Charleston County Council Reconsiders Ten Mile Zoning Plan

Charleston County Council has amended its controversial zoning plan for the Ten Mile community, a historic settlement located near Mount Pleasant and Awendaw. Initially approved earlier this year, the plan aimed to preserve the area’s rural character but included a provision that would have significantly increased allowable density on its rural side. The council’s recent decision to eliminate this increase reflects a growing consensus among council members to protect the community’s heritage.

When the zoning plan was first introduced, it proposed raising the allowable density from one unit per three acres to one unit per acre on the rural side of Ten Mile. This change sparked concerns among residents and local officials regarding its potential impact on the community’s character. County Councilman Larry Kobrovsky expressed that the residents advocating for this increase did not represent the majority opinion. He pointed out that such a move contradicted the plan’s overarching goal of alleviating development pressures in Ten Mile.

The county’s planning staff engaged with Ten Mile residents to gather input, ultimately leading to the proposal of an overlay district aimed at preserving the area’s rural lifestyle. While this overlay introduced measures to restrict business types and regulate housing styles, the initial density increase raised alarms about inviting unwanted development into the community.

Community members had valid reasons for wanting higher density. Some aimed to enable family members to build homes on ancestral land. However, this change would not have been limited to long-standing residents; it would also open the door for developers and speculators, threatening to transform the rural landscape that the residents cherish.

Recognizing the potential consequences, the County Council amended the plan last month to retain the existing limit of one unit per three acres. The final vote on this zoning plan is anticipated on December 9, 2023, and there is a strong push from council members to maintain the current rural density cap. “We have a chance to do things right but it can easily go the other way,” Mr. Kobrovsky stated. “The precedent is huge.”

The decision made by Charleston County could serve as a significant precedent for similar zoning changes in other communities facing development pressures. The council’s efforts to balance preservation with the need for community evolution reflect a careful approach to planning that respects historical contexts while accommodating future growth.

In summary, the council’s actions regarding the Ten Mile zoning plan highlight the intricate dynamics of community planning, especially in areas with rich histories. As the final vote approaches, the focus remains on ensuring that the voices of Ten Mile’s residents are heard and prioritized in the decision-making process. This careful reconsideration of zoning illustrates a commitment to preserving the unique character of Charleston County’s historic communities while navigating the complexities of modern development.