For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. If not specifically defined herein, words and terms shall be defined in Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition.
ABANDONED SIGN. See SIGN, ABANDONED for definition.
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE. A structure that is detached from a principal structure and customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal structure.
ACCESSORY USE. A use, structure, or part of a structure customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use of a zoning lot or of a structure. An ACCESSORY USE is located on the same zoning lot as the principal use, except in the cases of off-street parking, temporary manufactured housing parks, temporary real estate sales office, and temporary construction facilities.
ACTIVE RECREATION AREA. Any park and recreational facility that is not dependent upon a specific environmental or natural resource, which is developed with recreation and support facilities such as playgrounds, golf courses, bicycle trails, baseball or softball fields, football or soccer fields, basketball courts, swimming pools, clubhouses, equestrian facilities, and tennis courts.
ADDITION. A structure added to the original structure at some time after the completion of the original or an extension, alterations, or increase in floor area or height of a building or structure.
ADMINISTRATIVE AND BUSINESS OFFICE. The use of a building or a portion of a building for the provision of executive, management, or administrative services.
ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION. Any order, requirement, decision, or determination by the Zoning Administrator or his or her designee relating to the administration or enforcement of the Town Zoning and Land Development Regulations.
ADULT DAY CARE FACILITY. A facility licensed by the State Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) for adults 18 years of age or older, which offers, in a group setting, a program of individual and group activities and therapies. The program is directed toward providing community-based day care services for those adults in need of a supportive setting. The program shall provide a minimum of four and a maximum of 14 hours of operation a day. (See S.C. DHEC Regulations 61-75, Standards for Licensing – Day Care Facilities for Adults.)
AFFORDABLE HOUSING. In the case of dwelling units for sale, housing in which mortgage, amortization, taxes, insurance, and condominium or association fees, if any, constitute no more than 28% of the annual household income for a household earning no more than 80% of the area median income, by household size, for the metropolitan statistical area as published from time to time by the U.S. Department of Housing and Community Development (HUD) and, in the case of dwelling units for rent, housing for which the rent and utilities constitute no more than 30% of the annual household income for a household earning no more than 80% of the area median income, by household size, for the metropolitan statistical area as published from time to time by HUD.
AGRICULTURAL PROCESSING. The preliminary processing and packaging of agricultural products, such as a packing shed. AGRICULTURAL PROCESSING shall not include slaughterhouses, butcheries, tanneries, or rendering plants.
AGRICULTURAL SALES AND SERVICE. An establishment engaged in the retail or wholesale sale from the premises of feed, grain, fertilizers, pesticides, and similar goods.
AGRICULTURAL USE, BONA FIDE. Allowed primary uses on real property to raise, harvest, or store crops, feed, breed, or manage livestock, or to produce plants, trees, fowl, or animals useful for human consumption, including the preparation of the products raised thereon for human consumption and disposed of by marketing or other means and which the subject property receives agricultural preferential assessment by the County Assessor’s Office. Such uses include agriculture, grazing, horticulture, forestry, dairying, and mariculture. Uses that do not qualify as BONA FIDE AGRICULTURAL USES include recreation, hunting clubs, fishing clubs, vacant land (land lying dormant), and any other similar uses.
AGRICULTURE. The use of the land for agricultural purposes, including farming, dairying, pasturage, apiculture, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, and animal and poultry husbandry, and the accessory uses of packing, treating, or storing of produce; provided, however, that the operation of any such accessory uses shall be secondary to that of the principal agricultural use.
ALLEY. A minor vehicular way used primarily for access to the side or rear of properties.
ALTERATION, STRUCTURAL. Any change in the supporting members of a building or structure, such as bearing walls, columns, beams, or girders or in the dimensional or configurations of the roof or exterior walls. STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS shall not include the application of exterior siding to an existing building for the purpose of beautifying and modernizing.
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARD. An acceptable concentration of an air pollutant in a community as determined by S.C. DHEC standards.
ANIMAL. Any live or dead dog, cat, non-human primate, guinea pig, hamster, rabbit, or any other warm-blooded animal, which is being used, or is intended for use, for research, teaching, testing, experimentation, or exhibition purposes, or as a pet. This term excludes birds, rats of genus Rattus and mice of the genus Mus bred for use in research, and horses not used for research purposes and other farm animals, such as, but not limited to, livestock or poultry used or intended for use as food or fiber, or livestock or poultry used or intended for use for improving animal nutrition, breeding, management, or production efficiency or for improving the quality of food or fiber. With respect to a dog, the term means all dogs, including those used for hunting, security, or breeding purposes.
ANIMAL AQUACULTURE. Land devoted to the hatching, raising, and breeding of fish, shrimp, or other aquatic animals for commercial purposes. ANIMAL AQUACULTURE shall include those accessory uses and activities customarily associated with this type of operation as determined by the Zoning Administrator.
ANIMAL, EXOTIC. Any animal not identified in the definition of “animal” that is native to a foreign country or of foreign origin or character, is not native to the United States, or was introduced from abroad. This term specifically includes animals such as, but not limited to, lions, tigers, leopards, elephants, camels, antelope, anteaters, kangaroos, water buffalo, and species of foreign domestic cattle, such as ankole, gayal, or yak.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION. The raising of animals on pastureland or production of animal products on an agricultural or commercial basis. ANIMAL PRODUCTION shall include those accessory uses and activities customarily associated with this type of operation as determined by the Zoning Administrator. ANIMAL PRODUCTION shall not include concentrated animal feeding operations, slaughterhouses, or butcheries.
ANIMATED SIGN. See SIGN, ANIMATED for definition.
APPLICATION, COMPLETE. An application for development review and approval that:
(1) Has been submitted in the required format;
(2) Includes all information required by this chapter to be submitted for the subject application type; and
(3) Is accompanied by the required fee.
ARBORIST, CERTIFIED. A person certified by the International Society of Arboriculture.
ARTERIAL STREET. See STREET, ARTERIAL for definition.
ARTISAN AND CRAFTSMAN. Any business establishment that produces on the premises articles of artistic quality or effect or handmade workmanship. Examples include candle making, weaving, pottery making, woodworking, sculpting, painting, and other associated activities.
ATTACHED SINGLE-FAMILY (DWELLING UNIT). See SINGLE-FAMILY, ATTACHED for definition.
AVIATION. Airports, landing fields, aircraft parking and service facilities, and related facilities for operation, service, fueling, repair, storage, charter, sales, and rental of aircraft, including activities directly associated with the operation and maintenance of airport facilities and the provision of safety and security. AVIATION also includes facilities for loading, unloading, and interchange of passengers, baggage, and incidental freight or package express between modes of transportation.
BALCONY. A platform projecting from a building not exceeding five feet in depth.
BANNER. A strip of cloth containing a message or advertisement.
BAR or LOUNGE. A use engaged in the preparation and retail sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, where 25% or more of the gross receipts are for sale of alcohol. This use includes taverns, cocktail lounges, and any member-exclusive bars or lounges.
BARN. A farm building used for storing farm products or sheltering livestock. This term excludes any residential use or non-agricultural use.
BASE COURSE. A layer or layers of specified or selected material of designated thickness or rate of application placed on a sub-base or sub-grade to comprise a component of the pavement structure to support the pavement or subsequent layer of construction.
BED AND BREAKFAST/SHORT-TERM RENTAL. A portion of an owner-occupied dwelling unit (in residential zoning districts)or owner/innkeeper/manager-occupied dwelling unit (in non-residential zoning districts) offering transient lodging to paying guests on an overnight basisfor an amount of time that is less than 30 days.
BERM. A human-made landscape feature generally consisting of a linear mound of soil. Temporary soil stockpiles and retaining walls shall not be considered a BERM.
BILLBOARD (OUTDOOR ADVERTISING STRUCTURE). A large, stabilized third-party/off- premise structure displaying advertising intended for viewing from extended distances, generally more than 50 feet. BILLBOARD/OUTDOOR ADVERTISING DISPLAYS include, but are not limited to, bulletins, wall murals, wrapped posters, 30 sheet posters, and eight sheet posters.
BOARDING HOUSE. See ROOMING HOUSE for definition.
BOAT RAMP. Provides access to the water for the launching and retrieving of watercraft. BOAT RAMPS may be located at marinas, public access points, or at community and commercial docks subject to the applicable regulations.
BOAT SLIP. A docking space alongside a pier, wharf, or mooring dolphins in which a waterborne boat may be moored. For purposes of this chapter and in the absence of an authorized quantity of boat slips by state or federal regulating agencies, a BOAT SLIP shall be considered a minimum length of 25 feet for side mooring and 15 feet for stern moorings.
BOAT YARD. A land-based operation primarily for the repair and service of boats, including any incidental storage of boats in the process of being repaired. This term does not include boat building. If dry stack storage for watercraft or any type of water access is provided, the facility would be considered a water-dependent use (§ 153.092).
BODY ART AND PIERCINGS. Any use of an implement to inject, paint, or pierce the skin of any person shall only be allowed in properties zoned industrial (I).
BOTANICAL GARDEN. A place, generally open to the public for a fee, where a wide variety of plants are cultivated for scientific, educational, or ornamental purposes.
BRIDGE. A structure, including supports, erected over a depression or an obstruction, as water, highway, or railway, and having a track or passageway for carrying traffic or other moving loads.
BUFFER, LANDSCAPE. A vegetated area of varying width, ranging from five to 100 feet, designed exclusively to provide screening between adjoining properties, rights-of-way, parking lots, and structures, as described throughout § 153.335.
BUFFER, WETLAND. An area of varying width, ranging from 15 to 35 feet, providing a visual, spatial, and ecological transition zone between the OCRM critical line and land development, as described in § 153.337. The WETLAND BUFFER is designed to protect water quality and wildlife habitat.
BUILDING. Any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls and intended for the shelter, housing, or enclosure of any individual, animal, plant, process, equipment, goods, or materials of any kind. When a portion thereof is completely separated from every other portion by a dividing wall (or firewall, when applicable) without openings, then each such portion shall be deemed to be a separate BUILDING.
BUILDING CODE. The Building Code of the town.
BUILDING COVER. The proportion, expressed as percentage, of the area of a zoning lot covered by all buildings located thereon, including the area covered by all overhanging roofs.
BUILDING HEIGHT. The vertical distance between the base flood elevation, or ground level if the structure is not in a flood hazard area as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and:
(1) The average height level between the eaves and the ridge line of a gable, hip, or gambrel roof;
(2) The highest point of a mansard roof; or
(3) The highest point of the coping of a flat roof.
