Mount Pleasant City Zoning Code

§ 156.020 INTRODUCTION.

§ 156.021 DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED.

§ 156.022 ZONING MAP.

§ 156.023 SPLIT-ZONED LOTS.

§ 156.024 BUILDING HEIGHT PLAN MAP.

§ 156.025 DENSITY.

§ 156.035 DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL USES IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS.

§ 156.036 RC-1 AND RC-2 (RURAL CONSERVATION DISTRICTS).

   (A)   Purpose.

      (1)   RC-1 District. The purpose of the RC-1, Rural Conservation-1 District, is to provide types and intensity of development that primarily support the needs of the agricultural industry, while secondarily allowing for compatible rural residential development.

      (2)   RC-2 District. The purpose of the RC-2, Rural Conservation-2 District, is to retain moderate population growth to reduce the demand for public services and facilities, while retaining the rural community character of these areas.

   (B)   Location. Figure 156.036-1: Areas for RC District Implementation depicts the areas where the RC-1 and RC-2 Districts may be implemented.

      (1)   RC-1 District. The RC-1 District may be implemented on lots recommended in the 2019–2029 Comprehensive Plan as Rural Residential (Rural Neighborhood) and:

         (a)   Located on Cat Island;

         (b)   Located east of U.S. Highway 17 and beyond the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB); or

         (c)   Greater than three acres in size as of the effective date of this chapter and located west of U.S. Highway 17 and beyond Guerin's Bridge Road.

      (2)   RC-2 District. The RC-2 District may be implemented on lots recommended in the 2019–2029 Comprehensive Plan as Rural Residential (Rural Neighborhood) and:

         (a)   Located within the UGB;

         (b)   Located west of U.S. Highway 17 between the UGB and Guerin’s Bridge Road (excepting Cat Island); or

         (c)   Less than three acres in size as of the effective date of this chapter and located west of U.S. Highway 17 and beyond Guerin’s Bridge Road.

Figure 156.036-1

 

   (C)   Allowed uses. See Subchapter C.

   (D)   Dimensional standards. Table 156.036-1 establishes dimensional standards for the RC-1 and RC-2 Districts.

Table 156.036-1: RC-1 & RC-2 Districts Dimensional Standards
Key: min. = minimum required | max. = maximum allowed | ac = acres | ft. = feet | sf = square feet | SFHA = Special Flood Hazard Area | du/ac = dwelling units per acre
	RC-1 District	RC-2 District

Table 156.036-1: RC-1 & RC-2 Districts Dimensional Standards
Key: min. = minimum required | max. = maximum allowed | ac = acres | ft. = feet | sf = square feet | SFHA = Special Flood Hazard Area | du/ac = dwelling units per acre
	RC-1 District	RC-2 District
Lot Dimensions (min.)
Lot area	10 ac	30,000 sf
Lot width	135 ft.	100 ft.
Lot depth	135 ft.	100 ft.
Setbacks (min.)
Front	50 ft.	50 ft.
Rear	30 ft.	30 ft.
Side	15 ft.	15 ft.
Building coverage (max.)	20,000	sf 30%
Height (max)1
Outside SFHA	35 ft.	35 ft.
Inside SFHA	40 ft.	40 ft.
Density (max)	0.10 du/ac	0.33 du/ac
1 Unless otherwise specified by an overlay district or the Building Height Plan Map

 

(Ord. passed 1-14-25)

§ 156.037 RR (RURAL RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT).

§ 156.038 CC (COMMUNITY CONSERVATION DISTRICT).

§ 156.039 R-1, R-2, R-3, AND R-4 (RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS).

§ 156.040 TH (TOWNHOUSE DISTRICT).

§ 156.041 RM (MIXED RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT).

§ 156.055 OP-1 (OFFICE PROFESSIONAL DISTRICT).

§ 156.056 OP-2 (OFFICE PROFESSIONAL-2 DISTRICT).

§ 156.057 NC-1 (NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT).

§ 156.058 NC-2 (NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL-2 DISTRICT).

§ 156.059 AB-1 (AREAWIDE BUSINESS DISTRICT).

§ 156.060 AB-2 (AREAWIDE BUSINESS-2 DISTRICT).

§ 156.061 ED (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT).

§ 156.062 LI (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT).

§ 156.080 PURPOSE.

§ 156.081 LOCATION.

   This zoning district classification is available for implementation on parcels that were designated for Cultural Landscape land uses in the 2009-2019 Comprehensive Plan, as illustrated in Figure 156.081: Parcels Designated for CL District.

(Ord. passed 1-14-25)

§ 156.082 ALLOWED USES AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS.

