Charleston meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Charleston roundup: TRC returns site plans; council to weigh $7.6M rec center amendment

The city's Technical Review Committee on Aug. 6 reviewed 12 site plans and subdivision plats, returning most for revisions and granting no final approvals. The committee approved one item with no return comments and left two open pending further comments.

Technical Review Committee

The committee reviewed applications including a medical office building at 334 Calhoun, the Maybank Landing preliminary plat and road construction plan, the Live Oak Square multifamily development, a Walmart expansion at 3951 West Ashley Cir., and the Point Hope Long Range Neighborhood Plan-South, a 1,514-acre preliminary plat for 982 lots. Most items were returned for revisions; the Maybank Landing plat and road plan received no return comments, while the O'Quinn School practice field and Walmart expansion were left open pending Development Services comments. No final approvals were granted.

Other recent meetings

The Design Review Board on Aug. 3 considered demolition of two 1970s ranch houses at 969 and 975 Harbor View Road and conceptual approval for a mixed-use project at 1614 Grimball Road with a mini-golf course, retail, and a parking garage. Six public comments opposed the projects.

The Board of Zoning Appeals on Aug. 4 heard four variance requests, including a special exception for a rear addition at 2129 Edisto Ave. and a variance for accessory buildings at 85 Riverland Dr. Staff recommended approval for three and denial for one.

The Board of Architectural Review on Aug. 12 reviewed a new hotel at 194 Cannon Street, a MUSC medical building and parking garage at 5 McClennan Banks Drive, and an apartment complex at Radcliffe and Saint Philip Streets, among other items.

The Special Events Committee on Aug. 12 reviewed street closures for the Lowcountry Nosh festival, a charity run, and Citadel football games.

Coming up

City Council committees meet Aug. 17-18. The Real Estate Committee on Aug. 17 will consider accepting donated land off Lockwood Drive, an option agreement for up to 52 affordable/workforce housing units at 76 Aiken and 119 & 121 America St. for $1,000,000, and four annexations. The Public Works and Utilities Committee will consider $1,875,000 in federal funding for culvert improvements and a $196,140 change order for the Spring/Fishburne project.

On Aug. 18, the Committee on Ways and Means will review a $7,656,848 amendment for the Johns Island Recreation Center and an $18,448,848 change order for the WL Stephens Aquatic Center. The full City Council will also consider rezoning 2298 Mt. Pleasant St. and 1302 Hester St. to General Office, and approve a $2,257,805 federal grant for AI-powered traffic signals.

The Planning Commission meets Aug. 19 to consider rezoning 806 Magnolia Road and a PUD on Maybank Highway.

The Board of Zoning Appeals meets Aug. 18 to hear 12 zoning requests, including special exceptions for home additions.

The Livability Review Board meets Aug. 20 to review vacant structures at 5 Ashton St. and 7 Isabella St.

Technical Review Committee sends most site plans back for revisions; upcoming meetings on zoning, events

The most consequential decision this week came from the Technical Review Committee, which reviewed 12 site plans, subdivision plats, and road construction plans on Aug. 6. Most items were returned for revisions, two were left open pending comments, and one was approved with no return. No final approvals were granted.

Technical Review Committee

The committee reviewed a range of projects, including the Point Hope Long Range Neighborhood Plan-South, a 1,514.4-acre preliminary plat and development plan for 982 lots, which was returned for revisions. Also returned for revisions were the 334 Calhoun MOB/ASC site plan (a 2.68-acre medical office building at 5 McClellan Banks Dr.), the Maybank PUD master plan and concept plan, and the Live Oak Square multifamily site plan (89 units on Johns Island). The Maybank Landing preliminary plat and road construction plan (7 lots at 3124 Maybank Hwy.) received no return comments. The Walmart 1748 expansion site plan at 3951 West Ashley Cir. and the O'Quinn School practice field site plan were left open pending Development Services comments.

Other recent meetings

Several other boards and committees met during the past two weeks, though none took final votes.