BUILDING LENGTH. The length of the facade facing the street for that unit which the sign shall apply. The BUILDING LENGTH (facade facing the street for the business) plus the setback from the street right-of-way/property boundary line shall determine the “maximum size” of the wall/facade sign for that business.
BUILDING PERMIT. An official document or certificate issued under the Town Building Code for any carpentry, masonry, roofing, or related construction or repair. A BUILDING PERMIT is not required for construction under $1,000 unless the construction or repair involves a structural modification or work done by a contractor.
BUILDING, PRINCIPAL. A building in which is conducted the principal use of the zoning lot on which it is situated. In a residential district, any dwelling shall be deemed to be a PRINCIPAL BUILDING.
BUSINESS OR TRADE SCHOOL. A use providing education or training in business, commerce, language, or other similar activity or occupational pursuit and not otherwise defined as a home occupation, college, or university.
CANOPY TREE. A tree, with a diameter of at least two and one-half inches, as measured six inches above grade, at the time of planting, which will grow to a minimum height of 50 feet at maturity.
CARETAKER. An individual or family who resides on premises as an accessory use for the purpose of maintaining, protecting, or operating a permitted principal use on the premises.
CATERING SERVICE. An establishment that prepares and provides food and related services to off-premise locations.
CAUSEWAY. An earthen structure with at least one side adjacent to a depression, wetland, or marsh that supports a road for carrying traffic or other moving loads.
CEMETERY. Land use or intended to be used for the burial of the dead and dedicated for cemetery purposes, including columbariums, crematoriums, mausoleums, and mortuaries when operated in conjunction with and within the boundaries of such cemetery.
CENTER LINE OF STREET. The line surveyed and monumented as the center line of the street, or, if such center line has not been surveyed, it shall be the line running midway between the curbs or ditches of such street.
CERTIFICATE OF NONCONFORMITY. A certificate issued by the Town Planning/Zoning Department to any sexually-oriented business which is operating at the time of the enactment of the regulations of § 153.138 and is not in compliance with one or more of its provisions.
CHARTER BOAT (OR OTHER RECREATIONAL WATERCRAFT) RENTAL. A land-based operation primarily for the rental or leasing of boats or other recreational watercraft. Any operation that is associated with a marina or provides direct water access shall be considered a water-dependent use (§ 153.092).
CHILD CARING INSTITUTION. A facility licensed by the State Department of Social Services (DSS) with one or more staffed residences and with a total population of 20 or more children who are in care apart from their parents, relatives, or guardians on a continuing full-time basis for protection and guidance.
CHILD DAY CARE FACILITY. A facility or dwelling unit that regularly (more than twice a week for more than four hours, but less than 24 hours) provides child day care for seven or more children. This definition includes child care centers and group day care homes, which are licensed by the State Department of Social Services (DSS).
CHURCHES AND OTHER PLACES OF WORSHIP. Same as definition for RELIGIOUS ASSEMBLY.
CIVIC ORGANIZATION. See SOCIAL ORGANIZATION for definition.
COLLECTOR STREET. See, STREET, COLLECTOR for definition.
COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY FACILITY. An educational institution that offers courses of general or specialized study leading to a degree.
COMMERCIAL NURSERY OPERATIONS. See HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTION for definition.
COMMERCIAL REPAIR SERVICE. See REPAIR SERVICE, COMMERCIAL for definition.
COMMERCIAL TIMBER OPERATION. Tracts of five acres or more devoted to the production of marketable forest products through generally accepted silvacultural practices including, but not limited to, harvesting, site preparation, and regeneration.
COMMON OPEN SPACE and/or CONSERVATION AREA. Open space, not in individually owned lots or dedicated for public use, which is designed and intended for the common use or enjoyment of the residents of the development. COMMON OPEN SPACE shall be substantially free of structures, but may contain such improvements as are approved as a part of the development plan for such district and are appropriate for the residents of the district. Land dedicated to the public or designated by the development plan for the use, benefit, and enjoyment of all residents of the development.
COMMUNICATION SERVICE. An establishment primarily engaged in the provision of broadcasting and other information relay services accomplished through the use of electronic and telephonic mechanisms, but excludes those classified as major utility facilities.
COMMUNICATION TOWER. A tower of any size that supports communication equipment, transmission, or reception and is utilized by commercial, governmental, or other public or quasi-public users. This does not include communication towers for amateur radio operators licensed by the Federal Communications Commission which are exempt from local zoning restrictions or communications towers less than 100 feet in height used solely for educational communications purposes.
COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE CENTER. See PUBLIC HEALTH CARE CENTER for definition.
COMMUNITY INTEREST NOTICE. Notice provided to any individual, group, or organization that has submitted a written statement of interest to the Zoning Administrator. Municipalities within the planning area of the subject tract are also included.
COMMUNITY RECREATION. A recreational facility that is the principal use of a parcel of land and that is for use by residents and guests of the following: a particular residential development, planned development, church, private primary or secondary educational facility, community affiliated non-profit organization. COMMUNITY RECREATION can include both indoor and outdoor facilities.
COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER. A public or quasi-public building designed for and used as a social, recreation, and cultural center. As a part of such RECREATION CENTERS, there may be included craft rooms, music rooms, game rooms, meeting rooms, auditoriums, swimming pools, and kitchen facilities. Kitchen facilities and dining areas shall be used for special events only.
COMMUNITY RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY. A facility licensed by the State Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), which offers room and board and provides a degree of personal assistance for a period of time in excess of 24 consecutive hours for ten or more persons, 18 years old or older, unrelated to the operator. Included in this definition is any facility, other than a hospital, which offers a beneficial or protected environment specifically for the mentally ill, drug addicted, or alcoholic or provides or purports to provide any specific procedure or process for the cure or improvement of that disease or condition. A COMMUNITY RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY with nine or fewer residents shall be considered a “family.” (See S.C. DHEC Standard for Licensing, Regulation 61-84, Community Residential Care Facility.)
COMMUNITY ROADS. Roads that serve one or more families and usually have no dedicated rights-of-way or drainage. These roads generally have a dirt surface, are maintained on a regular basis, and are not in the state or town road system.
COMPLETE APPLICATION. See APPLICATION, COMPLETE for definition.
CONCENTRATED ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATION. A confined area or facility within which the property is not grazed or cropped annually and which is used and maintained for the purposes of engaging in the business of the reception and feeding of more than 50 beef or dairy cattle; more than 50 horses; more than 150 hogs, sheep, or goats; more than 1,000 or more birds, such as turkeys, chickens, ducks, or geese; or more than 1,000 small animals, such as guinea pigs, rabbits, or minks. This term shall also include commercial feed lots.
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT. A permit formerly issued by the Town Planning/Zoning Department authorizing a particular use in a specified location within a zoning district, upon demonstrating that such use complies with all the conditions and standards specified by the zoning ordinance. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT is a term used in the town zoning ordinance.
CONGREGATE LIVING. A residential facility providing 24-hour supervision and assisted living for no more than 15 elderly residents (age 50 or older), not needing regular medical attention.
CONSTRUCTION PERMIT. A series of permits required by the Town Planning/Zoning Department that may include building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning), or gas permits.
CONSUMER CONVENIENCE SERVICE. An establishment providing services, primarily to individuals, of a frequent or recurrent nature.
CONSUMER GOODS RENTAL CENTER. An establishment, with greater than 5,000 square feet of gross floor area, primarily engaged in the rental or leasing of new or used products to the general public, excluding vehicle or watercraft rentals.
CONSUMER GOODS RENTAL SERVICE. An establishment, with 5,000 square feet or less of gross floor area, primarily engaged in the rental or leasing of new or used products to the general public, excluding vehicle or watercraft rentals.
CONSUMER REPAIR SERVICE. See REPAIR SERVICE, CONSUMER for definition.
CONSUMER VEHICLE REPAIR. See VEHICLE REPAIR, CONSUMER for definition.
CONVALESCENT SERVICE. A use providing bed care and in-patient services for persons requiring regular medical attention, but excluding a facility providing surgical or emergency medical services. This term excludes facilities providing care for alcoholism, drug addiction, mental disease, or communicable disease. Typical uses include nursing homes.
CONVENIENCE STORE. Establishments primarily engaged in the provision of frequently or recurrently needed goods for household consumption, such as prepackaged food and beverages, newspapers, and limited household supplies, to customers who generally purchase only a few items. CONVENIENCE STORES shall not include fuel pumps or the selling of fuel for motor vehicles.
CONVENTION CENTER. A formal meeting place where the building or rooms are rented or leased to the members, representatives or delegates of a particular group. These centers can usually accommodate large groups.
CORNER LOT. See LOT, CORNER for definition.
CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION. A facility providing judicially required detention or incarceration of people.
COUNSELING SERVICE. An establishment providing counseling, guidance, or similar services to persons requiring rehabilitative or vocational assistance. This term includes job training and placement services.
COUNTRY CLUB. Land area and buildings containing golf courses, recreational facilities, a clubhouse, and other customary accessory uses, open only to members and their guests.
COURTYARD. An open unoccupied space, other than a yard, on the same zoning lot with a building, unobstructed from floor or ground level to the sky.
CROP PRODUCTION. The raising and harvesting of tree crops, row crops, or field crops on an agricultural or commercial basis. CROP PRODUCTION shall include those accessory uses and activities customarily associated with these types of agricultural operation, as determined by the Zoning Administrator. This definition excludes any agricultural uses that are more specifically defined in this chapter.
CUL-DE-SAC. The turnaround area at the end of a dead end street or an egress.
CULTURAL EVENT. Land use of a temporary nature to display objects or events of a community and cultural interest in one or more of the arts and sciences, such as Civil War reenactments.
CULVERT. Any structure not classified as a bridge which provides an opening under any roadway, including pipe culverts, and any structure so named in the plans.
CURB. A stone, concrete, or other improved boundary marking the edge of a road or other paved area.
DATA PROCESSING SERVICES. Establishments primarily involved in the compiling, storage, and maintenance of documents, records, and other types of information in digital form utilizing a main frame computer.
DECIBEL (DB). A unit which describes the sound pressure level or intensity of sound. A sound level meter is calibrated in decibels.
DECISION-MAKING BODY. The entity that is authorized to finally approve or deny an application or permit as required under this chapter.
DECK. An uncovered porch, attached or detached from the primary structure.
DEDICATION. The action of a property owner or developer to transfer an interest in property to the town or other service provider. The approval of a subdivision plat by Town Council is deemed to effect an acceptance by the town of a proposed dedication of a street, easement, or other ground shown on the plat.
DENSITY/INTENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS. Provisions of this chapter controlling the size and shape of zoning lots and the location and bulk of structures thereon. Such regulations include those relating to density, lot area, lot width, setbacks, buffers, building cover, height, and open space.