§ 156.083 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.

§ 156.090 SCW PURPOSE AND FINDINGS.

§ 156.091 DISTRICT BOUNDARY.

   (A)   This subpart establishes three Shem Creek Waterfront Districts:

      (1)   SCW-W (Shem Creek Waterfront– Working District);

      (2)   SCW-H (Shem Creek Waterfront– Hospitality District); and

      (3)   SCW-N (Shem Creek Waterfront– Natural District).

   (B)   The boundaries of the three SCW Districts are based on and consistent with the findings and recommendations of the 2019 Shem Creek Area Management Plan.

   ( C)    The lands included in the SCW-W , SCW-H, and SCW-N Districts are illustrated in Figure 156.091-1: SCW District Boundary and are depicted on the Zoning Map.

(Ord. passed 1-14-25)

§ 156.092 ALLOWED USES.

§ 156.093 DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS.

   (A)   Dimensional standards. Table 156.093-1 establishes dimensional standards for the SCW Districts.

Table 156.093-1: SCW Districts Dimensional Standards

Table 156.093-1: SCW Districts Dimensional Standards
Key: min. = minimum required | max. = maximum allowed | sf = square feet | ft = feet | GFA = gross floor area
Lot area, width, depth (min.)	None
Front/shoreline setback (min.)1	The greater of: 15 ft. from OCRM Critical Line, or 10 ft. from property boundary
Front/shoreline setback (max.)1	Same as applicable minimum setback plus 15 ft.
Rear, side setbacks	Determined through design review process
GFA (min.)	None
Building coverage (max.)	None
Height (max.)2
Buildings and structures	40 ft.
Façades3	25 ft from grade
1 See division (C) below. 2 Unless otherwise specified by an overlay district or the Building Height Plan Map. 3 Does not apply in the SCW-W District.

 

   (B)   Critical area buffer. Subchapter D, Part 3 does not apply within the SCW Districts.

   (C)   Front/shoreline setbacks. Shoreline setback applicability is as follows and as is illustrated in Figure 156.093-1: Shoreline Setback:

      (1)   The front/shoreline setback applies to the portions of a property within the required minimum and maximum shoreline setbacks specified in Table 156.093-1 above, whether immediately adjacent to Shem Creek or not. In these areas of the district, shoreline setback requirements apply, notwithstanding other generally-applicable front, rear, or side setback requirements.

      (2)   Subject to division (C)(3) below:

         (a)   Pedestrian paths, decks for outdoor dining, balconies, steps, open shade structures, and structures used to provide access from upper building levels and between properties may be placed within setbacks required along Shem Creek frontage;

         (b)   Retail activities, outdoor displays or storage, and other uses or structures that do not serve to facilitate interconnected passage along the creek or to the primary land use are not permitted within setbacks required along Shem Creek frontage.

      (3)   In areas between the OCRM critical line and the mean high water line, decks and structures subject to division (C)(2) above must be built on piers to minimize environmental impacts.

(Ord. passed 1-14-25)

§ 156.094 DESIGN STANDARDS.

§ 156.095 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.

§ 156.105 PURPOSE AND GOALS.

§ 156.106 LOCATION.

   (A)   This zoning district classification is available for implementation on parcels located west of Magrath Darby Boulevard and all properties located along Patriots Point and Harry M. Hallman, Jr. Boulevards.

   (B)   These parcels are illustrated in Figure 156.106-1: Parcels Designated for WG-C District.

(Ord. passed 1-14-25)

§ 156.107 USE MIXING REQUIREMENTS.

§ 156.108 DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN STANDARDS.

   (A)   High quality public realm. In this district, form is as important as use and a high quality public realm is critical in successfully creating an environment in which people want to live, work, and play. Primary entrances to buildings shall be located near the public realm streetscape. An emphasis should be placed upon a high degree of design quality for the building façade and a strong interaction between the buildings and the public realm. Public spaces, such as plazas, should be integrated with surrounding development.

   (B)   Design review required. All development within the WG-C is subject to the design review process as provided in this chapter. However, in order to achieve the goals of the WG-C, when in conflict, the site development requirements as set forth in this subpart take precedence over those found within other subchapters.

   (C)   Siting and design of buildings and parking areas. Siting and design of buildings and parking areas shall be closely evaluated to ensure avoidance of the "silo effect" of buildings surrounded by asphalt parking lots with no meaningful relationship to adjacent developments.

   (D)   Civic uses. Because of the nature of their uses, build-to lines, setbacks, and other design elements for civic uses shall be determined through the design review process.

   (E)   Interconnectivity.

