that borders a street. The remaining Lot Lines will be subject to Side Setback standards. There is no Rear Lot Line.
7. G.
   Reduction for Public Purpose. When an existing Setback is reduced because of conveyance to a federal, state or local government for a public purpose and the remaining Setback is at least 50 percent of the required minimum Setback for the district in which it is located, then that remaining Setback will be deemed to satisfy the minimum Setback standards of this Ordinance.
8. H.
   One Time Subdivision of a Nonconforming Lot of Record Existing Prior to April 21, 1999. A one time subdivision creating one Lot from a Nonconforming Lot of record (Lot existing prior to April 21, 1999) shall be allowed if each Lot resulting from the Subdivision meets the minimum Lot Area of the Zoning District. An Ingress/Egress Easement may be utilized to access a proposed Lot (singular) to the rear of the property. The setback from the edge of the Easement will be the Side Setback required for the Zoning District. The Side Setback from the edge of the Easement will only be utilized to create one proposed Lot from the provision of a One Time Subdivision of a Nonconforming Lot of Record Existing Prior to April 21, 1999 
9. I.
   Setbacks for Waterfront Lots. Setbacks for Waterfront Lots shall be in accordance with the standards contained in Article 4.24, Waterfront Development Standards, of this Ordinance. 

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

Effective on: 10/14/2025, as amended

The area under Buildings that is used for parking is exempt from maximum Building Height calculations, up to one Story, if the area dedicated to parking under the building equals 51 percent or more of the building footprint. This applies only to Multi-Family Dwellings and nonresidential Development.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

(Ord. No. 2316, 10/29/2024)

Effective on: 10/29/2024, as amended

(Ord. No. 2316, 10/29/2024) 

Effective on: 10/29/2024, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 9/10/2017, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 9/10/2017, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 9/10/2017, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 9/10/2017, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

1. Parcel size of 30 acres or less (including highland areas and Freshwater Wetlands) on Parcels existing prior to April 21, 1999; and
2. Parcel must be located in an AG-8, AG-10, or RM Zoning Districts or adjacent to lands currently zoned AGR; and
3. Parcel must be either within 1,000 feet of an existing AGR Zoning District or show the same obvious spatial characteristics of other existing AGR Zoning Districts in the agricultural area; and
4. Parcels are not located on Wadmalaw Island or Edisto Island.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 9/10/2017, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 9/10/2017, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 9/10/2017, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

1.  Where a current lot of record (existing prior to April 21, 1999) zoned MHS has resulted from the combination of two previously platted and recorded Lots, the current Lot of Record may be subdivided into the configuration of the originally platted Lots as shown on the corresponding approved, recorded Plat of record. The Subdivision resulting in the original configuration of the previously recorded Lots may occur even if the originally platted Lots do not meet the minimum Lot Width requirement of this Section and/or the minimum Lot Area, minimum Lot Width and minimum Lot Width average requirements of Article 4.22, Waterfront Development Standards, provided that the Subdivision meets all other requirements of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 9/10/2017, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 9/10/2017, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

1. Architectural Character. Structures in the RO District shall be compatible with the established architectural character of the neighborhood in which they are located by using a design that is complementary in terms of:

1. 1. Consistency of roof lines, roof material,s and roof colors;
   2. Use of similar proportions in Building mass and outdoor spaces;
   3. Similar relationships to the Street;
   4. Similar window and door patterns; and
   5. Similar streetscapes including landscaping, light fixtures, and other site amenities.

2. Building Orientation. Primary Facades and entries shall face the adjacent Street.

3. Building Materials. Building materials shall either be similar to the materials already being used in the neighborhood or, if dissimilar materials are being proposed, other characteristics such as scale and proportions, form architectural detailing, and color and texture shall be utilized to ensure that enough similarity exists for the Building to be compatible despite the differences in materials.
4. Building Colors. Color shades shall be used to facilitate blending into the neighborhood and unifying the Development with its surroundings. The color shades of Building materials shall draw from the range of color shades found in structures in the immediate area.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 9/10/2017, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

1. Area per Manufactured Housing Unit Space. The Manufactured Housing Unit space shall be no less than 4,000 square feet and shall require provision of the Required Parking space for the Manufactured Housing Unit. 
2. Separation of Service Buildings.
   1. Every Accessory Structure in a manufactured housing park shall be at least 25 feet from the boundary of any other property in any Residential or Office Zoning District.
   2. There shall be a separation of at least 10 feet between each Manufactured Housing Unit and Manufactured Housing Units and other Buildings.
3. Access Road. Each Manufactured Housing Unit space shall abut an access road that is constructed under the Charleston County Road Construction Standards and is not less than 20 feet wide.