• **Ad Hoc Rules Advisory Committee (July 30):** Reviewed a resolution to create a policy for oil portraits of mayors to be displayed in the Council Chamber, and an ordinance to restructure the Commission on Women, including a proposed nine-member composition and quarterly meetings.
• **Design Review Board (Aug. 3):** Considered demolition of two 1970s ranch houses at 969 and 975 Harbor View Rd. on James Island, and conceptual approval for a mixed-use project at 1614 Grimball Rd. featuring a mini-golf course, a 2-story retail building, and a parking garage with offices. Six public comments were submitted, all opposing the developments, citing traffic, flooding, and aesthetic concerns.
• **Board of Zoning Appeals – Zoning (Aug. 4):** Heard variance and special exception requests for four properties, including 2129 Edisto Ave., 85 Riverland Dr., 245 Coming St., and 1757 Main Rd. Staff recommended approval for three cases and denial for one (65 Saint Margaret St.).
• **Health and Wellness Advisory Committee (Aug. 5):** Received a presentation on Cyclosporiasis by MyLinda L. O'Quinn, and discussed back-to-school health updates and a community health update from Lamar Hodges of the SC Dept. of Public Health.
• **Commission on History (Aug. 5):** Discussed approval of language for a historical marker at the DeCosta House, requested by the SC Dept. of Archives and History, and an update on the SC250 plaque at St. Philip's Church.
• **Special Facilities Committee (Aug. 6):** Discussed a three-year lease renewal and management agreement for the Old Exchange Building with the City of Charleston, and received an update on the Powder Magazine.
• **Keep Charleston Beautiful (Aug. 6):** Reviewed annual Litter Index results and discussed shifting focus toward prevention programs, including a cigarette litter initiative and school campus mini grants.
• **Board of Architectural Review (Aug. 7):** Held a retreat to discuss pool and lighting policies, appeal procedures, and guidelines for new construction. No votes or public hearings were scheduled.

Coming up

Several meetings are scheduled in the next two weeks that may be of interest:

• **Building Codes Board of Appeals (Aug. 10):** Hear appeals for new single dwelling units at 7 and 11 Catfiddle Street, challenging floodplain foundation restrictions.
• **Board of Zoning Appeals – Site Design (Aug. 11):** Consider tree-removal appeals and parking variances, including a reconsideration of a denied grand tree removal at 50 & 52 South Battery Street.
• **Board of Architectural Review – Large (Aug. 12):** Review conceptual approval for a new hotel at 194 Cannon Street and a medical building and parking garage at 5 McClennan Banks Drive.
• **Special Events Committee (Aug. 12):** Review street closures for Lowcountry Nosh, Citadel football games, and a charity run.
• **Board of Architectural Review – Small (Aug. 13):** Consider partial demolition at 246 Grove Street and a window replacement appeal at 554 Huger Street.
• **Technical Review Committee (Aug. 13):** Review 12 applications, including a new office building at 10 Cypress St., a restaurant renovation at 1300 Rutledge Ave., and an MUSC Cancer Hospital early site package.
• **Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee (Aug. 13):** Consider approval of the 2026-2027 spending plan for the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
• **Planning Commission (Aug. 19):** Review a rezoning request for about 13.47 acres on Johns Island to Planned Unit Development, and several other zoning requests.

Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals Approves 175-Unit Accommodations Project at 194 Cannon St.

The Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals approved a 175-unit accommodations use at 194 Cannon St. during its July 21 meeting, along with several other residential and commercial variance requests.

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals met on July 21 to review 26 applications for variances and special exceptions. The board approved the 175-unit accommodations project at 194 Cannon St. The board also approved a request to build a detached single-family home on an undersized lot at 246 Coming St., a request to increase bedrooms from 4 to 8 in a two-family dwelling at 2534 Hara Ln., and a banner sign variance for Walmart Real Estate at 3951 West Ashley Cir. The board deferred a music venue variance request at 1056 King St. Other items on the agenda included a variance to create three residential parcels with 0' frontage at 0 Rafeal Ln. on James Island, and a special exception to waive off-street parking for an ADU at 24 Cooper St. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published.

