The minutes of the Public Hearing of the Town Council of the Town of James Island held Tuesday, January 20, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall, 1246 Camp Road.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Planning Commission Chairman Leonard Blank welcomed everyone and stated that this hearing had been duly noticed in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act and South Carolina law.  Present at the hearing were:  Mayor Mary Clark, Councilmen Parris Williams, Bill Woolsey and Bill Wilder.  Also present was secretary, Marie Copeland.

The purpose of this hearing is to receive public input on proposed changes to the Town of James Island Land Use Regulations, Ordinance#2003-27. Copy Attached.

Amendment 1: Section C.1. Residential Land Use – This amendment changes the word “eliminate” to “discourage”.  No public comments were offered.

Amendment 2: Section C.1. Residential/Special management – This amendment changes from “1 to 2.75 dwellings to acre” to “1 to 3 dwellings per acre”.  No public comments were offered.

Amendment 3:  Section C.6. Public and Quasi-Public Lands – Mr. Blank stated that there are no use variances in zoning. The change to this amendment is to strike out the phrase “use variance” to read “the Board of Zoning Appeals as a special exception before the use may be permitted for development or construction”.  No public comments were offered.

Amendment 4: Land Use Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations – Article 4.9.3 Density/Intensity and Dimensional Standards – The maximum density for RR1 currently is 2.75 units per acre, the intention of this amendment is to change the maximum density to 3 dwelling units per acre.  No public comments were offered.

Amendment 5: Infill Provision in RSL Zoning – Article 4.10.3 – This amendment changes the infill development to state that “the average lot area of a lot shall not be less than the average lot area of the existing residential neighborhood, excluding multi-family dwelling units and any parcel of land not used for residential purposes measured in 500 feet of the boundary of the proposed subdivision in which the proposed lot is to be created, and in no case shall be smaller than 10,000 square feet, provided that public water and sewer service are available.” No public comments were offered.

Amendment 6:  Article 9.4.1 Grand Tree Provision – The recommendation is to change the tree size from “12” to “18” breast height. 

Amendment 7:  Chapter 12, Definition of a Grand Tree – The recommendation is to change the definition of a Grand Tree from 12” to be “any tree with the diameter breast height of 18” or greater, with the exception of pine trees.” 

Eugene Platt spoke in opposition to this amendment change.  He supports the City of Charleston’s annexation of Poplar Grove to help minimize development; the thrust is to toughen tree restrictions, not loosen them.  He was very proud of the stand the Town has taken in adopting the 12” tree restriction; 12” trees if given the chance to grow will become 18” then 24”.  Both the Town and PSD seals have grand trees in them. We should be concerned about our children and grandchildren’s future and that grand trees will be here for them.  The only way to do this is to be bold and not dilute the tree size restrictions.

Sandy Just also spoke in opposition to this amendment change. Her understanding of the tree size is that it will keep growth down on the island. Tree size does not prevent anyone from building on a lot; it does require respect for the site and better planning.  Decorative and ornamental trees do not add to the environment or habitat for wildlife. We should focus on the beauty and integrity of the island. She is disappointed about the decision to lengthen the tree size to 18”.