4. Drainage Plan. A drainage plan shall be approved by the Public Works Department prior to the processing of a Manufactured Housing Park Development.

5. Temporary, Accessory Manufactured Housing Park. A temporary, accessory Manufactured Housing Park shall be established only in connection with a construction project and shall be discontinued within 60 days after such project is completed. Written approval from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) shall be obtained prior to the issuance of a Zoning Permit.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Table 4.17.3 , CI Density/Intensity and Dimensional Standards
	Non-Waterfront Development Standards	Waterfront Development Standards
MINIMUM LOT AREA	6,000 square feet
MINIMUM LOT WIDTH	50 feet
MINIMUM SETBACKS	Minimum Setbacks shall be the vegetated buffers as required in CHAPTER 9, Development Standards, of this Ordinance.
WETLAND, WATERWAY, AND OCRM CRITICAL LINE SETBACK	N/A	50 feet
WETLAND, WATERWAY, AND OCRM CRITICAL LINE BUFFER	N/A	35 feet
MAXIMUM BUILDING COVERAGE	30% of Lot
MAXIMUM HEIGHT	35 feet/2.5 stories, whichever is less

Table 4.17.3 , CI Density/Intensity and Dimensional Standards
	Non-Waterfront Development Standards	Waterfront Development Standards
MINIMUM LOT AREA	6,000 square feet
MINIMUM LOT WIDTH	50 feet
MINIMUM SETBACKS	Minimum Setbacks shall be the vegetated buffers as required in CHAPTER 9, Development Standards, of this Ordinance.
WETLAND, WATERWAY, AND OCRM CRITICAL LINE SETBACK	N/A	50 feet
WETLAND, WATERWAY, AND OCRM CRITICAL LINE BUFFER	N/A	35 feet
MAXIMUM BUILDING COVERAGE	30% of Lot
MAXIMUM HEIGHT	35 feet/2.5 stories, whichever is less

Table 4.17.3 , CI Density/Intensity and Dimensional Standards
	Non-Waterfront Development Standards	Waterfront Development Standards
MINIMUM LOT AREA	6,000 square feet
MINIMUM LOT WIDTH	50 feet
MINIMUM SETBACKS	Minimum Setbacks shall be the vegetated buffers as required in CHAPTER 9, Development Standards, of this Ordinance.
WETLAND, WATERWAY, AND OCRM CRITICAL LINE SETBACK	N/A	50 feet
WETLAND, WATERWAY, AND OCRM CRITICAL LINE BUFFER	N/A	35 feet
MAXIMUM BUILDING COVERAGE	30% of Lot
MAXIMUM HEIGHT	35 feet/2.5 stories, whichever is less

Table 4.17.3 , CI Density/Intensity and Dimensional Standards
	Non-Waterfront Development Standards	Waterfront Development Standards
MINIMUM LOT AREA	6,000 square feet
MINIMUM LOT WIDTH	50 feet
MINIMUM SETBACKS	Minimum Setbacks shall be the vegetated buffers as required in CHAPTER 9, Development Standards, of this Ordinance.
WETLAND, WATERWAY, AND OCRM CRITICAL LINE SETBACK	N/A	50 feet
WETLAND, WATERWAY, AND OCRM CRITICAL LINE BUFFER	N/A	35 feet
MAXIMUM BUILDING COVERAGE	30% of Lot
MAXIMUM HEIGHT	35 feet/2.5 stories, whichever is less

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 9/10/2017, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 9/10/2017, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Single-Family Detached Dwellings in the NC District shall be subject to Sec. 6.4.25, Single-Family Detached Dwelling Units, of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 9/10/2017, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 9/10/2017, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

B. Multi-Family Dwellings, Single-Family Attached Dwellings, Duplexes, Triplexes, and Fourplexes in the CC Zoning District shall comply with the Density/Intensity and Dimensional Standards of the UR Zoning District.

Effective on: 12/6/2022, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 9/10/2017, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

B. Multi-Family Dwellings, Single-Family Attached Dwellings, Duplexes, Triplexes, and Fourplexes in the IN Zoning District shall comply with the Density/Intensity and Dimensional Standards of the UR Zoning District.