Special Events Committee

The Special Events Committee met virtually on July 22 to consider upcoming events and street closures. Items included a community celebration at Mitchell Playground on Aug. 13, 2026, with an expected 75 attendees and a closure of Perry St. from 4:00 to 8:30 p.m. The committee also reviewed a new parade route for the MOJA Arts Festival on Sept. 24, 2026, with 620 attendees, and a MOJA Arts Festival Reggae Block Dance at Hampton Park on Sept. 25, 2026, with 2,545 attendees. Other items were an outdoor college basketball doubleheader at Credit One Stadium on Sept. 27, 2026, with 5,740 attendees, and a wedding second-line processional on Oct. 10, 2026, requiring the closure of St. Michael’s Alley for 100 guests.

Board of Architectural Review

The Board of Architectural Review – Small met on July 23 to review 15 applications for property modifications. Requests included the full demolition of a structure at 14 12th Avenue and after-the-fact partial demolition of exterior elements at 32 Dunnemann Avenue, a historic 1947 home in the Wagener Terrace district. The board also considered conceptual approvals for new construction at 20 Felix Street and a new accessory structure at 63 Ashley Avenue, as well as a request to remove a historic building name and add new signage at 19 Broad Street.

Technical Review Committee

The Technical Review Committee met via Zoom on July 23 to review eight development proposals. Items included a proposed youth learning golf facility on 13.8 acres at 2275 Henry Tecklenburg Dr., a 6-unit multifamily building at 1820 Wallace School Rd., and a 27-unit, 6-story hotel at 657 King St. The committee also reviewed road construction plans for a 182-lot subdivision at Long Savannah N10D Phase 1.

Redevelopment and Preservation Commission

The Redevelopment and Preservation Commission met on July 23 to consider roof replacement requests for four properties, including 943 Rutledge Avenue and 1868 Jaywood Circle. The commission also reviewed mortgage modification requests for four properties, including 733 West Oak Forest Drive and 106 Fishburne Street.

Ad Hoc Rules Advisory Committee

The Ad Hoc Rules Advisory Committee met on July 30 to review a resolution establishing a formal policy for commissioning and displaying oil portraits of mayors in the Council Chamber. The committee also considered an ordinance to update the organization of the Commission on Women, proposing a restructuring to include nine members from specific organizations and institutions.

Coming up

• Aug. 3: Design Review Board will consider the demolition of two 1970s ranch houses at 969 and 975 Harbor View Rd., and conceptual approval for a mixed-use project at 1614 Grimball Rd. featuring a mini-golf course.
• Aug. 4: Board of Zoning Appeals will hear six variance requests, including a special exception for a rear addition at 2129 Edisto Ave. and a variance to exceed maximum lot coverage at 245 Coming St.
• Aug. 5: Commission on History will discuss language for a historical marker at the DeCosta House.
• Aug. 11: Board of Zoning Appeals Site Design meeting, rescheduled from Aug. 5 due to a lack of quorum.
• Aug. 12: Board of Architectural Review will review conceptual approval for a new hotel at 194 Cannon Street and a medical building at 5 McClennan Banks Drive.

Charleston boards weigh tree removals, development designs; fire grant heads to council next week

The Design Review Board approved five development projects on July 6 — including a new McDonald's and multi-family buildings — while deferring a 348-unit residential community at Grand Oaks, according to meeting agendas. Most other Charleston boards and committees met over the past two weeks to discuss items without published minutes confirming final votes.

Design Review Board: Five approvals, one deferral

The July 6 Design Review Board agenda reports approvals for a new one-story McDonald's at 3943 West Ashley Circle, three 3-story multi-family buildings at 3041 Reva Ridge Dr., a 4-story storage building at 2110 Ashepoo Ln., and a sign package with gradient colors at 1798 Ashley River Rd. A conceptual proposal for a 348-unit multi-family community at Grand Oaks — including seven 4-story buildings, 33 townhomes, and a clubhouse — was deferred after a split vote. Minutes have not yet been published to confirm these outcomes.

