(A) Review authority. The Board of Zoning Appeals does not act in a review or recommending capacity.
(B) Decision-making authority. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall have final decision-making authority on the following matters:
(1) Special exceptions;
(2) Variances; and
(3) Appeals of administrative decisions on zoning-related matters.
(C) Officers, rules, meetings, and minutes. Pursuant to S.C. Code § 6-29-360, the Board of Zoning Appeals shall elect one of its members as chair who shall serve for one year or until re-election or a successor is elected and qualified. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall adopt rules and procedures in accordance with the provisions of this chapter not inconsistent with the provisions of S.C. Code Title 6, Chapter 29, as amended. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall appoint a secretary. The secretary may be an employee of the town. Meetings of the Board shall be at the call of the chair and at such other times as the Board of Zoning Appeals may determine. Public notice of all meetings of the Board of Zoning Appeals shall be provided by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the town. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall keep minutes of its proceedings, showing the vote of each member upon each question or if absent or failing to vote. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall maintain records of its examinations and official actions, all of which, upon approval, shall be filed immediately in the office of the Zoning Administrator. Such records shall be available for public review and inspection during normal business hours.
(D) Composition. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall consist of five members appointed by the Town Council for terms of four years each; provided, however, that, of the initial members of the Board of Zoning Appeals, three members shall be appointed for four-year terms and two members shall be appointed for two-year terms. Members shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. Any vacancy which may occur on the Board of Zoning Appeals shall be filled by the Town Council appointing a successor to serve out the un-expired term of the vacancy. In appointing members to the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Town Council shall consider their professional expertise, knowledge of the community, and concern for the future welfare of the total community and its citizens. All members of the Board of Zoning Appeals shall reside within the municipal jurisdiction of the town. No member of the Board of Zoning Appeals may hold an elected public office.
(Ord. 2012-06, § 2.3, passed 10-18-2012; Ord. 2012-21, passed 12-20-2012; Ord. 2014-01, passed 2-20-2014)