DESIGN PROFESSIONAL. An individual or firm appropriately licensed and registered in the state.
DETACHED SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING UNIT. See SINGLE-FAMILY, DETACHED for definition.
DETENTION. The temporary holding back of storm water and releasing it at a controlled rate.
DEVELOPER. The legal or beneficial owner of a lot or of any land proposed for development; the holder of an option or contract to purchase; or any other person having an enforceable contractual interest in such land.
DEVELOPMENT. The changing of land characteristics through redevelopment, construction, subdivision into parcels, condominium complexes, apartment complexes, commercial parks, shopping centers, industrial parks, mobile home parks, and similar developments for sale, lease, or any combination of owner and rental characteristics.
DIAMETER BREAST HEIGHT (DBH). The total diameter, in inches, of a tree trunk or trunks measured at a point four and one-half feet above existing grade (at the base of the tree). In measuring DBH, the circumference of the tree shall be measured with a standard diameter tape and the circumference divided by 3.14.
DOCK. A structure extending into or upon a waterway, marshland, or other natural water feature.
DOCK, COMMERCIAL. A docking facility used for commercial purposes. A COMMERCIAL DOCK is not necessarily a marina, a boat yard, or a dry storage facility. All COMMERCIAL DOCKS shall be considered a water-dependent use (§ 153.092).
DOCK, COMMUNITY. Any docking facility that provides access for more than four families (greater than or equal to five watercraft slips and less than or equal to ten watercraft slips) and is not a marina. All COMMUNITY DOCKS shall be considered a water-dependent use (§ 153.092).
DOCK, JOINT USE. Any private dock intended for the joint use of one family. Private docks shall be exempt from the requirements of this chapter.
DOUBLE-FRONTAGE LOT. See LOT, DOUBLE-FRONTAGE for definition.
DRAINAGE EASEMENT. See EASEMENT, DRAINAGE for definition.
DRIP LINE. An imaginary vertical line extending from the outermost circumference of the branches of a tree to the ground.
DRY DOCK (STACK) STORAGE FOR WATERCRAFT. A facility for storing boats out of water. This is principally a land operation, where boats are dry stored or “stacked” until such time as they are transferred to the water for use. Any type of DRY STACK STORAGE FACILITY FOR WATERCRAFT will be considered a water-dependent use (§ 153.092).
DUMPSTER. An accessory use of a property where trash or recyclable material containers, or any other type of waste or refuse container is stored.
DUPLEX. Two single-family dwelling units contained within a single building, other than a manufactured housing unit.
DWELLING (DWELLING UNIT). A building or portion of it designed and used for residential occupancy by a single household and that includes exclusive sleeping, cooking, eating, and sanitation facilities.
DWELLING GROUP. Two or more principal structures, each a single dwelling unit, not including manufactured housing units, that are located on the same zoning lot. This definition does not refer to accessory dwelling units, such as garage apartments or guest houses.
DWELLING, MULTI-FAMILY. A building containing three or more dwelling units, including residential condominiums and apartments.
EARTH ROADS. Those in which the traveled roadway is constructed of compacted earth material creating an earthen driving surface.
EASEMENT. A privilege or right of use, access, or enjoyment granted on, above, under, or across a particular tract of land by the landowner to another person.
EASEMENT, DRAINAGE. The right of access of storm water runoff from the adjacent natural drainage basin into the drainage way within the drainage easement.
ECO-TOURISM. Tourism involving travel to areas of natural or ecological interest, typically under the guidance of a naturalist, for the purpose of observing wildlife and learning about the environment.
EDUCATIONAL NURSERY. See PRE-SCHOOL for definition.
ENLARGEMENT. An increase in the size of an existing structure or use, including physical size of the property, building, parking, or other improvements. ENLARGEMENT would also include the addition of other structures or uses on the lot.
EXOTIC ANIMAL. See ANIMAL, EXOTIC for definition.
FACADE. The entire building wall, fascia, windows, doors, canopy, and on any complete elevation.
FAMILY. An individual or two or more persons related by blood or marriage living together; or a group of not more than six individuals, including live-in servants, not related by blood or marriage but living together as a single housekeeping unit. Residents of community residential care facilities licensed by the State Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) for nine or fewer individuals shall be considered a FAMILY.
FAMILY DAY CARE HOME. An occupied residence in which child day care is provided on more than two days a week for periods of less than 24 hours, but more than four hours, for not more than six children, including those children living in the home and children received for day care who are related to the resident care giver. FAMILY DAY CARE HOMES are licensed by the State Department of Social Services (DSS). (See S.C. Code § 20-7-2700.)
FAMILY, IMMEDIATE. The property owner’s or property owner’s spouse’s parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, or uncles.
FARM. A parcel of land, five acres or more, that is used for one or more of the following: the tilling of the land, the raising of crops, fruits, and vegetables, and the raising and keeping of animals and plants.
FARM LABOR HOUSING. A building or structure which is designed or constructed as a place of residence for up to ten unrelated, transient farm workers living as a single housekeeping unit.
FARM LABOR HOUSING, DORMITORY. A structure designed or constructed as accommodations for transient farm workers for more than ten unrelated persons, which is not designed as an apartment building with individual attached units.
FAST-FOOD RESTAURANT. See RESTAURANT, FAST-FOOD for definition.
FENCE or WALL. A structural device erected to serve as an architectural element, landscape element, visual screen, or physical barrier.
FINANCIAL GUARANTEE. Surety intended to ensure that all improvements, facilities, or work required by this chapter will be completed, restored, or maintained in compliance with this chapter. (See § 153.315.)
FINANCIAL SERVICE. An establishment primarily engaged in the provision of financial and banking services.
FLAG. A piece of fabric or other flexible material, usually rectangular and of distinctive design, which is used as a symbol, such as for a nation, state, locality, or corporation.
FLAG LOT. See LOT, FLAG for definition.
FLASHING SIGN. See SIGN, FLASHING for definition.
FLOOR AREA.
(1) The sum of the gross horizontal areas of the several floors of the building, measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls or from the center lines of wall separating two buildings, computed as follows:
(a) Floor space devoted to the principal use of the premises, including accessory storage areas located within the selling or working space, such as counters, racks, or closets; or
(b) Any basement floor area devoted to the production or processing of goods or to business or professional offices.
(2) FLOOR AREA shall not include space devoted primarily to storage purposes, except as otherwise noted herein, off-street parking or loading facilities, including ramps and maneuvering space, or basement floor area, other than area devoted to retailing activities, the production or processing of goods, or business or professional offices.
FLORIST. A commercial activity offering for sale cut flowers, ornamental plants, floral arrangements, real or artificial, and related accessories including cards, figurines, and indoor ornamental fixtures.
FOOD SALES. An establishment primarily engaged in the retail sale of food for home consumption. These establishments may include the sale of beer and wine in unopened containers for off-premise consumption where the sale of products other than beer and wine comprise at least 51% of the gross sales of the establishment and at least 51% of the total display or shelf space is devoted to products other than beer and wine.
FORESTRY OPERATIONS, BONA FIDE. Shall mean that the property is eligible for, and actually used for forestry or timber operations, and written application has been approved by the County Assessor for the special assessment for agricultural use for the property in question pursuant to S.C. Code § 12-43-220, S.C. Department of Revenue Regulation 117-1780.1, and other applicable statutes, rules, and regulations.
FREE-STANDING SIGN. See SIGN, FREE- STANDING for definition.
FREIGHT FORWARDING FACILITY. A building or area in which freight brought by truck, air, or ship is assembled and/or stored for routing or reshipment. This facility does not include permanent or long-term accessory storage of goods, but may include storage areas for trucks and repair of trucks associated with the facility. This definition includes truck terminals, marine terminals, and packing and crating facilities.
FRESHWATER WETLANDS. See WETLANDS, FRESHWATER for definition.
FRONT LOT LINE. See LOT LINE, FRONT for definition.
FRONT SETBACK. See SETBACK, FRONT for definition.
FUNERAL SERVICE. An establishment engaged in undertaking services such as preparing the human or animal dead for burial and arranging and managing funerals.
GARAGE (PRIVATE). An accessory structure or space on a lot with a dwelling unit devoted to or designed for the storage of automobiles and small (one-half ton capacity or less) trucks and not used for business purposes or occupancy.
GARAGE APARTMENT. A single dwelling unit located over a private detached garage and containing square footage no greater than that of the garage.
GARDEN SUPPLIES CENTER. A commercial activity offering for sale indoor or outdoor plants, garden fixtures, packaged plant food or pesticides, garden tools, manually or power operated with associated parts and accessories. Not included is farm equipment elsewhere provided for in this chapter.
GASOLINE SERVICE STATION. Any premises used primarily for the retail sale of fuel for automobiles, light and medium trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and other consumer motor vehicles. GASOLINE SERVICE STATIONS may include light maintenance such as engine tune-ups, lubrication, minor repairs, and carburetor cleaning, but shall not include heavy vehicle maintenance activities such as engine overhauls, automobile painting, and body fender work. This term may also include the sale of motor vehicle accessories or used tires taken in trade on the premises, but does not include vehicle, moving truck, or trailer sales or rental.
GENERAL CONTRACTOR. An establishment that has the ability to furnish a variety of building materials and provide multiple construction services at a specified price.
GOLF COURSE. A tract of land laid out for at least nine holes for playing the game of golf and improved with tees, greens, fairways, and hazards and that may include a clubhouse and shelter.
GOVERNMENT OFFICE. Federal, state, county, town, or city offices, administrative, clerical, or public contact services, together with incidental storage and maintenance of necessary vehicles.
GRADE. For the purpose of determining building height:
(1) For buildings adjoining one street only, it is the elevation of the sidewalk directly opposite the center of that wall which adjoins the street; in such case where the average elevation of the finished ground surface adjacent to the exterior walls of the building is lower than the elevation of the sidewalk grade, or where there is no sidewalk grade, or where there are not sidewalks, the GRADE shall be the average elevation of the ground on the lowest side adjacent to the exterior walls of the building.
(2) For buildings adjoining more than one street, it is the elevation of the sidewalk directly opposite the center of the wall adjoining the street having the lowest sidewalk elevation.
(3) For buildings having no wall adjoining the street, it is the average level of the finished ground surface adjacent to the exterior walls of the building.
(4) All walls which are approximately parallel to and not more than 25 feet from a front lot line shall be considered as adjoining the street. In alleys, the surface of the paving shall be considered to be the sidewalk elevation. Where the elevation of the sidewalk or alley paving has not been established, the Public Works Director shall determine such elevation for the purpose of this chapter.
