Board of Zoning Appeals

Regular Meetings

• Meets as needed.
• Meeting dates are given public notice in the local newspaper once they have been scheduled.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

About the Board

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) provides the ability to grant relief from the Municipal Zoning and Development Ordinance (MZDO) through the granting of variances and special exceptions. It also reviews appeals to administrative decisions. The BZA is a quasi-judicial entity and appeals to its rulings are handled through South Carolina's circuit court system and not City Council.

Variances

A variance allows the applicant to depart from the standard rules. Variances alleviate "unnecessary hardship," which typically refers to hardship inherent in the physical characteristics of the land. Special exceptions are those used in the zoning ordinance allowed in specific zoning districts after a special review. The list of allowed special exception uses is contained in the MZDO under each zoning district and land use classification to which it applies.

Meetings

The Board of Zoning Appeals meets only when there is a new business to be considered. Meeting dates are given public notice in the local newspaper once they have been scheduled. If you would like to be on the mailing list for BZA announcements, please contact the Planning and Development department at 843-784-2231.

BZA Forms

• Form V: Variance Application (PDF) - Fill out this form if you plan to request a variance on a property.
• Form X: Special Exception Application (PDF) - Fill out this form if you plan to request a special exception on a property.