Effective on: 12/6/2022, as amended

Reductions from minimum Lot Width average requirements for Parcels which contain or abut an OCRM Critical Line may be permitted if the Zoning and Planning Director determines that one of the following criteria has been met:

1. A.
   No more than three waterfront Lots are being created from the original Parcel and that a reduction of no more than 10 percent of Lot Width average is required for any resulting Lot; or
2. B.
   Where two Lots of record (Lots existing prior to April 21, 1999) have been combined, the resulting Lot may be subdivided into the original configuration shown on the previously approved, recorded plat of record, even if the original Lots do not meet the minimum Lot Width requirement of this Section, provided that the Subdivision meets all other requirements of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 12/6/2022, as amended

1. A.
   When an Accessory Dwelling Unit is to be located in front of the Principal Dwelling Unit (between the street and the front of Principal Dwelling Unit) the minimum Lot Area shall be 50% larger than the minimum Lot Area requirement for waterfront Lots of the base Zoning District.
2. B.
   When the Accessory Dwelling Unit is to be located to the side or rear of the Principal Dwelling Unit (between the OCRM critical line and the Principal Dwelling Unit) the minimum Lot Width shall be two times the minimum Lot Width required for waterfront Lots in the applicable base Zoning District.
3. C.
   The Accessory Dwelling Unit shall meet the minimum Setbacks of the Zoning District where it will be located. The distance between the Accessory Dwelling Unit and the Principal Dwelling Unit shall not be less than the sum of the minimum setbacks as required for the Zoning District. If the Accessory Dwelling Unit is to be placed to the side of the Principal Dwelling Unit, the sum of the two side setbacks shall be applied. If the Accessory Dwelling Unit is to the rear of the Principal Dwelling Unit, the sum of the front and rear setbacks shall be applied.
4. D.
   The Zoning Lot and Accessory Dwelling Unit shall comply with all other requirements of this Ordinance, including but not limited to the requirements of Sec. 6.5.9, Accessory Dwelling Units.

Effective on: 12/6/2022, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

1. A.
   Removal, excavation, or disturbance of the soil, except for minimal disturbance associated with the planting of shrubs or trees for landscaping;
2. B.
   Grassed lawns requiring regular maintenance such as herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, and frequent mowing;
3. C.
   Gardens, fences, or Structures, except for permitted crossings;
4. D.
   Paved or other impervious surfaces;
5. E.
   Destruction or addition of plant life that would alter the existing pattern of vegetation; and
6. F.
   Driveways of any surface type.

Effective on: 12/6/2022, as amended

Sec. 4.24.8 Restoration of Buffer

Planned Development provisions are intended to encourage innovative site planning for residential, commercial, institutional, and/or industrial Developments within Planned Developments. Planned Developments may provide for variations from other ordinances and the regulations of other established Zoning Districts concerning use, Setbacks, Lot size, Density, bulk, and other requirements to accommodate flexibility in the arrangement of uses for the general purpose of promoting and protecting the public health, safety, and general welfare. A Planned Development as used in this ordinance is intended to apply the flexibility and variation provisions of the Planning Act provided in the Planned Development Zoning District provision, along with the additional regulatory and procedural provisions of this Article.

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

Planned Development (PD) applications are comprised of PD Guidelines and Sketch Plans, collectively referred to as the PD Development Plan. Approval of the PD Development Plan creates a new Planned Development Zoning District (Planned Development).

Effective on: 1/1/1901, as amended

1. A.
   Maximum Density. 

   1. 1.
      The maximum allowed Density in a Planned Development Zoning District may not exceed the maximum Density as stated in Tables 3.1.1 and of the Charleston County Comprehensive Plan, as amended, except as provided in CHAPTER 3.1.7 of the Charleston County Comprehensive Plan, as amended, and this Article.
   2. 2.
      Density and Lot Area calculations shall comply with the requirements contained in Article 4.2, Measurements, Computations, and Exceptions. 
   3. 3.
      In order to achieve the maximum density recommendation for the Rural Residential Future Land Use category as stated in Table 3.1.1 of the Charleston County Comprehensive Plan, as amended, through a Planned Development Zoning District, a minimum of 50 percent of the total acreage of the project must be dedicated as Conservation Area pursuant to the requirements of Sec. 8.14.8, Conservation Area Standards, of this Ordinance, in addition to the requirements of Sec. 4.25.6, Common Open Space, of this Ordinance. Where in conflict, the requirements of Sec. 8.14.8 shall control;
   4. 4.
      If the parcel is located in the Urban/Suburban Area, the following standards shall apply:

      1. a.
         Where the Zoning District is Low Density Residential (R-4) and all requirements of this Ordinance are met, a maximum density of eight Principal Dwelling Units per acre may be permitted when 0.05 acres of common Open Space per dwelling unit plus ten percent of the land area designated for office, commercial, and/or industrial uses is provided; and
      2. b.
         Where the Zoning District is UR, Urban Residential and all requirements of this Ordinance are met, a maximum Density of not more than 24 Principal Dwelling Units per acre may be permitted when 0.05 acres of common Open Space per Principal Dwelling Unit plus ten percent of the land area designated for office, commercial, and/or industrial uses is provided. 
   5. 5.
      Planned Developments that include a Parcel or Parcels of land that have varying future land use designations and/or varying zoning classifications categories may be deemed consistent with the Comprehensive Plan if the total density proposed does not exceed the maximum combined density permitted in the future land use designations  pursuant to the Comprehensive Plan and/or Zoning Districts pursuant to this Ordinance.
2. B.