GRAND TREE. All species of tree measuring 18 inches or greater diameter breast height (DBH) except pine and sweet gum.
GREENHOUSE. A partially or fully enclosed structure which is used for the growth of plants.
GREENHOUSE PRODUCTION. Ornamental plants or food crops grown for wholesale sale within an enclosed structure or under cover.
GROUND COVER. Low-growing plant material less than 18 inches in height.
GROUP CARE HOME, RESIDENTIAL. A staffed residence, licensed by the State Department of Social Services (DSS), with a population of fewer than 20 children who are in care apart from their parents, relatives, or guardians on a full-time basis. GROUP CARE HOMES are classified by different levels of care ranging from independent to assisted living.
GROUP RESIDENTIAL. The residential use of a site, on a weekly or longer basis, for occupancy by groups of more than six persons not defined as family, such as fraternity or sorority houses, dormitories, or residence halls. This term does not include rooming or boarding houses.
HEALTH CARE LABORATORY. A facility primarily involved in the testing, diagnosis, or observation of medical or dental samples collected at health care facilities. The samples are generally sent to the laboratory from off-premises facilities.
HEAVY COMMERCIAL TRAILER. A trailer vehicle used for any commercial purpose and having more than four tires and which is greater than 15 feet in overall length. Examples of HEAVY TRAILERS include, but shall not be limited to container chassis, dump bodies, reefers, and other trailers commonly utilized within the commercial shipping industry.
HEAVY COMMERCIAL VEHICLE. A Class 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 Vehicle as defined by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). For the purposes of this chapter, this definition does not include six-wheel pickup trucks, motor homes, campers, or recreational vehicles.
HEAVY CONSTRUCTION SERVICES. Service activity involved in road, bridge, building, or other infrastructure construction.
HEIGHT (OF SIGNS). The vertical distance measured from ground level at the base of the sign structure to the highest point of the sign structure.
HISTORIC SITE. A structure or place of outstanding historical and cultural significance and designated as such by the town, the state, or the National Register of Historic Places.
HOME HEALTH AGENCIES. A public, non-profit, or proprietary organization licensed by the State Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) which furnishes or offers to furnish home health services. These services include part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care, as ordered by a physician and provided by or under the supervision of a registered nurse, and at least one other therapeutic service. The majority of home health services are furnished on a visiting basis in a place of temporary or permanent residence used as the individual’s home. (See S.C. DHEC Regulation 61-77, Standards for Licensing – Home Health Agencies.)
HOME IMPROVEMENT CENTER. A facility with over 5,000 square feet of floor area engaged in the retail sale of various basic hardware lines, such as tools, builders’ hardware, paint, glass, house wares, household appliances, and garden supplies. Facilities under 5,000 square feet shall be considered a “hardware store.”
HOME OCCUPATION. An accessory use of a dwelling unit or its accessory structure for gainful employment.
HOMEOWNERS’ OR PROPERTY OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION. A formally constituted non-profit association or corporation made up of the property owners and/or residents of a fixed area. The HOMEOWNERS’ OR PROPERTY OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION may take responsibility for costs and upkeep of common open space or facilities, or enforce certain covenants and restrictions.
HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTION. Land used to grow horticultural and floricultural specialties (such as flowers, shrubs, or trees intended for ornamental or landscaping purposes) for wholesale or retail sale in order to be transplanted to a different location. Retail sales shall not comprise more than 25% of gross sales. This definition excludes crop and greenhouse production that have been identified elsewhere in this chapter.
HORTICULTURE AND LANDSCAPING SERVICES. This activity shall include landscaping, tree trimming, tree removal, and other similar services together with associated equipment and machinery directed toward the care of trees, plants, and lawns.
HOSPITAL. A licensed facility primarily providing in-patient medical, surgical, or psychiatric care for a period exceeding 24 hours. HOSPITAL facilities may also include out-patient services and the following types of accessory activities: out-patient diagnostic and treatment centers, rehabilitation facilities, offices, laboratories, teaching facilities, meeting areas, cafeterias, maintenance, and parking facilities. This definition includes general hospitals, specialized hospitals, chronic hospitals, psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals, or hospices. (See S.C. DHEC Regulation 61-16, Standards for Licensing – Hospital and General Infirmaries, and Regulation 61-78, Standards for Licensing – Hospices.)
HOTEL-MOTEL. A building or portion thereof, or a group of buildings, which provides sleeping accommodations, with or without meal service, for transients on a daily or weekly basis, whether such establishment is designated as a hotel, inn, automobile court, motel, motor inn, motor ledge, tourist cabin, tourist court, or tourist home.
HOUSEHOLD. Same as definition for FAMILY.
HOUSEHOLD PET. See PET, HOUSEHOLD for definition.
HYDROPONICS. Land used to produce, for wholesale sale, plants grown in nutrient-enriched water, where no soil is used.
ILLUMINATED SIGN. See SIGN, ILLUMINATED for definition.
IMMEDIATE FAMILY. See FAMILY, IMMEDIATE for definition.
INDIGENOUS PRODUCE. Fresh fruit, vegetables, and agronomic crops , such as field corn, soybean, wheat, and oats, grown in or are characteristic of the town. This term specifically excludes livestock, animals, or seafood.
INDOOR RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT. See RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT, INDOOR for definition.
INOPERABLE VEHICLE. Any motor-driven vehicle, regardless of size, which is incapable of being self-propelled upon the public streets of the town or which does not meet the requirements for operation upon the public streets, including a current motor vehicle registration.
INTERIOR LOT. See LOT, INTERIOR for definition.
INTERIOR LOT LINE. See LOT LINE, INTERIOR for definition.
INTERIOR SETBACK. See SETBACK, INTERIOR for definition.
INTERMEDIATE CARE FACILITY FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED. A facility licensed by the State Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) that serves four or more mentally retarded persons or persons with related conditions. This facility provides health or rehabilitative services on a regular basis to individuals whose mental and physical conditions require services including room, board, and active treatment for their mental retardation or related conditions. (See S.C. DHEC Regulations 61-13, Standards for Licensing – Habilitation Centers for the Mentally Retarded or Persons with Related Conditions.)
JUNK YARD. See SALVAGE YARD for definition.
KENNEL. A facility that provides boarding for three or more dogs, cats, or other household pets for a fee and may include grooming, breeding, training, or selling of animals.
LANDFILL. A disposal facility or part of a facility where solid waste is placed in or on land.
LANDSCAPE BUFFER. See BUFFER, LANDSCAPE for definition.
LETTER OF COORDINATION. Formal correspondence from an agency, organization, or individual which expresses acknowledgment and/or consent of an application, project, or proposal.
LIQUOR, BEER, OR WINE SALES. An establishment primarily engaged in the retail sale of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption. This definition includes all retail stores where the sales of alcoholic beverages comprise 49% or more of gross sales.
LODGE. See SOCIAL CLUB for definition.
LOT. A designated parcel, tract, or area of land established by plat, subdivision, or as otherwise permitted by law to be separately owned, used, developed, or built upon and is recorded with the Register of Mesne Conveyance of the county.
LOT AREA. The total area included within the boundaries of a zoning lot measured in a horizontal plane.
LOT, CORNER. Either a zoning lot bounded entirely by streets or a zoning lot which adjoins the point of intersections or meeting of two or more streets and in which the interior angle formed by the street lines is 135 degrees or less. If the street lines are curved, the angle shall be measured at the point of intersection of the extensions of the street lines in the directions which they take at the intersection of the street line with the side lot line and with the rear lot line of the lot. If the street line is curved at its point of intersection with the side lot line or rear lot line, the tangent to the curve at that point shall be considered the direction of the street line.
LOT, DOUBLE-FRONTAGE. An interior lot that abuts on two parallel streets or that abuts on two streets that do not intersect at the boundaries of the lot. Lots with access on a street and alley shall not be considered DOUBLE-FRONTAGE LOTS.
LOT, FLAG. A lot with access provided to the bulk of the lot by means of a narrow corridor.
LOT FRONTAGE. The distance for which a zoning lot abuts on a street.
LOT, INTERIOR. A lot with only one front lot line.
LOT LINE. A line of record bounding a lot which divides one lot from another lot or from a public or private street or any other public space.
LOT LINE, FRONT. The lot line separating a lot from the street that is used as the primary access point to the lot.
LOT LINE, INTERIOR. The lot line other than a front lot line.
LOT LINE, REAR. The lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot line.
LOT LINE, SIDE. Any lot line other than a front or rear lot line.
LOT, THROUGH. See LOT, DOUBLE- FRONTAGE for definition.
LOT WIDTH.
(1) WIDTH OF AN INTERIOR LOT. the length of the front lot line or its chord.
(2) WIDTH OF A CORNER OR DOUBLE-FRONTAGE LOT.
(a) If there are two front lot lines, the shorter of such lines or its chord; or
(b) If there are more than two front lot lines, the average length of the two shortest of such lines or their chords.
(3) WIDTH OF LOTS SERVED BY A CUL-DE-SAC. Width shall be measured at the building line.
LOT, ZONING. Any lot that falls within the jurisdiction of the town’s Zoning and Land Development Regulations.
LOTS OF RECORD, APPROVED. A platted parcel or parcels of land created and recorded with the Register of Mesne Conveyance of the county since January 1, 1955, in conformance with the subdivision regulations and bearing the Planning Commission or Town Council stamp of approval or identical parcels created and recorded by plat or meets and bounds prior to January 1, 1955.
LOUNGE. See BAR for definition.
MAIN UTILITY LINES. Those facilities including piping, conduits, outlets, and other appurtenances necessary for the proper functioning of essential services to a development including water, electricity, gas, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, cable communications, and the like.
MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE. Any security which may be required and accepted by the town to ensure that necessary improvements are maintained and will function as required for a specific period of time.
MAJOR RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT. Any boat, boat trailer, camper, or other recreational vehicle with a length of more than 25 feet.
MANUFACTURED HOUSING PARK. A zoning lot on which two or more manufactured housing units are parked or any zoning lot on which space for the parking of manufactured housing unit is rented. The term does not include manufactured housing unit subdivisions or premises where unoccupied manufactured housing units, whether new or used, are parked for the purpose of inspection, sale, storage, or repair, or recreational vehicle parks.
MANUFACTURED HOUSING UNIT. Any residential dwelling unit constructed to standards and codes set forth by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, including the Federal Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. Art. 5401). The term does not include recreational vehicles, travel trailers or motorized homes licensed for travel on highways, nor manufactured housing units designed and built to meet applicable requirements of the State Modular Buildings Construction Act.
MANUFACTURED HOUSING UNIT, REPLACEMENT. A manufactured housing unit that replaces a legally established manufactured housing unit located on an individual lot.
