An important positive step in the advancement of attainable housing in our region was recently realized. After almost four years of extensive study and analysis, the Charleston County Council adopted comprehensive amendments to the Zoning and Land Development Regulation (ZLDR) on October 26. Special thanks to the many Chamber members who have supported these efforts, including serving on the Housing Task Force, testifying before the County Council and sending supportive letters to the County Council.
For more information about the history and policy recommendations behind the ZLDR amendments, please read our previous Advocates.
Passing this watershed legislation will allow for the needed increase in housing supply and incentivize developments that include affordable and/or workforce housing. You can access the full ordinance language here. Many of these changes came out of the work of the Task Force and were studied in detail by the Planning Staff and Planning Commission. The Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend that the Council adopt the changes.
The Charleston County Council passed the ZLDR Amendments 8-1 with a few notable changes to the Planning Commission’s recommendation:
- Do not reduce the S-3 minimum lot size to 10,000 square feet. (It shall remain at 12,500 feet)
- Require Special Exception approval for the alternative housing types proposed for the S-3 and R-4 Zoning Districts in Table 6.1, Use Table, and Sec. 6.4.19, Affordable and Workforce Dwelling Units
- Require Special Exception approval for the proposed reductions in parking requirements for affordable and workforce housing units/developments.
The Charleston Metro Chamber is proud to advance attainable housing in our region alongside our members, partner organizations and Charleston County. Special thanks to the Charleston County Planning Staff, the Charleston County Planning Commission, and most importantly, the Charleston County Council for adopting these needed changes in advance of attainable housing. Congratulations to all!