Board of Zoning Appeals: Grand tree removal requests

On July 1, the Board of Zoning Appeals Site Design was scheduled to hear multiple variance requests involving protected grand trees. Items included a request from Ripley Yacht Club to relocate one grand tree, remove another, reduce construction setbacks near three trees, and waive a requirement for 15 protected trees per acre at Ripley Point Drive. River Road Associates sought a variance to remove 20 to 29 grand trees and reduce setbacks. Additional requests covered a single grand tree removal at 4 Jenkins Avenue and a reconsideration of a denied removal of a 33-inch elm at 50 & 52 South Battery Street. Public comments on the Ripley Point item cited late notice and requested rescheduling. Minutes are not yet published.

Public Safety Committee: Grant proposals for fire and police

On July 7, the Public Safety Committee was scheduled to discuss accepting a $1,122,110 grant for school resource officers at Charleston County School District schools, applying for a $1,410,616 Port Security Grant with a $352,654 match for a response boat and equipment, and approving submission of a $2,074,257 FEMA SAFER Grant to add six firefighters on the peninsula, requiring a $172,854 annual match for three years. A $1,260,000 opioid relief fund continuation was also listed. No vote tallies are available.

Board of Architectural Review: Student housing, demolitions

The Board of Architectural Review met July 8 and 9 to consider multiple historic district applications. The July 8 agenda included conceptual approval for College of Charleston student housing at 106 Coming Street, which drew 27 public comments requesting deferral due to a historic burial ground on the site. Other items included a mockup panel for a MUSC medical complex at 35 Bee Street, a multi-family building at 989 Morrison Drive, and mixed-use buildings at 48 & 52 Line Street. The July 9 agenda covered partial demolition of a c. 1935 house at 10 Clemson Street and demolition of a garage at 15 Longitude Lane, among 15 alteration applications. Minutes are not yet published.

Technical Review Committee: Major projects under review

The committee reviewed site plans on July 2 and July 9, including the Bishop Gadsden retirement community redevelopment at 1 Bishop Gadsden Way, a new music studio at 2112 Montford Ave, First Baptist School additions at 2051 George Griffith Blvd, and the Long Savannah Parkway preliminary plat covering 45 acres. Most items were listed in revise-and-return or open-pending-delivery status.

Community Development: Short-term rental ordinance discussed

On July 9, the Community Development Committee discussed a draft short-term rental ordinance — discussion only, no vote scheduled. The committee also considered a resolution certifying a building site at 1822 Meeting Street Rd. as containing abandoned buildings under the South Carolina Abandoned Buildings Revitalization Act.

Coming up

• **July 13 — Public Works and Utilities Committee:** Considers a $790,178.81 ARPA grant extension for Lake Dotterer drainage, a $348,274.62 valve purchase, and a $100,000 change order for King/Huger drainage.
• **July 13 — City Council (Real Estate):** Reviews a $610,000 property purchase at 1233 Bamboo Dr. for drainage improvements and six property annexations in West Ashley and Johns Island.
• **July 14 — City Council (Ways and Means):** Considers the $2,074,257 FEMA SAFER Grant for six firefighters, a $250,000 contribution to the Anson Street Burial Memorial Endowment, and a $1,122,110 school resource officer grant.
• **July 14 — City Council:** Public hearings on three West Ashley rezoning requests, including 1006 Savannah Hwy (2.1 acres) from single-family to limited business.
• **July 15 — Planning Commission:** Votes on short-term rental ordinance amendments and a concept plan for a 95-lot townhome development at Riverland Oaks on James Island.
• **July 16 — Technical Review Committee:** Reviews six site plans, including a 50-unit condominium townhome development at 810 Travis Ln and revisions to the 411 Meeting Street Hotel.