MANUFACTURING AND PRODUCTION. An establishment engaged in the manufacturing, processing, fabrication, packaging, or assembly of goods. Natural, human-made, raw, secondary, or partially completed materials may be used. Products may be finished or semi-finished and are generally made for the wholesale market, for transfer to other plants or to order for firms or consumers. Goods are generally not displayed or sold on site, but if so, this is a subordinate part of sales. Relatively few customers come to the site.
MARINA.
(1) Any of the following:
(a) Lock harbor facility;
(b) Any facility which provides fueling, pump-out, maintenance, or repair services;
(c) Any facility which has permanent docking space for 11 or more watercraft slips;
(d) Any water area with a structure which is used for docking or otherwise mooring vessels and constructed to provide temporary or permanent docking space for more than ten boats; or
(e) A dry stack facility.
MAXIMUM EXTENT FEASIBLE. The point at which all possible measures have been undertaken by the applicant, at which point further measures would involve physical or economic hardships that would render a development project unfeasible or would be unreasonable in the judgment of a review or decision-making body.
MEAN SEA LEVEL. Elevation 0.0 as determined by NGVD 29 datum.
MEDICAL OFFICE (or OUTPATIENT CLINIC). An office or clinic for the private practice of health care professionals licensed by the state. The majority of patient encounters in the office or clinic involve examination, diagnosis, treatment, or surgical procedures on an outpatient basis not extending beyond a 24-hour period. This definition excludes any facilities that have been more specifically defined in this chapter.
MEDICAL SERVICES. Any services provided by a licensed medical practitioner.
MINI-WAREHOUSING. Same definition as SELF-SERVICE STORAGE.
MINOR STREET. See STREET, MINOR for definition.
MIXED USE OCCUPANCY. Occupancy of a building or land for more than one use.
MIXED USE STRUCTURE. A structure containing both residential and nonresidential uses.
MODULAR BUILDING UNIT. A building including the necessary electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating, and other service systems, manufactured off-site and transported to the point of use for installation or erection, with or without other specified components, as a finished building and not designed for ready removal to another site. A MODULAR BUILDING UNIT must meet the applicable requirements of the State Modular Buildings Construction Act, being S.C. Code §§ 23-43-10 et seq. This term is not to be limited to residential dwellings.
MONUMENT SIGN. See SIGN, MONUMENT for definition.
MOTOR VEHICLE. Every vehicle that is self-propelled that can be licensed and registered to be driven on public streets, roads, or rights-of-way, except mopeds, and every vehicle that is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails.
MULCHING OPERATION. An operation that produces mulch. Mulch consists of organic substances placed on the earth as a protective covering around plants to retard weed growth and prevent moisture evaporation and freezing of roots.
MULTI-FAMILY DWELLING. See DWELLING, MULTI-FAMILY for definition.
MUSEUM. A registered non-profit organization displaying, preserving, and/or exhibiting objects of community and cultural interest in one or more of the arts and sciences.
NATURE EXHIBITION. A public display of materials or living things of the outdoors, including the re-creation of natural wildlife habitats native to the James Island area. This term does not include facilities, such as zoos, where the primary purpose is the display of live animals.
NONALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE BAR. A use engaged in the preparation and retail sale of nonalcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, where 50% or more of the gross receipts are for sale of nonalcoholic beverages. This use includes coffee shops and smoothie bars.
NON-COMMERCIAL COPY. Material written for informational purposes only. This material is non-promotional and does not advertise a business or service.
NONCONFORMING LOT. A tract of land, designated on a duly recorded subdivision plat or by duly recorded deed or by other lawful means that complied with the lot area, lot width, and lot depth standards of the zoning district in which it was located at the time of its creation, but which does not comply with the minimum lot area, lot width, or lot depth requirements of the zoning district in which it is now located.
NONCONFORMING SIGN. A sign that was legally established but which no longer complies with the sign regulations of § 153.341.
NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE. A building or structure that was legally established but which no longer complies with the density, intensity, and dimensional standards of the underlying zoning district.
NONCONFORMING USE. A use that was legally established but which is no longer allowed by the use regulations of the zoning district in which it is located.
NURSERY (PLANT). Same as definition for HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTION.
OFFICE. Unless the context clearly suggests a more specific meaning, the term OFFICE shall mean any of the following: government office, administrative or professional office, or medical office.
OFFICE OF COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (OCRM) CRITICAL LINE AREA. This line is defined by the State Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management at the date of application and determines their jurisdiction.
OFFICE/WAREHOUSE COMPLEX. A structure or group of structures offering compartments of varying size for rental to different tenants for the storage of commercial goods or wares, conducting of certain retail trade activities, or provision of those personal or business services permitted by zoning.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN. See SIGN, OFF- PREMISES for definition.
ON-PREMISES SIGN. See SIGN, ON- PREMISES for definition.
OPAQUE SCREENING. See SCREENING, OPAQUE for definition.
OPEN SPACE. An area that is not divided into building lots, streets, driveways, parking lots, or rights-of-way, is intended to provide light and air and is designed for either environmental resource protection, wildlife habitats, scenic views, or recreational purposes as allowed by this chapter.
OPEN OR FIELD STORAGE. The location of bulk items, assemblies, or sub-assemblies in areas exposed to weather, in whole or in part, for the end use of further manufacturing process, sale, or transportation. This shall include, but not be limited to, open display of transportation vehicles, marine craft, aircraft, manufactured housing units, modules, recreation vehicles, junkyards, or “piggy-back” containers. It does not include uses that are totally enclosed.
OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE. Uncovered, horizontal open space on a zoning lot, which space:
(1) Does not include loading or parking areas, driveways, or refuse storage area and is so arranged as to prevent entry by motor vehicles;
(2) Is paved, landscaped, or otherwise improved to make it suitable for passive or active outdoor recreational use and, in the case of roofs and balconies, is so arranged as to be safe for use by children;
(3) Is readily accessible to the residents of the building for which it is required; and
(4) May include land, balcony, and roof areas.
OUTDOOR RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT. See RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT, OUTDOOR for definition.
OUTPATIENT CLINIC. See MEDICAL OFFICE for definition.
OUTPATIENT FACILITIES FOR CHEMICALLY DEPENDENT OR ADDICTED PERSONS. A facility licensed by the State Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) providing specialized nonresidential service for chemically dependent or addicted persons and their families. The outpatient services are based on an individual treatment plan in a nonresidential setting including diagnosis, treatment, individual and group counseling, family therapy, vocational and educational development counseling, and referral services. (See Standards for Licensing, S.C. DHEC Regulation 61-93.)
PARCEL. A contiguous lot or tract of land owned and recorded as the property of the same person or persons or controlled by a single entity.
PARKING GARAGE. A building where residents, tourists, customers, or employees park their motor vehicles on a temporary or daily basis with a service charge or fee being paid to the owner or operator.
PARKING LOT. An open area providing off-street parking for the motor vehicles of residents, tourists, customers, or employees on a temporary, daily, or overnight basis.
PARKING, OFF-SITE. The minimum number of required parking spaces for the existing or proposed use(s) not on the parcel for which the use(s) is located.
PARKING, ON-SITE. The minimum number of required parking spaces for the existing or proposed use(s) on the parcel for which the use(s) is located.
PARKING, REQUIRED. The minimum number of parking spaces for a specific use(s) as defined in this chapter. REQUIRED PARKING spaces cannot be located within public rights-of-way.
PARKING, SHARED. Parking for uses with different operating hours or peak business periods that share required off-street parking spaces.
PARKS AND RECREATION. Parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, recreation facilities, and open space available to the general public, either without a fee or under the management or control of a public agency.
PAROLE OR PROBATION OFFICE. An office for those who supervise parolees or persons placed on probation by a court in criminal proceedings.
PARTIES IN INTEREST. Any individual, associations, corporations, or others who have expressed an interest in writing in an application pending before the Planning/Zoning Department and that has been received by the Zoning Administrator.
PAVED STREETS. Those in which the traveled roadway is constructed of a layer or layers of materials with the surface usually being constructed of portland cement concrete or asphalt concrete.
PAVEMENT. The uppermost layer of material placed on the street usually as the wearing or riding surface. This term is used interchangeably with SURFACE COURSE or SURFACING and will usually imply portland cement concrete or asphalt concrete, but may include ROCKING.
PAWN SHOP. A use engaged in the loaning of money on the security of property pledged in the keeping of the pawnbroker and the incidental sale of such property.
PEDESTAL SIGN. See SIGN, PEDESTAL for definition.
PENNANTS, STREAMERS, AND OTHER MOVING DEVICES. Pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, light bulbs, or other similar moving devices when part of a sign or when used to draw attention to a business or its signs.
PERMANENT STORAGE UNIT. Any manufactured housing unit, modular building built, or pre-manufactured container unit exceeding 120 square feet in size that is used solely for nonresidential purposes.
PERSON. Individual, proprietorship, partnership, corporation, association, or other legal entity.
PERSONAL IMPROVEMENT EDUCATION. An establishment primarily engaged in the provision of information or instruction relating to a particular subject or hobby. This term excludes any educational services more specifically defined in this chapter.
PERSONAL IMPROVEMENT SERVICE. An establishment primarily engaged in the provision of informational, instructional, personal improvements, or similar services, excluding any services that have been more specifically defined in this chapter.
PET GROOMING SALONS. An establishment primarily engaged in the grooming of household pets.
PET, HOUSEHOLD. Domestic animals typically kept for company or enjoyment within the home. HOUSEHOLD PETS shall include, but not be limited to, domestic cats, domestic dogs, domestic ferrets, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, domestic laboratory mice, domestic rabbits, goldfish, canaries, and parrots.
PET STORE. An establishment primarily engaged in the retail sale of household pets.
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR. The Zoning Administrator of the town or the authorized designee or representative of the Administrator.
PLANTS. Includes seed, seedlings, nursery stock, roots, tubers, bulbs, cuttings, and other plant parts used in the propagation of field crops, vegetables, fruits, flowers, and other plants.
PLAT. A diagram drawn to engineer’s scale showing all essential data pertaining to the boundaries and subdivision of a tract of land as determined by a professional land surveyor.
PORTABLE SIGN. See SIGN, PORTABLE for definition.
POSTAL SERVICE, UNITED STATES. Postal services, including post offices, bulk mail processing, or sorting centers operated by the United States Postal Service.
PRE-MANUFACTURED CONTAINER UNIT. A standardized, reusable vessel that is or appears to be:
(1) Originally, specifically, or formerly designed for or used in the packing, shipping, movement, or transportation of freight, articles, goods, or commodities;
(2) Designed or capable of being mounted or moved on a rail car; or
(3) Designed for or capable of being mounted on a chassis or bogie for movement by truck trailer or loaded on a ship.