   Development standards pertaining to Density, Lot size, location, and arrangement of Buildings and Structures, Lot dimensions, and landscaping shall be defined in the PD Development Plan. The Development standards of the Zoning District in which the Subject Property(ies) was located at the time of submission of the application to rezone to the PD Zoning District may be altered, pursuant to this Article, only if County Council determines that the Development will serve an overriding public interest and/or public safety concern. Applicants shall not propose alteration of the following standards:

   1. 1.

      Chapters 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, and APPENDIX A of this Ordinance;

   2. 2.

      Waterfront Development Standards of the Zoning District in which the subject property(ies) was located at the time of submission, as set forth in Article 4.24;

   3. 3.

      Architectural Design Guidelines of Article 9.5, Landscaping, Screening, and Buffers, except where the Zoning and Planning Director determines that the proposed architectural design of the development is compatible with the architectural design of development on adjacent properties;

   4. 4.

      Sign Regulations of Article 9.9, Signs, provided, however, that the minimum distance from a Billboard/Digital or Electronic Billboard proposed as part of a  Planned Development to the nearest On-Premises Sign(s) may be less restrictive than the standards set forth in this Ordinance;

   5. 5.

      The Dimensional Standards for the S-3 Zoning District, as stated in CHAPTER 4, Base Zoning Districts; and

   6. 6.

      Parking standards of ARTICLE 9.2, Off-Street Parking and Loading, except where the Zoning and Planning Director determines that the amount of parking requested and its location is sufficient, based on a generally-accepted planning source or authority, for the use proposed; and

   7. 7.
      Maximum Impervious Surface Coverage of the Zoning District in which the subject property(ies) was located at the time of submission of the application to rezone to the PD Zoning District, unless the Applicant provides documentation showing how the proposed increase in Impervious Surface Coverage beyond the maximum allowed will be mitigated and documentation that the proposed mitigation has been approved by the Stormwater Division of the Charleston County Public Works Department. Mitigation may include, but shall not be limited to, green infrastructure and low impact design techniques. In no case shall the maximum Impervious Surface Coverage be increased beyond 70 percent of the Lot. 
3. C.

   There shall be a minimum Type A, 10- foot vegetated buffer, around the perimeter of the property, which may be located on private Lots. In cases of conflict between the perimeter buffer requirement and other buffer and/or Setback requirements stated in this Ordinance or the Planned Development Guidelines, the more restrictive will apply.

4. D.

   Lots to Abut Upon Common Open Space. Residential Parcels shall maximize orientation towards common Open Space or similar areas.

5. E.
   Access

   1. 1.
      Streets within Planned Developments shall connect to adjoining neighborhoods/Developments. In cases where adjoining properties are not developed, Planned Developments shall include stub outs for connections to future development on adjacent parcels. Cul-de-sacs, T-turnarounds, and dead-end streets shall only be allowed at the discretion of the Zoning and Planning Director.
   2. 2.
      Areas between Structures shall be covered by Easements where necessary for access and to provide for maintenance and utility service.
   3. 3.
      Primary vehicular access to office, commercial, or industrial development shall be through limited access roads.
   4. 4.
      Sidewalks and/or multi-use paths shall be provided, as required by this Ordinance.
6. F.
   Commercial Areas

   1. 1.
      Commercial areas and adjacent residential, office, and industrial areas shall be directly connected through paved sidewalks, trails, or other pedestrian Infrastructure.
   2. 2.
      Commercial areas shall be planned as groups having common parking areas and common ingress and egress points.
7. G.
   Industrial Areas. A minimum 40-foot Type D vegetated buffer shall be required where industrial uses abut residential uses within the development.
8. H.
   Areas Designated for Future Use. A statement specifying that all areas designated for future expansion or not intended for immediate improvement or Development shall remain in a natural state until such time as Development permits are approved must be included in the PD Guidelines.
9. I.
   Resource Areas.

   1. 1.
      Planned Developments shall protect any resources determined significant by the Zoning and Planning Director including, but not limited to: agricultural soils and active farmland, buffer areas between active farmland and existing/planned future non-farm Development, wetlands, mature trees, land adjacent to preserved farmland on neighboring properties, scenic views, Water access and shoreline buffers, and habitat of species designated as of federal, state and local concern.
   2. 2.
      Planned Developments shall comply with all provisions of Article 9.4, Tree Protection and Preservation, of this Ordinance.

(Ord. No. 2317, 10/29/2024) 

Effective on: 10/29/2024, as amended