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James Island City Zoning Code

SPECIAL EVENT

USES

§ 153.250 PURPOSE.

   The intent of this subchapter is to provide regulations that guide the use of unincorporated properties for the purpose of hosting special events of varying sizes and functions. This subchapter intends to create a balance of greater flexibility for special event uses, while protecting the surrounding community. The regulations of this subchapter shall apply in conjunction with any other standards contained within this chapter.
(Ord. 2012-06, § 6.7.1, passed 10-18-2012; Ord. 2013-02, passed 4-18-2013)

§ 153.251 PRIVATE SPECIAL EVENTS.

   The following are exempt from the requirements of this subchapter: private parties and gatherings that do not meet the definition of special event, as defined in this chapter, auctions of private real estate, and estate auctions.
(Ord. 2012-06, § 6.7.2, passed 10-18-2012; Ord. 2013-02, passed 4-18-2013)

§ 153.252 SPECIAL EVENTS IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS AND PUBLIC FACILITIES.

   (A)   Use of vacant or undeveloped properties for the establishment of a new outdoor special events principal use in the CN, CC, and I Zoning Districts shall comply with the site plan review requirements, § 153.046, of this code.
   (B)   With the exception of special events at federal, state, and county parks and legally established fairgrounds, any accessory, outdoor special event consistent with the definition of special event, as defined in this chapter, must comply with § 153.233 of this code and a zoning permit shall be required.
   (C)   A zoning permit shall not be required when hosting an indoor special event in legally established commercial or civic facilities such as: hotels/motels, convention centers; social lodge; assembly halls; religious facilities; fairgrounds; federal, state, and county parks; and similar facilities legally established and authorized to hold special events. This exemption does not apply to events held at town facilities.
(Ord. 2012-06, § 6.7.3, passed 10-18-2012; Ord. 2013-02, passed 4-18-2013; Ord. 2018-14, passed 12-20-2018)

§ 153.253 SPECIAL EVENTS IN RESIDENTIAL AND AGRICULTURAL ZONING DISTRICTS.

   A special events use may be established as a principal use on any parcel in the AG-5, AGR, and RSL Zoning Districts subject to special exception approval and the following standards:
   (A)   Application.
      (1)   Compliance with the site plan review requirements, § 153.046, of this code. All applications must be signed by the property owner or designated agent.
      (2)   Letters of coordination from the following agencies shall be submitted during site plan review: State Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), County Sheriff’s Department, the County or Town Building Inspections Department, County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the appropriate fire service provider for the subject property, and a designated solid waste collection/disposal company or a letter indicating a private method of waste collection/disposal.
   (B)   Requirements. Special event sites shall comply with the following standards:
      (1)   The subject property or properties shall contain a minimum of two combined acres of highland area.
      (2)   All structures shall comply with the requirements of this chapter including but not limited to the density, intensity, and dimensional standards and accessory structure requirements.
      (3)   All parking shall be contained on the subject property or on an adjacent parcel. A recorded, parking agreement shall be required, if temporary off-street parking is provided on a parcel other than the subject property. At no time shall associated event parking be allowed in a public or private right-of-way.
      (4)   One on-premise sign, which identifies the subject property, shall be allowed in accordance with Table 153.341.E of this chapter. Off-premises signs are not allowed.
      (5)   The maximum occupancy of an individual permanent structure shall comply with the occupancy standards of the Town Building Code.
      (6)   All events shall adhere to the town of and/or county noise regulations and any other applicable town ordinances.
      (7)   In residential zoning districts, any existing or proposed structure shall retain a residential character.
      (8)   Special events on properties with less than five acres of highland and located in the AGR or RSL Zoning Districts shall be limited to the following types of special events: weddings, receptions, recitals, art exhibits, book readings, wine/food tasting events, and executive retreats. The Zoning Administrator shall be authorized to determine whether a proposed event not listed above is substantially similar to the aforementioned approved types of special events.
   (C)   Special exception approval criteria.
      (1)   Section 153.045(E)(1), Special exception approval criteria, shall not be used for special events use requests. Special events use requests may be approved only if the Board of Zoning Appeals finds that the proposed use:
         (a)   Will not adversely affect the general welfare or character of the immediate community;
         (b)   Does not hinder or endanger vehicular traffic and pedestrian movement on adjacent roads;
         (c)   Includes adequate provisions for items such as: setbacks and buffering (including fences and/or landscaping) to protect adjacent properties from the possible adverse influence of the proposed use, such as noise, vibration, dust glare, odor, traffic congestion, and similar factors;
         (d)   Where applicable, will be developed in a way that will preserve and incorporate any important natural features;
         (e)   The setup and disassembly of special events will not be detrimental to the surrounding community; and
         (f)   Includes sufficient safeguards for the use of temporary structures, if applicable.
      (2)   If the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) approves a special events use, the BZA may attach to it such conditions regarding the location, character, or other features of the proposed building or structure as the Board may consider advisable to protect established property values in the surrounding area or to promote the public health, safety, or general welfare. Additionally, the Board of Zoning Appeals may require additional conditions of approval including, but not limited to: event days and hours, the number of events per calendar year, limitations on outdoor activities, parking, buffers, and use and location of temporary structures.
      (3)   If the proposed use is approved by the BZA, the Zoning/Planning Department shall provide written notification to the agencies listed in division (A)(2) above.
(Ord. 2012-06, § 6.7.4, passed 10-18-2012; Ord. 2013-02, passed 4-18-2013)

§ 153.254 ZONING PERMIT REQUIRED.

   A zoning permit shall be required prior to commencing special events and shall be maintained for the duration of the special events use, following site plan review and special exception approval. Additionally, a valid, county or town business license is required following zoning permit approval.
(Ord. 2012-06, § 6.7.5, passed 10-18-2012; Ord. 2013-02, passed 4-18-2013)

§ 153.255 BUSINESS LICENSE; LAPSE OF APPROVAL.

   A valid town business license must be maintained for a principal special events use. If this business license is not renewed annually or is discontinued, for any reason, for a period of at least six consecutive months, then the use shall be considered abandoned. Once abandoned, the special exception approval and the zoning permit for the special events use shall be deemed null and void. Renewal of the special events use shall require the approval of the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) and compliance with the regulations of this chapter.
(Ord. 2012-06, § 6.7.6, passed 10-18-2012; Ord. 2013-02, passed 4-18-2013)