PRE-SCHOOL. A school with an accredited training program and staffed with certified teachers for children who are not old enough to attend kindergarten.
PRESERVED. To remain relatively unchanged. In relation to open space, PRESERVED shall mean land placed in a conservation easement with a permanent deed restriction that prohibits further development.
PRINCIPAL BUILDING. See BUILDING, PRINCIPAL for definition.
PRINCIPAL USE. The primary or predominant use to which a property is or may be devoted and to which all other uses on the premises are accessory.
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE. A use providing professional or consulting services in the fields of law, architecture, design, engineering, accounting, and similar professions. This term does not include MEDICAL OFFICE OR CLINIC or PAROLE OR PROBATION OFFICE.
PROPERTY OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION. See HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION for definition.
PROTECTED TREES. Any oak tree with a diameter breast height (DBH) of 24 inches or greater.
PUBLIC OR COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE CENTER. A publicly owned facility or not-for-profit organization providing health services for ambulatory patients. These centers can include related facilities, such as laboratories, clinics, and administrative offices typically operated in connection with such care centers. This term does not include facilities to treat mental health or substance abuse.
PUBLIC PROJECT. Any project by or for a public agency using real property, as owner or tenant, that falls within the jurisdiction of the town. These public agencies include:
(1) Agencies and departments of the state;
(2) Counties, and county agencies and departments; and
(3) Municipalities, and municipal agencies and departments.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR. The Director of the Department of Public Works of the town or an authorized representative.
PUBLICLY DESIGNATED AREA. An area set aside for public use by any federal, state, or local government.
RACK. A storage slip for a boat in a dry stack storage facility.
RAILROAD FACILITY. Railroad yards, equipment servicing facilities, and terminal facilities.
REAL ESTATE SIGN. See SIGN, REAL ESTATE for definition.
REAR LOT LINE. See LOT LINE, REAR for definition.
REAR SETBACK. See SETBACK, REAR for definition.
RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT, INDOOR. Participatory and spectator-oriented recreation and entertainment uses conducted within an enclosed building, excluding any sexually-oriented businesses.
RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT, OUTDOOR. Participatory and spectator-oriented recreation and entertainment uses conducted in open, partially enclosed, or screened facilities, excluding any sexually-oriented businesses.
RECREATION (or VACATION) CAMP. An area or tract of land primarily used for recreational purposes that retains an open air or natural character. Accommodations for temporary occupancy, such as cabins and tents, may be located or placed in these areas. This definition does not include areas for recreational vehicles or motorized campers.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE. A highway vehicular, portable structure designed as a temporary dwelling for travel, recreational, and vacation uses. The term includes camping trailer, motor home, travel trailer, and truck campers; the term does not include manufactured housing units.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK. Any lot of land upon which two or more recreational vehicle sites are located, established, or maintained for occupancy as temporary living quarters for purposes of recreation or vacation. This term does not include any premises on which unoccupied recreational vehicles, whether new or used, are parked for the purposes of inspection, sale, storage, or repair.
RECREATIONAL WATERCRAFT RENTAL. See CHARTER BOAT RENTAL for definition.
RECYCLING CENTER. An establishment engaged in the processing, collection, and transfer of recyclable materials. Typical recyclable materials include glass, paper, plastic, cans, motor oil, or other source-separated, non-decayable materials.
RECYCLING COLLECTION (DROP-OFF) FACILITY. A facility used for the collection and transfer, but not the actual processing, of any of the following recyclable materials: glass, paper, plastic, cans, or other source-separated, non-decayable materials. Recyclable materials at a RECYCLING COLLECTION FACILITY shall not include motor oil, chemicals, household appliances, tires, automobiles, automobile parts, or decayable materials.
REHABILITATION FACILITY. A facility operated for the primary purpose of assisting in the rehabilitation of disabled individuals through an integrated program of medical, psychological, social, or vocational evaluation and services under competent professional supervision.
RELIGIOUS ASSEMBLY. A church, synagogue, temple, monastery, convent, retreat center, or any permanent or temporary building providing regular, organized religious worship of any denomination and religious education incidental thereto, but excluding private primary or secondary educational facilities and day care facilities. A property tax exemption obtained pursuant to state law shall constitute prima facie evidence of RELIGIOUS ASSEMBLY use.
RELOCATED TREES. A protected tree that has been relocated in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.
REMNANT PARCEL. A proposed subdivision that has less than the minimum square footage for the existing zoning district.
REMODEL. The internal or external alteration or change, in whole or in part, of a structure or thing that changes its characteristic appearance or the fundamental purpose of its existing design or arrangement and the uses contemplated. Not included in this meaning are the terms ENLARGEMENT and EXTENSION.
REPAIR. The mending or restoration of a building or structure to a sound or good state, at or nearest to its original designed condition, due to decay, dilapidation, damage, or partial destruction. Such work shall not change the size or shape in whole or in part of a building or structure to expand a use. It shall include the terms RENOVATION, REBUILDING, and RECONSTRUCTION for purposes of this chapter.
REPAIR, MINOR. A repair affecting 25% or less of the gross floor area of a structure.
REPAIR SERVICE, COMMERCIAL. An establishment engaged in the repair or servicing of industrial, business, or consumer machinery, equipment, tools, scientific or professional instruments, or similar products or by-products. Firms that service consumer goods do so mainly by providing centralized services for separate retail outlets.
REPAIR SERVICE, CONSUMER. An establishment primarily engaged in the provision of repair services to individuals and households rather than firms, but excluding vehicle and commercial repair services.
REPLACEMENT MANUFACTURED HOUSING UNIT. See MANUFACTURED HOUSING UNIT, REPLACEMENT for definition.
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING OR USE. A RESIDENTIAL BUILDING is a building containing only residential uses and uses accessory thereto.
RESIDENTIAL GROUP CARE HOME. See GROUP CARE HOME, RESIDENTIAL for definition.
RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITY FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS. A facility licensed by the State Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) operated for the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and care of two or more children and/or adolescents in need of mental health treatment. The services include a special education program, recreational facilities, and residential treatment. This definition excludes facilities that are appropriately licensed by the State Department of Social Services. (See S.C. DHEC Regulations 61-103, Standards for Licensing – Residential Treatment Facilities for Children and Adolescents.)
RESOURCE EXTRACTION. The on-site extraction of surface or sub-surface mineral products or natural resources.
RESPONSIBLE ENTITY. Either:
(1) The unit of local government responsible under state law for the maintenance of the roadway; or
(2) In the case of private roadways (non-publicly maintained), the owner of the property on which the roadway is located, or if existing, a homeowners’ association previously created to maintain the roadway.
RESTAURANT, FAST-FOOD. An establishment that offers quick food service, which is accomplished through a limited menu of items already prepared and held for service or prepared, fried or griddled quickly or heated in a device such as a microwave oven.
(1) A FAST-FOOD RESTAURANT generally has one or more of the following characteristics:
(a) It serves ready-to-eat foods, frozen desserts, or beverages in edible or paper, plastic, or disposable containers;
(b) It serves foods that customers carry to the restaurant’s seating facilities, to motor vehicles, or off-premises; or
(c) It serves foods through a pass-through window, which includes any and all drive-in restaurants.
(2) Alcoholic beverages shall not comprise more than 25% of gross receipts.
RESTAURANT, GENERAL. An establishment engaged in the preparation and retail sale of food and beverages for on-premises consumption, where the sales of alcoholic beverages do not comprise more than 25% of gross receipts. This definition does not include fast-food restaurants.
RETAIL SALES AND SERVICE, GENERAL. An establishment primarily engaged in the sale of new or used products to the general public, but excluding those establishments more specifically defined in this chapter.
RETIREMENT HOUSING. The use of a site for one or more dwelling units designed for independent living and marketed specifically for the elderly or persons with physical disabilities or both.
RETIREMENT HOUSING, LIMITED. The use of an existing dwelling unit for independent living and marketed specifically for the elderly or persons with physical disabilities or both, with ten or fewer residents.
REVIEW BODY. The entity that is authorized to recommend approval or denial of an application or permit required under this chapter.
RIGHT-OF-WAY. Land that has been, or is being, dedicated for the construction and maintenance of a street. RIGHT-OF-WAY may also be used to identify an area dedicated for use as part of a drainage system or utility corridor.
ROADSIDE STAND. A small open air structure for the retail sale of sweetgrass baskets or indigenous produce grown or produced on the farm where the ROADSIDE STAND is located. This definition does not include farmers markets.
ROADWAY. The entire are between the outside limits of construction, including appertaining structures, all slopes, ramps, intersections, drive and side ditches, channels, waterways, and the like, necessary for proper drainage. This term shall, in general, be considered synonymous with STREET or ROAD.
ROCK ROAD. Those in which the traveled roadway is constructed of compacted rock material creating a rock driving surface.
ROOF SIGN. See SIGN, ROOF for definition.
ROOMING HOUSE. A residential building other than a hotel-motel in which rooms are provided for compensation for three or more, but not exceeding 20 adult persons, not related by blood, marriage, or adoption to the owner. The rooms must be booked by pre-arrangement for definite periods of time on either a weekly or monthly basis.
RURAL AREA. The area designated as the “rural area” in the Comprehensive Plan.
SAFETY SERVICE. Facilities for the conduct of public safety and emergency services.
SCENIC ROAD. A road or highway designated scenic by the town or by the state.
SCHOOL, PRIMARY. A public, private, or parochial school offering instruction at the elementary school level in the branches of learning and study required to be taught in the public schools of the state.
SCHOOL, SECONDARY. A public, private, or parochial school offering instruction at the middle (junior) and senior high school levels in the branches of learning and study required to be taught in the public schools of the state.
SCRAP AND SALVAGE SERVICE (or JUNK YARD). An establishment primarily engaged in the storage, retail or wholesale, assembling, dismantling, sorting, distributing, or other processing of scrap, used equipment, mechanical components, or waste materials.
SCREENING (ELEMENTS). Various combinations of walls, fences, earthen berms, trees, shrubbery, and landscape materials which comprise a screening plan approved by the Zoning Administrator to fulfill the requirements and serve the purposes of § 153.335.
SCREENING, OPAQUE. A combination of screening elements, approved by the Zoning Administrator, designed to substantially or completely obscure horizontal views between abutting or adjacent properties. When plant materials are used for screening, the screening shall be opaque at the time of plant maturity.
SCREENING, SEMI-OPAQUE. A combination of screening elements in compliance with the requirements of § 153.335 designed to partially obscure horizontal views between abutting or adjacent properties.