Charleston committee approves 187-lot Magnolia Townhome plat; boards weigh tree removals, historic demolitions

A city review committee approved the revised preliminary plat for the Magnolia Townhome Infrastructure project, clearing 187 lots and 158 units at 1553 Ut Silkgrass Ln. for paperwork. The Technical Review Committee also cleared revised road construction plans for the same project and approved the site plan for the Long Savanna Neighborhood 10A amenity center at 412 Steele Magnolia Ave. The committee requested revisions to the early site package for the Long Savanna Parcel B multifamily development before further review.

Budget and Tourism Discussions

The Ad Hoc Budget Advisory Committee met June 24 to review May monthly reports, including a discussion on fuel costs, and to set the timeline for the 2027 budget process. Minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are confirmed.

The Tourism Commission met the same day to receive updates on the Tourism Management Plan from the Mayor and the Department of Livability and Tourism. Commissioner Elizabeth Saad requested a discussion item. The meeting included a public comment period for written and in-person input.

The Commission on Women met June 22 to review outcomes of the State of the Woman discussion series and approve previous minutes.

Historic Property Reviews

The Board of Architectural Review considered 15 applications June 25 for changes to historic properties. Notable items included full demolition of a garage, balcony, and entry steps at 184 Broad Street, with conceptual approval sought for a new two-story addition and piazza extension at the same address. The board also reviewed after-the-fact demolition approvals at 58 Dunnemann Avenue and 331 Ashley Avenue, and wholesale window replacement at 23 Allway Street, which drew public comments from preservation groups.

Additional BAR items included conceptual approval for a new two-story home at 125 Bogard Street, a one-story addition at 49 South Battery Street, illuminated signage at 258 King Street, and demolition and addition requests at 142 Hester Street and 6 Moultrie Street.

The Redevelopment and Preservation Commission reviewed a roof replacement program request for 943 Rutledge Avenue on June 25.

Tree Removal Variances

The Board of Zoning Appeals Site Design met July 1 to consider variance requests for tree removal and relocation at several properties. Items included a variance to remove one grand tree at 4 Jenkins Avenue on the Citadel campus, a reconsideration of a denied request to remove a 33-inch elm at 50 and 52 South Battery Street, and variances for Ripley Point Drive sought by Ripley Yacht Club to relocate one grand tree, remove another, reduce construction setbacks near three trees, and waive the 15 protected trees per acre requirement. River Road Associates sought a variance to remove 20 to 29 grand trees and reduce setbacks near others on River Road. Public comments on the Ripley Point item cited late notice and requested rescheduling.

Community Development and Infrastructure

The Community Development Committee met June 25 to vote on an agreement with MUSC Foundation regarding West Edge parcels. The committee also heard a presentation on the Hagood Avenue Improvement Plan, which addresses flooding and adds bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and received updates on affordable housing proposals at 975 King Street and 24 Calhoun Street. Project 3500 RFPs for architectural and engineering services on the Western and Eastern Peninsula were also on the agenda.

The Technical Review Committee met July 2 to review the Bishop Gadsden retirement community redevelopment at 1 Bishop Gadsden Way on James Island, a new music studio and venue at 2112 Montford Ave, First Baptist School chapel and academic building additions at 2051 George Griffith Blvd, a Fleming Road sidewalk project, and Long Savannah Parkway preliminary plat and road construction plans. Items were mostly in revise-and-return or open-pending-delivery status.

Special Events

The Special Events Committee reviewed permit applications June 24 for several public gatherings, including a Celebration of Life for Joseph Dennard at Joe Riley Baseball Stadium on July 11, the 911 Heroes Run involving closure of Seven Farms Dr. on Sept. 12, the Daniel Island Annual Golf Cart Parade at Smythe Park on July 3, and the Fisher House Freedom Ride motorcycle procession ending at 2200 Heriot St. on Aug. 29.

On June 29, the committee discussed two World Cup watch parties: a July 1 event in Camden Alley for 825 attendees and a July 6 event at Credit One Stadium for 2,500 attendees. No votes were scheduled.