      (1)   Streets should be interconnected where possible. Site plans should provide opportunities for future interconnectivity if such cannot be accomplished at the time of development.

      (2)   Cul-de-sacs or dead end streets are not permitted unless they have a terminal vista of the waterfront.

   (F)   Alternative modes of transportation.

      (1)   A development shall accommodate a variety of modes of transportation.

      (2)   A pedestrian/bicycle system and related amenities shall be provided in strategic locations, and shall be interconnected both within the development and to other adjacent developments.

      (3)   Provision of a shuttle service is highly encouraged. Such service should be coordinated with surrounding properties, and all developments should include an area designated for shuttle access.

      (4)   Provision of bus shelters is highly encouraged and will require coordination with CARTA early in the development process. Bus shelter location and design shall be subject to approval through the design review process.

   (G)   Terminal vistas.

      (1)   Properties that terminate views down streets shall be identified during the design review process, and will be held to a higher architectural standard along this visible façade.

      (2)   Such identified properties are those that are located across from side streets that intersect the primary street and terminate or intersect and continue at a different angle. Properties that are at the end of a straightaway on a primary street shall also meet this requirement.

   (H)   Avian habitats. As the Cooper River Waterfront Gateway District area is an important stopover site for migratory birds, required landscaping shall incorporate bird-friendly plants with an intention to create or augment habitat areas.

   (I)   Open space. A minimum of 10% of the total project area shall be reserved as contiguous open space. A portion of this open space is encouraged to be natural open space in order to serve as wildlife corridors/conservation areas.

   (J)   Public realm. An engaging public realm is critical to the success of this district and its importance cannot be overstated. To this end, a high degree of design and material quality is expected. The various public realm components are subject to approval through the design review process, but shall generally adhere to the specifications listed below.

      (1)   Waterfront public walkways and pedestrian waterfront connections. Recognizing the importance of public access to the waterfront, construction and dedication of a public walkway is required for properties adjacent to the river/marsh. The walkway shall be constructed and dedicated prior to approval of a final plat for any portion of the proposed development. If a final plat is not required, the walkway shall be constructed and dedicated prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy for any portion of the proposed development. A strong emphasis shall also be placed on areas that connect pedestrians from the street to the waterfront. Such pedestrian waterfront connections are required for properties adjacent to the river/marsh. Generally, these areas shall consist of the following elements:

         (a)   Dimensions and location of waterfront public walkways. Waterfront public walkways shall be generally located parallel to the shoreline and shall include an open area with a minimum width of ten feet and an average width of 40 feet measured landward from the critical line, which may include the critical line buffer where such buffer is required. Waterfront public walkways shall include a primary path or boardwalk with a minimum clear width of ten feet, located to the greatest extent possible adjacent to the shoreline. The primary path may be located within the required critical line buffer. Secondary paths may be provided and shall be at least six feet in width.

         (b)   Dimensions and location of pedestrian waterfront connections. Pedestrian waterfront connections shall be generally located perpendicular to the shoreline, shall include an open area with a minimum width of 30 feet, and shall include a primary path with a minimum clear width of eight feet. The number and location of pedestrian waterfront connections shall be determined through the design review process.

         (c)   Landscaping. Public walkways and waterfront connections shall be planted with high quality native or naturalized coastal vegetation, to include of a minimum of one 2.5-inch caliper canopy tree for approximately every 100 linear feet of area in addition to other appropriate landscaping, to include understory trees, shrubs, and grasses. Lawn area may be used but it must remain accessible.

         (d)   Acreage to count towards open space requirements. Waterfront public walkways may satisfy all or a portion of the open space requirements of this section.

      (2)   Streetscape. As another critical component of the public realm, a strong emphasis shall be placed on the appearance of the streetscape. Generally, this area shall consist of the following elements:

         (a)   Landscaping. Three canopy trees of a minimum four-inch caliper shall be required for each 100 linear feet of street frontage using species approved during the design review process. Such tree types shall be consistent with each block and evenly spaced, with exceptions made for curb cuts, utilities, and other obstructions. Planters shall be required as a design element to soften the building exterior and enhance the streetscape appearance.

         (b)   Relationship of buildings to the street. Changes in elevation between the building front and the street shall be avoided to the fullest extent possible. Stairs abutting the sidewalk may be utilized to accommodate a change in grade elevation. Stair design shall be integrated into the overall streetscape design.

         (c)   Sidewalks. There shall be a public sidewalk at least ten feet in width located on both sides of all streets within the WG-C, either within the right-of-way or within a pedestrian easement on private property.

      (3)   Site furnishings.

         (a)   To ensure consistency throughout the WG-C, site furnishings should be similar to the current styles used at the Memorial Waterfront Park, as illustrated in Figure 156.108-1: WG-C Site Furnishings.