SELF-SERVICE STORAGE or MINI- STORAGE. Storage services primarily for personal effects and household goods within enclosed storage areas having individual access, but excluding use as workshops, hobby shops, manufacturing, or commercial activity.
SEMI-OPAQUE SCREENING. See SCREENING, SEMI-OPAQUE for definition.
SERVICE STATION. See GASOLINE SERVICE STATION for definition.
SETBACK. A required minimum distance from a lot line or street right-of-way that establishes an area within which a structure shall not be erected.
SETBACK, FRONT. The setback measured from a street right-of-way.
SETBACK, INTERIOR. The setback measured from any interior lot line.
SETBACK, OCRM CRITICAL LINE. The setback measured from the critical line, as determined by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management at the time of application.
SETBACK, REAR. The setback measured from the rear lot line or from the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management critical line if the rear lot line is not located on high ground.
SETBACK, SIDE. Any setback other than a rear or front setback.
SETTLEMENT AREAS. The areas designated as “settlement areas” by the adopted Town Comprehensive Plan.
SEWAGE COLLECTION SERVICE LINE. A non-lateral line connecting development to a sewage collector or trunk line.
SHRUB. A self-supporting perennial plant of low stature characterized by multiple stems and branches running continuous from the base.
SIDE LOT LINE. See LOT LINE, SIDE for definition.
SIDE SETBACK. See SETBACK, SIDE for definition.
SIGN. Any device or visual communication that is used to announce, direct attention, inform, or advertise to the public.
SIGN, ABANDONED. A sign advertising a person, business, service, event, or other activity that is no longer available or a sign containing inaccurate or outdated information.
SIGN, ANIMATED. Any sign so designed as to facilitate or permit the rotation, oscillation, or other movement of the sign or of any of its visible parts.
SIGN, AREA OF. The entire area within a continuous perimeter, enclosing the extreme limits of sign display, including any frame or border. Curved, spherical, or any other shaped sign face shall be computed on the basis of actual surface area. The AREA OF SIGNS composed of individual letters, numerals, or other devices shall be the sum of the area of the smallest rectangle or other geometric figure encompassing each of said letters or devices. Area devoted to required house numbers shall not be included in the calculation of maximum sign area. The calculation for a double-faced sign shall be the area of one face only. Double-faced signs shall be constructed so that both faces are either parallel or have an interior angle of less than 90 degrees and the two faces shall not be more than 12 inches apart.
SIGN, BONA FIDE AGRICULTURAL USE. A sign specifically used for the advertisement of products from bona fide agricultural uses, related activities, and farm identification that meets the requirements of this chapter.
SIGN, FLASHING. Any lighted or electrical sign that emits light in sudden transitory bursts. For purposes of this chapter, strobe lights in window fronts visible from public rights-of-way are included in this definition. On/off time and temperature signs and message boards are not considered FLASHING SIGNS for the purpose of this chapter.
SIGN, FREE-STANDING. A sign supported by a sign structure secured in the ground and which is wholly independent of any building, other than the sign structure, for support. A sign on a fence shall be considered a FREE-STANDING SIGN.
SIGN, HEIGHT OF. The vertical distance measured from ground level at the base of the sign structure to the highest point of sign structure.
SIGN, ILLUMINATED. A sign designed to give forth artificial light or to reflect artificial light from a source incorporated in or associated with such sign.
SIGN IMITATING TRAFFIC DEVICES (SIGNALS). Signs of such size, location, movement, content, coloring, or of a manner of illumination that could be confused with or construed to be traffic control devices or hide from view any traffic or street signal or obstruct the view in any direction from a street intersection.
SIGN IMITATING TRAFFIC SIGNS. Signs that imitate official traffic signs or signals or signs that contain the words “stop,” “go,” “danger,” “slow,” “caution,” “warning,” or similar words in such a fashion as to imitate official traffic signs or signals.
SIGN IN DISREPAIR. Any sign that contains damaged or defective parts or otherwise presents an unsightly appearance due to lack of maintenance.
SIGN IN MARSHES. Signs erected or displayed in a marsh area or on land subject to periodic inundation by tidal action.
SIGN, LED (LIGHT EMITTING DIODE) MESSAGE BOARD. An electronic portion of a free- standing sign that channels light through tubes to create patterns that can produce changing display. LED SIGNS must comply with all regulations of this chapter.
SIGN, MONUMENT. A free-standing sign with a sign (support) structure that:
(1) Is designed as one architecturally unified and proportional element with the sign itself;
(2) Is at least 90% of the width of the sign face; and
(3) Is solid from grade at the base of the sign to the top of the sign structure.
SIGN, NONCONFORMING. See NONCONFORMING SIGN for definition.
SIGN, OFF-PREMISES. Any sign located or proposed to be located at any place other than within the same platted parcel of land on which the specific business or activity being identified on such sign is itself located or conducted.
SIGN, ON-PREMISES. A sign which directs attention to a business or profession conducted or to a principal commodity, service, or entertainment sold or offered on the premises where such sign is located.
SIGN, PEDESTAL. A free-standing sign with a sign (support) structure that:
(1) Is designed as one architecturally unified and proportional element with the sign itself;
(2) Is at least 50% of the width of the sign face; and
(3) Is solid from grade at the base of the sign to the top of the sign structure.
SIGN, PORTABLE. Signs which usually rest on the ground on wheels or metal legs and may be temporarily anchored by weights and/or cables attached to stakes driven into the ground.
SIGN, REAL ESTATE. Temporary sign advertising the real property upon which the sign is located for rent or lease or sale; advertising a business or businesses to be located on the premises; or advertising the architect, contractor, developer, finance organization, sub-contractor, or material vendor upon which property such individual is furnishing labor, services, or material.
SIGN, ROOF. Any sign erected upon, against, or directly above a roof or roof eave or on or above any architectural appendage above the roof or roof eave.
SIGN, SANDWICH BOARD. A sign not secured or attached to the ground or surface upon which it is located, but supported by its own frame and most often forming the cross-sectional shape of the letter “A” when viewed from the side.
SIGN, SHARED FREE-STANDING. A free- standing sign shared by one or more businesses or residential developments on separate parcels that also share a common property boundary or are located within an approved multi parcel development. One shared sign is allowed per jointly used shared curb cut/entry drive with an allowable maximum of two shared signs per multi-tenant development.
SIGN, SNIPE. A non-permitted sign pasted or attached to utility poles, trees, fences, or other locations.
SIGN, SPECIAL SALES EVENT. A temporary sign advertising a special sales event on a parcel with a legally established business. A temporary SPECIAL SALES EVENT SIGN may be obtained for a maximum of five special sales events per calendar year with each event not to exceed ten consecutive days.
SIGN, TEMPORARY. Signs that are not permanently attached to a building, other structure, or the ground and do not meet structural standards recognized and enforced by the Town Building Inspection Department.
SIGN, VEHICLE. A permanent or temporary sign affixed, painted on, or placed in or upon any parked vehicle, parked trailer, or other parked device capable of being towed, which is displayed to attract the attention of the motoring public or pedestrian traffic.
SIGN, WALL/FACADE. A sign painted on or attached to the outside of a building and erected parallel to the face of a building and supported throughout its length by such building.
SILVACULTURE. The cultivation of a forest for the purpose of harvesting timber.
SINGLE-FAMILY, ATTACHED. The use of a site for two or more dwelling units, constructed with common or abutting walls and each located on a separate lot. Also known as TOWNHOUSES or ROW HOUSES.
SINGLE-FAMILY, DETACHED. The use of a site for only one dwelling unit, other than a manufactured housing unit, that is not attached to any other dwelling unit.
SINGLE-FAMILY, DETACHED/ MANUFACTURED HOUSING UNIT (JOINT USE). The use of a site for one detached single-family dwelling unit and one manufactured housing unit.
SMALL ANIMAL BOARDING. An establishment primarily engaged in the boarding of household pets within an enclosed building.
SNIPE SIGN. See SIGN, SNIPE for definition.
SOCIAL CLUB or LODGE. A building, structure, or grounds, or portion thereof, which is owned by or leased to private organizations, social clubs, or non-profit associations for meeting, recreational, or social purposes. The use of such premises is restricted to the members of these organizations and their guests.
SOCIAL OR CIVIC ORGANIZATION. An establishment providing meeting, recreational, or social facilities for a non-profit association, primarily for use by members and guests of youth organizations, fraternal organizations, and other similar groups. This use does not include any type of residential facility, such as fraternity or sorority houses.
SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITY (PUBLIC OR PRIVATE). All land, structures, other appurtenances, and improvements on the land used for treating, storing, or disposing of solid waste. A SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITY may consist of several treatment, storage, or disposal operational units, including, but not limited to, one or more landfills, surface impoundments, or combination thereof.
SPECIAL EVENT. An activity (occurring one or more times) involving the assembly or the intention of attracting 100 or more people for cultural, ceremonial, educational, or celebratory purposes, or any special event held on town property, regardless of number in attendance. Such assembly includes, but is not limited to: weddings, receptions, recitals, art exhibits, religious ceremonies, limited youth activities, book readings, wine/food tasting events, executive retreats, circuses, fairs, carnivals, festivals, auctions, concerts, and any event which is advertised or marketed in any form including, but not limited to: posters, business cards, internet, and media outlets; serves an entrepreneurial purpose; includes fees/charges for goods/services
(e.g., food and drink); and whenever there is an admission fee or leasing fee. Private parties held on private residential property are exempt from this definition.
SPECIAL EXCEPTION. An exception issued by the Board of Zoning Appeals authorizing a particular use in a specified location within a zoning district, upon demonstrating that such use complies with all the conditions and standards specified by the Zoning and Land Development Regulations.
SPECIAL TRADE CONTRACTOR. An establishment that specializes in a specific aspect of construction, such as carpentry, electrical, painting, plumbing, roofing, or tile.
STABLE. A building or land where horses are kept for private or commercial use including boarding, sale, rental, breeding, or raising of horses.
STANDARD CUBIC FOOT (SCF). A cubic foot of gas at standard temperature and pressure, which are 68°F and 29.92 inches of mercury.
STREET. A vehicular way which may also serve in part as a way for pedestrian traffic, whether called a street, highway, thoroughfare, parkway, throughway, road, avenue, boulevard, lane, place, alley, mall, or otherwise designated, including the entire area within the right-of-way.
STREET, ARTERIAL. A street used primarily or designed to conduct traffic between communities and activity centers and to connect communities to major state and interstate highways. An ARTERIAL is a primary road characterized by high traffic volumes and high speeds.