Coming Up

• **July 6 — Design Review Board:** Will review the 348-unit Grand Oaks multi-family community in West Ashley, a new McDonald's at 3943 West Ashley Circle, and an appeal of a staff signage denial at 1798 Ashley River Rd.
• **July 8 — Board of Architectural Review:** Will consider a mockup panel for the MUSC medical complex at 35 Bee Street, conceptual approval for College of Charleston student housing at 106 Coming Street, and a multi-family building at 989 Morrison Drive.
• **July 8 — Special Events Committee:** Will vote on the 911 Heroes Run street closure for 1,900 attendees on Seven Farms Drive, the Avondale 5K fundraiser, and the Fisher House Freedom Ride motorcycle parade.
• **July 9 — Charleston Basin Flood Action Committee:** Will hear updates on flood statistics, the city zoning rewrite, and stormwater management, with a public comment period.
• **July 15 — Planning Commission:** Will vote on short-term rental ordinance amendments, rezoning requests, and a concept plan for a 95-lot townhome development on Riverland Oaks.

Technical Review Committee Approves 187-Lot Townhome Project in Charleston

The city’s Technical Review Committee approved a revised preliminary plat on June 25 for the Magnolia Townhome Infrastructure project, clearing the way for 187 lots and 158 residential units on Silkgrass Lane. The committee also cleared the project’s road construction plans. At the same meeting, officials requested revisions to an early site package for a multifamily development on West Verdant Drive and cleared an amenity center site plan for the Long Savanna neighborhood.

Other recent agenda highlights

Several city boards and committees met over the past two weeks, though meeting minutes have not yet been released.

• The Community Development Committee’s June 25 agenda included a vote on an agreement with the MUSC Foundation for West Edge parcels, a presentation on the Hagood Avenue flood-mitigation streetscape plan, and updates on affordable housing proposals at 975 King Street and mixed-income housing at 24 Calhoun Street.
• The Special Events Committee on June 24 reviewed permits for a July 11 memorial at Joe Riley Baseball Stadium, the Sept. 12 911 Heroes Run, a golf cart parade on July 3, and the Fisher House Freedom Ride motorcycle procession in August.
• The Board of Architectural Review – Small on June 25 considered 15 applications for alterations and demolitions in historic districts, including a two-story addition at 184 Broad Street and after-the-fact demolition approvals at 58 Dunnemann Avenue and 331 Ashley Avenue.
• The July 1 Board of Zoning Appeals Site Design agenda included variance requests to remove grand trees at multiple sites. A developer on River Road sought to remove 20 grand trees, while the Ripley Yacht Club requested tree relocations and setback reductions on Ripley Point Drive. Public comments submitted before the meeting asked that the Ripley Point item be postponed due to late notification.

Coming up

Monday, July 6 – Design Review Board will consider the Grand Oaks development: a 348-unit multifamily community with seven four-story buildings and 33 townhomes, plus a new McDonald’s at 3943 West Ashley Circle and a sign package appeal for a Piedmont Urgent Care location.

Wednesday, July 8 – Special Events Committee is scheduled to vote on a street-closure permit for the 911 Heroes Run (1,900 attendees) on Seven Farms Drive, as well as the Avondale 5K, a Fisher House motorcycle ride, and a Hayley Williams concert at Credit One Stadium.

Wednesday, July 8 – Board of Architectural Review – Large will review a mockup panel for MUSC’s medical complex at 35 Bee Street and conceptual plans for a College of Charleston student housing project at 106 Coming Street.

Thursday, July 9 – Charleston Basin Flood Action Committee will receive an update on the city’s zoning rewrite, along with flood statistics, resilience projects, and stormwater management. A public comment period is open.

Thursday, July 9 – Board of Architectural Review – Small will vote on a partial demolition of a 1935 house at 10 Clemson Street.

Tuesday, July 15 – Planning Commission will vote on amendments to the short-term rental ordinance that clarify definitions, limits, and penalties. The commission will also consider a concept plan for a 95-lot townhome development on 27.8 acres at Riverland Oaks.