         (b)   Permanent or temporary design features shall not impede pedestrian access on the public sidewalk.

         (c)   Benches shall be located in visible and convenient locations. The public realm should also include trash receptacles at sufficient intervals, as well as strategically placed bicycle parking facilities.

         (d)   All site furnishings shall be installed at the time of construction.

 

      ( 4)   Lighting. At a minimum, safety lighting shall be provided along the length of the walkways and waterfront connections and shall be installed at the time of construction. To ensure consistency throughout the Waterfront Gateway District, the streetscape shall include light fixtures similar to those currently existing in the area, as illustrated in Figure 156.108-2: WG-C Light Fixtures.

 

      (5)   Signs. Standard wayfinding signs shall be placed in strategic locations throughout the public realm. Wayfinding signs are intended to convey navigational directions to pedestrians and bicyclists.

      (6)   Maintenance responsibility. The waterfront public walkways and pedestrian waterfront connections shall be established within a recorded public access easement. The waterfront public walkways and pedestrian waterfront connections, as well as all site furnishings/public amenities, shall be installed and maintained by the property owner.

   (K)   Bufferyards. In general, bufferyard requirements on individual parcels are specified in Subchapter D; except that front bufferyards are not required in lieu of the streetscape requirements contained in this subpart. However, contingent upon approval through the design review process, developments providing opportunities for interconnectivity with adjacent parcels may forgo side and rear bufferyards along parcel lines.

   (L)   Density. The maximum residential density is 12 dwelling units per acre.

   (M)   Side yard setback. A minimum side yard setback is not required.

   (N)   Rear yard setback. The minimum rear yard setback is 15 feet, except as provided below:

      (1)   Contingent upon approval through the design review process, development utilizing an integrated site plan involving multiple parcels may forgo rear yard setbacks along parcel lines.

      (2)   Setbacks for civic uses shall be in accordance with the provisions of division (D), above.

   (O)   Elevated buildings.

      (1)   Buildings in flood zones.

         (a)   In order to project a pedestrian-friendly streetscape, it is highly recommended that alternatives to elevating non-residential and mixed use buildings located in "A" flood zones be pursued. This may be accomplished by floodproofing or altering the elevation of the finished floor inside the building.

         (b)   However, in the event that these techniques are not feasible and the building must be elevated, such elevation may not exceed the minimum elevation required, which includes two feet of additional freeboard. To the greatest extent possible, elevating the building shall not compromise the width and integrity of the public realm.

      (2)   Buildings elevated for parking. Buildings may be elevated to accommodate grade-level parking, pursuant to the provisions of § 156.109(F).

   (P)   Gated access. Gated access to a development is prohibited, although gated access to parking areas may be permitted subject to the design review process if access to open space is not impeded.

(Ord. passed 1-14-25)

§ 156.109 PARKING REQUIREMENTS.

§ 156.115 CO (CONSERVATION-OPEN SPACE DISTRICT).

§ 156.116 CRO (CONSERVATION- RECREATION-OPEN SPACE DISTRICT).

§ 156.125 PURPOSE.

§ 156.126 SITE AND ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN IN PUBLIC-INSTITUTIONAL DISTRICTS.

§ 156.127 PI-1 (PUBLIC-INSTITUTIONAL-1 DISTRICT).

§ 156.128 PI-2 (PUBLIC-INSTITUTIONAL-2 DISTRICT).

§ 156.160 PURPOSE.

§ 156.161 LOCATION AND APPLICABILITY.

§ 156.162 ALLOWED USES.

§ 156.163 DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.

§ 156.164 PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT MAP.

§ 156.180 PURPOSE.

§ 156.181 DISTRICT BOUNDARY.

   (A)   The Mixed Use Centers Overlay District, depicted in Figure 156.181-1, is comprised of three subdistricts:

      (1)   NMU-OD (Neighborhood Mixed Use Overlay District);

      (2)   CMU-OD (Community Mixed Use Overlay District); and

      (3)   RC-OD (Redevelopment Center Overlay District).

   (B)   Each subdistrict regulates development in at least two geographic areas.

(Ord. passed 1-14-25)

§ 156.182 APPLICABILITY.

§ 156.183 DESIGN REVIEW REQUIRED.

§ 156.184 HIERARCHY OF STANDARDS.

§ 156.185 BUFFERYARDS.

§ 156.186 PARKING.

§ 156.187 NMU-OD (NEIGHBORHOOD MIXED USE OVERLAY DISTRICT).