STREET, COLLECTOR. A street used or designed to carry traffic from minor streets to arterial or major streets for purposes of this chapter. Such streets include those designated as collectors in any comprehensive plan or element thereof officially adopted.
STREET LINE. A lot line separating a street from a lot.
STREET, MINOR. A street, other than an arterial street or collector street, used or designated primarily to provide access to abutting property. The term includes marginal access streets which are generally parallel and adjacent to arterial streets, serve abutting properties and provide protection from friction with through traffic. The term MINOR STREET includes loop streets and cul-de-sac streets.
STRUCTURAL ALTERATION. See ALTERATION, STRUCTURAL for definition.
STRUCTURE. Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires more or less permanent location on the ground or which is attached to something having a more or less permanent location on the ground.
STUB STREET. A street that intersects with another local street and extends, usually one lot deep, to the property line of the development or rear of the block being developed.
SUBDIVISION. All divisions of a tract or parcel of land into two or more lots, building sites, or other divisions for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of sale, lease, or building development, and includes all division of land involving a new street or change in existing streets, and includes re-subdivision which would involve the further division or relocation of lot lines of any lot or lots within a SUBDIVISION previously made and approved or recorded according to law; or the alteration of any streets or the establishment of any new streets within any SUBDIVISION previously made and approved or recorded according to law and includes combination of lots of record.
SUB-GRADE. The top surface of a roadbed upon which the roadway structure and shoulders are constructed.
SUBJECT PROPERTY. Property, which may or may not include one or more tax parcels, or the total area impacted by a specific use, e.g., utility service area, facility, easement, or right-of-way. In the case of a utility trunk or service line, the SUBJECT PROPERTY, for the purpose of posted notice, shall be the entire distance or length of the trunk or main line right-of-way or easement and shall be treated as one SUBJECT PROPERTY.
SUBSTANDARD LOT. A proposed or existing lot of record having less than the minimum requirements for the existing zoning district.
SUBURBAN AREA. The area designated as the “suburban area” in the adopted Town Comprehensive Plan.
SWEETGRASS BASKET STAND. An open air stand that sells handmade baskets from locally grown sweetgrass. SWEETGRASS BASKET STANDS shall be limited to a 500 square foot covered area.
TATTOO or TATTOOING. To indelibly mark or color the skin by subcutaneous introduction of nontoxic dyes or pigments. The practice of TATTOOING does not include the removal of tattoos, nor the practice of branding, cutting, scarification, skin braiding, or the mutilation of any part of the body.
TATTOO FACILITY. Any room, space, location, area, structure, or business, or any part of any of these places where tattooing is practiced or where the business of tattooing is conducted and which is licensed by the Department (S.C. DHEC) as a tattoo facility.
TATTOO PARLOR. Any place where a person obtains or seeks to obtain injected art designs on his or her skin. This includes body piercing establishments or businesses. These are only allowed in industrial (I) zoned properties within the town.
TEMPORARY PORTABLE STORAGE UNIT. Any structure that is used for storage that is portable and does not have a door or other entranceway into a dwelling unit and that does not have water fixtures within its confines, the use of which is limited solely to storage of inanimate objects.
TEMPORARY SIGN. See SIGN, TEMPORARY for definition.
TENANT DWELLING. A dwelling located on a bona fide farm and which is occupied or designed to be occupied by a non-transient farm worker employed by the owner or operator of the farm.
THROUGH LOT. See LOT, DOUBLE- FRONTAGE for definition.
TRADE SCHOOL. See BUSINESS SCHOOL for definition.
TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN. Development designs intended to enhance the appearance and functionality of the new development so that it functions like a traditional neighborhood or town. These designs make possible reasonably high residential densities, a mixture of residential and commercial land uses, a range of single and multi-family housing types, and street connectivity both within the new development and to surrounding roadways, pedestrian and bicycle features.
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING. A facility providing supervision or detention, or both, for residents making the transition from institutional to community living. This classification includes pre-parole detention facilities and halfway houses for juvenile delinquents and adult offenders. This classification also includes overnight shelters for the homeless and emergency shelters during crisis intervention for victims of crime, abuse, or neglect.
TREE. Any self-supporting woody plant having a single trunk or trunks of two inches DBH or greater and usually having branches.
TREE PROTECTION FENCING. A fence or wall at least four feet in height that ensures the protection of protected and grand trees during development.
TRUCK STOP. Any building, premises, or land in which or upon which a business, service, or industry involving the maintenance, servicing, storage, or repair of commercial vehicles is conducted or rendered, including the dispensing of motor fuels or other petroleum products directly into motor vehicles and the sale of accessories or equipment for trucks and similar commercial vehicles. Any overnight accommodations and restaurant facilities primarily for the use of truck crews shall be considered as a separate use and shall follow the use requirements for that particular use as provided for in this chapter.
UNDER-STORY TREES. A tree, ten to 12 feet tall at the time of planting, which will grow to a minimum height of 20 feet at maturity.
USE PERMITTED BY RIGHT. A principal use permitted without the requirement of a special exception.
UTILITY. A provider of electricity, gas, water, sewage service, telephone, cable, or other similar service for principal development and the provider of the service is publicly regulated.
UTILITY SERVICE, MAJOR. Facilities and structures that are necessary for the generation, transmission, and/or distribution of utilities to support principal development, such as generation facilities, electrical and telephone switching facilities, electric substations, pumping stations, sewage collection or disposal facilities, water or sewage treatment plants, water storage tanks, sewage collector or trunk lines, water mains, and similar facilities.
UTILITY SERVICE, MINOR. Minor structures, such as lines and poles, that are necessary to distribute utilities and provide service.
VACATION CAMP. See RECREATION CAMP for definition.
VARIANCE. A relaxation by the Board of Zoning Appeals of the dimensional regulations of the chapter where such action will not be contrary to the public interest and where, owing to conditions peculiar to the property and not the results of actions or the situation of the applicant, a literal enforcement of this code would result in unnecessary and undue hardship and such variance is consistent with S.C. Code § 6-29-800 of S.C. Code Title 6, Chapter 29.
VEHICLE RENTAL AND LEASING. The rental or leasing of automobiles, light or medium trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, or utility trailers, including incidental storage, maintenance, and servicing. This use does not include boats or other watercraft.
VEHICLE REPAIR, CONSUMER. An establishment that primarily provides service to automobiles, light and medium trucks, motorcycles, or recreational vehicles. These services include the maintenance, repair, or refinishing of motor vehicles, including both minor and major mechanical overhauling, paint, and body work. Generally the customer does not wait at the site while the service or repair is being performed. This term excludes any dismantling or scrap and salvage service.
VEHICLE SALES. The sale of automobiles, light or medium trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, or boats, including incidental storage, maintenance, and servicing.
VEHICLE SERVICE, LIMITED. An establishment that provides direct services to motor vehicles where the driver or passengers generally wait in the vehicle or nearby while the service is performed.
VEHICLE SIGN. See SIGN, VEHICLE for definition.
VEHICLE STORAGE. An establishment offering long- or short-term storage of operating vehicles or vehicles contracted for repair. This term excludes any dismantling, scrap, and salvage service or junked vehicle yards.
VESTED RIGHT. A property right of ownership as defined by the S.C. Code of Laws.
VETERINARY SERVICE. An establishment offering veterinary services and hospitals for animals.
VIBRATION. The periodic displacement or oscillation of the earth.
WALL or FENCE. A structural device erected to serve as an architectural element, landscape element, visual screen, or physical barrier.
WALL/FACADE SIGN. See SIGN, WALL/ FACADE for definition.
WAREHOUSE AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITY. An establishment engaged in the storage or movement of goods, such as manufactured products, supplies, equipment, or food. This term excludes bulk storage of materials that are inflammable or explosive or that create hazardous or commonly recognized offensive conditions. Goods are generally delivered to other firms or the final consumer, except for some will-call pickups. There is little on-site sales activity with the customer present.
WASTE-RELATED USE. Uses that collect or receive solid or liquid waste for disposal, treatment, transfer to another location, or production of energy from the waste. This term does not include uses otherwise defined as utilities.
WATER SERVICE LINE. A non-lateral line connecting development to a water main.
WATERFRONT (PROPERTY). Property within 500 feet of any river, tidal wetland or waterway, including saltwater marshes. Property abutting freshwater wetlands shall not be considered WATERFRONT PROPERTY.
WETLAND BUFFER. See BUFFER, WETLAND for definition.
WETLANDS, FRESHWATER. Those areas of land that are inundated or saturated by fresh water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support and that, under normal circumstances, do support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions and delineated as freshwater wetlands by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
WHOLESALE SALES. An establishment engaged in the wholesale sale of products primarily intended for industrial, institutional, or commercial businesses. The uses emphasize on-site sales or order taking and often include display areas. Businesses may or may not be open to the general public, but sales to the general public are limited. Products may be picked up on-site or delivered to the customer.
WINERY. An agricultural processing facility used for the commercial purpose of processing grapes, other fruit products, or vegetables to produce wine or wine related spirits, excluding beer and liquor. Processing includes wholesale sales, crushing, fermenting, blending, aging, storage, bottling, administrative office functions for the winery, and warehousing. Retail sales and tasting facilities of wine and related promotional items and winery tours may be permitted as part of the WINERY operations.
WINE-TASTING ROOM. An area limited to 1,500 square feet that is devoted to the sampling and sales thereof of wine produced on or off the premises. Sale of food is prohibited; however, incidental provision of food without compensation is allowed.
WRITTEN INTERPRETATION. Any review or evaluation by the Zoning Administrator, in written form, concerning the Town Zoning and Land Development Regulations, Comprehensive Plan, or any other relevant documents.
WRITTEN NOTICE. Notice may be sent via U.S. mail or email.
ZONING DISTRICT. A specifically delineated geographic area or zone in the town within which uniform development regulations and requirements govern the use, density, and the placement, spacing, or size of buildings.
ZONING LOT. See LOT, ZONING for definition.
ZONING MAP. A graphical representation of zoning districts by color or shading adopted by the Planning Commission to demonstrate the various zoning districts approved for the town.
ZONING PERMIT. A permit issued by the Town Planning/Zoning Department that acknowledges that the intended land use, structure, building or construction complies with the provisions of the Zoning and Land Development Regulations or authorized variance therefrom. A ZONING PERMIT shall be required prior to the activities described in § 153.047(A) of this code.
ZOO. A facility where live animals are kept for display.
(Ord. 2012-06, §§ 12.1 and 12.2, passed 10-18-2012; Ord. 2013-11, passed 8-15-2013; Ord. 2018-14, passed 12-20-2018; Ord. 2019-01, passed 5-16-2019; Ord. 2023-04, passed 5-18-2023)