Folly Beach boards weigh short-term rental moratorium, B&B conversion, marsh variance
In the past two weeks, Folly Beach's Board of Zoning Appeals and City Council held meetings to consider a short-term rental moratorium, a bed-and-breakfast conversion, and a marsh buffer variance. All three meetings were agenda-only; no votes were taken and minutes have not yet been published.
Short-term rental moratorium on council agenda
The City Council held two special meetings to consider Ordinance 27-26, which would impose a moratorium on new business licenses for short-term rentals until a study is completed. On August 17, the council's special committee discussed legal advice on the short-term rental ordinance and recent court rulings. The committee also reviewed Resolution 42-26, which authorizes the city attorney to file appeals in two lawsuits: *Park Lane Partners, LLC and Elizabeth Spratt Cooper v. City of Folly Beach* and *Thomas Jermyn v. City of Folly Beach*. The ordinance received a first reading that day.
On August 21, the council held a special meeting for the second reading of Ordinance 27-26. No other substantive items were listed on that agenda. The council has not yet voted on the ordinance or the resolution.
BZA to consider B&B conversion and marsh buffer variance
The Board of Zoning Appeals met on August 11 to review two requests:
- A special exception to convert an existing short-term rental into a bed and breakfast at 116 East Indian (TMS 328-10-00-053).
- A variance from marsh buffer requirements at 299 Shadow Race Lane (TMS 328-09-00-032) for a pool and entry stairs. The request covers approximately 111 square feet of pool with decking, 13 square feet of pool safety fence, and 38 square feet of entry landing and stairs.
The board also reviewed procedural and approval requirements, but no decisions were recorded.
Coming up
No meetings are scheduled for the next 14 days, according to the provided data. Residents should check the city's official calendar for any newly announced meetings.