   (A)   Location. The NMU-OD (Neighborhood Mixed Use Overlay District) applies to areas specifically designated as Neighborhood Scale Hub on the 2019-2029 Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map, which are depicted on the maps in Figures 156.187-1 through 156.187-6.

 

 

 

 

 

   (B)   Allowed uses. Allowed uses are all those permitted, conditional, and special exception principal, accessory, and temporary uses allowed in the OP-1 and NC-1 Districts, subject to their applicable approval processes.

   (C)   Height. The maximum height of all structures is two stories or 40 feet, whichever is less.

   (D)   Open space.

      (1)   Applicability. This division does not apply to developments with a site area less than 0.25 acres.

      (2)   Amount and type of open space required. At least one pocket park is required for every two acres, or fraction thereof, in a development.

      (3)   Minimum area. A pocket park is at least 500 square feet in area, with minimum dimensions of 20 feet by 25 feet.

      (4)   Location. A pocket park must be functional and useable, and it should be well integrated with the buildings in a development.

      (5)   Landscaping and seating area required. A pocket park must include landscaping and a seating area.

      (6)   Low impact development. Developments that are subject to the environmental guidelines for land development (see § 155.054(B)) should incorporate low impact development features into the required pocket park(s).

(Ord. passed 1-14-25)

§ 156.188 CMU-OD (COMMUNITY MIXED USE OVERLAY DISTRICT).

   (A)   Location. The CMU-OD (Community Mixed Use Overlay District) applies to areas specifically designated as Community Scale Hub on the 2019-2029 Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map, which are depicted on the maps in Figures 156.188-1 through 156.188-9.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   (B)   Residential uses.

      (1)   PD District required.

         (a)   New townhouse dwellings and new mixed use buildings are allowed only if approved through a Planned Development District ordinance (see Subchapter B, Subpart 3.1 and Subchapter I, Part 6). The three-acre minimum site area for a PD District does not apply.

         (b)   All other new residential uses are prohibited, except when allowed by an existing PD District.

      (2)   Density. Dwelling units may comprise up to 20% of the square footage of the proposed development, unless the development provides attainable housing in accordance with division (B)(3), below.

      (3)    Attainable housing incentives . If at least 30% of the proposed dwelling units in a developm ent are deed restricted for at least 75 years to limit occupancy to households earning less than 120% of the median family income for the Charleston-North Charleston MSA, as published annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and adjusted for household size, then:

         (a)   Housing may comprise up to 50% of the square footage of the proposed development;

         (b)   The development may provide parking for the deed restricted dwelling units at the highest average parking rate specified in the latest edition of the ITE Parking Generation Manual for Land Use 223: Affordable Housing; and

         (c)   The town will waive the building permit plan review fees for the deed restricted dwelling units.

   (C)   Non-residential uses. Allowed non-residential uses are limited to:

      (1)   All non-residential uses allowed in the base zoning district, subject to their applicable approval processes;

      (2)   Parks and plazas;

      (3)   Sports complexes;

      (4)   Event venues;

      (5)   Restaurants;

      (6)   Theaters;

      (7)   All uses in the healthcare use category in § 156.338;

      (8)   Boutique hotels;

      (9)   Places of worship;

      (10)   Grocery stores, with a maximum gross floor area of 40,000 square feet; and

      (11)   Retail stores, with a maximum gross floor area of 40,000 square feet.

   (D)   Accessory and temporary uses. Accessory and temporary uses are allowed in accordance with the regulations applicable to the base district.

   (E)   Height.

      (1)   The height of structures along public streets and along any lot line that adjoins a residential zoning district located outside the CMU-OD or a lot containing only dwelling units located outside the CMU-OD is limited to three stories or 45 feet, whichever is less.

      (2)   Where the Building Height Plan Map allows for a structure more than three stories or 45 feet in height, a “step-back” building design is required in accordance with § 156.892.

   (F)   Open space.

      (1)   Amount and type of open space required. At least one activity zone or plaza is required for each development.

      (2)   Minimum area. An activity zone or plaza must comprise at least 5% of the total area of the development.

      (3)   Location and design.

         (a)   Activity zones. When a proposed building is not located adjacent to a street right-of-way, the activity zone is located adjacent to the building where it is usable and easily accessible by the building occupants.

         (b)   Plazas. A plaza is centrally located within a proposed development where it is easily accessible by the development’s occupants. The design review process establishes the appropriate location for a plaza.

      (4)   Parking. Activity zones and plazas do not require additional parking spaces.

      (5)   Low impact development. Developments that are subject to the Environmental Guidelines for Land Development (see § 155.054(B)) should incorporate low impact development features into the required open space.

(Ord. passed 1-14-25)