(A) Downtown Commercial (DC).
(1) Purpose and intent. The DC District is established as a commercial focal point for Folly Beach characterized by a vibrant mix of retail, service, restaurant, entertainment, cultural, governmental, civic, residential, and visitor-service uses unique to the city. The district is intended to:
(a) Protect and enhance the unique aesthetic and architectural character of Folly Beach's downtown;
(b) Allow for a diverse mix of business, office, institutional, recreational, and residential uses above street-level;
(c) Encourage pedestrian-friendly development;
(d) Require new development that is consistent with the existing template of downtown development; and
(e) Promote the economic and development potential of Folly Beach while also protecting its unique character.
(2) District-specific standards. In addition to the other standards in this ZDO, development in the DC District shall comply with the following:
(a) Mixed-use structures in the DC District shall not include residential uses on the ground floor of the structure.
(b) Commercial uses on ground floor shall not be converted to a residential use.
(c) Nonconforming lots of record lawfully established on or before April 13, 1999 may be developed in accordance with the standards in § 168.04-01(C), Lots in the DC and IC Districts.
(d) Residential uses located above a nonresidential use in the DC District shall not exceed two stories or 34 feet above the top of the first living floor surface.
(e) Lot coverage is limited to a maximum of 50% of the lots high ground area.
(f) Except where exempted by the Design Review Board, new development on lots in the DC district fronting Center Street shall be built to the edge of the sidewalk or right-of-way edge.
(g) New development in the "A" Flood Zone shall be:
1. Elevated and enclose the entire perimeter of the structure below the base flood elevation with solid walls which are hydrostatically vented and aesthetically incorporated into the overall design of the structure; or
2. Floodproofed in lieu of elevating.
(h) New development on lots fronting Center Street located in the "V" Flood Zone shall be elevated and shall enclose the entire perimeter of the structure below the base flood elevation with solid breakaway walls which are aesthetically incorporated into the overall design of the structure.
(i) Duplex dwellings and multi family units located upon a single lot may be detached structures. Detached units may be located on individual lots, provided the newly created lots extend no more than five feet from the exterior walls of the proposed structure.
(j) Short term rentals are allowed subject to the requirements of Chapter 117 of the city code of ordinances.
(B) Island Commercial (IC).
(1) Purpose and intent. The IC district is established to provide for a “resort center” within the city that provides a variety of visitor-oriented business services, including visitor lodging, visitor attractions, and support facilities. The district is intended to accommodate visitor-oriented structures such as hotels, bed and breakfast inns, and time share units. Indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, parking, and low-intensity retail uses are also appropriate. This district is intended to foster pedestrian access particularly along the beachfront, in order to minimize traffic impacts to surrounding residential areas. Short term rentals are allowed subject to the requirements of Chapter 117
of the city code of ordinances. Multi-family dwellings, accessory dwelling units, and intense commercial uses are prohibited. The minimum lot area for residential uses is 10,500 square feet and 5,250 square feet for all other uses. Duplex dwellings located upon a single lot may be detached structures. Detached units may be located on individual lots, provided the newly created lots extend no more than five feet from the exterior walls of the proposed structure. Lot coverage is limited to 35% of the lots high ground area.
(2) District-specific standards.
(a) Mixed-use structures in the IC District shall not include residential uses on the ground floor of the structure.
(b) Commercial uses on ground floor shall not be converted to a residential use.
(c) Nonconforming lots of record lawfully established on or before April 13, 1999 may be developed in accordance with the standards in § 168.04-01(C), Lots in the DC and IC Districts.
(d) All development in the IC District shall not exceed two stories or 40 feet above the top of the first living floor surface.
(C) Marine Commercial (MC). The MC District is established to recognize areas within the city where, due to proximity to navigable waterways, commercial marine related-activity takes place. A full range of marine- related uses (e.g., docks and marinas), major and minor utilities, and outdoor storage facilities are appropriate uses in addition to limited residential uses, institutional uses, and limited retail uses. Short term rentals are allowed subject to the requirements of Chapter 117
of the city code of ordinances. Applications to amend the official zoning map to establish or expand the MC District are prohibited.
(D) Corridor Commercial (CC). The CC District is established and intended to provide for a wide variety of general retail and high intensity residential and nonresidential uses located along the Folly Road corridor north of the Folly Creek Bridge, and to maintain scenic vistas along this corridor. The CC District is intended to accommodate the largest and most intense form of retail in the city (those uses greater than 10,000 square feet). Visitor-oriented services including hotels and indoor and outdoor recreational facilities are also permitted. Short term rentals are allowed subject to the requirements of Chapter 117 of the city code of ordinances. Maximum lot coverage is limited to 35% of a lots high ground, and maximum building heights are limited to 34 feet above the top of the first living floor surface. Duplex dwellings and multifamily units located upon a single lot may be detached structures. Detached units may be located on individual lots, provided the newly created lots extend no more than five feet from the exterior walls of the proposed structure and the development includes the minimum open space set-aside required in § 166.03, Open Space Standards.
(E) Conservation (CN). The CN District is established in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan to preserve sensitive marshland ecosystems and prevent flood hazards. Land in the CN District is intended to encourage the maintenance of wildlife preserves, scenic areas, or watershed conservation areas, to the maximum extent practicable. Parks, public docks, private recreational docks, or public piers are allowable uses.
(Ord. 05-10, passed 3-23-10; Am. Ord. 26-16, passed 1-10-17; Am. Ord. 09-17, passed 7-11-17; Am. Ord. 26-17, passed 1-9-18; Am. Ord. 01-19, passed 4-9-19; Am. Ord. 11-21, passed 5-11-21)