Except as specifically defined herein, all words used in this Zoning Ordinance have their customary definitions. For the purpose of this Zoning Ordinance, certain words or terms herein are defined as follows:
Accessory Use or Structure. A use or structure subordinate to the Principal Building on a lot and used for purposes customarily incidental to the main or principal use or building and located on the same lot.
Addition. Construction to existing structures intended to provide additional square footage, storage or porch areas, whether or not completely enclosed.
Addition, Attached to Principal Building. A visually and architecturally integrated construction intended to provide additional square footage and living space to an existing principal building. If there is a connection between the addition and the principal building, said connection should be located under one roof and contain a permanent floor above grade. The length to width ratio of any proposed connection may not exceed a two to one (2:1) dimension ratio, with a minimum width of four (4) feet and a maximum length of twenty (20) feet. [Example: a bedroom addition is connected by an eight (8) feet wide and sixteen (16) feet long hallway/corridor/porch (2:1 dimension ratio.)] (9/17/2013)
Alley. A secondary way that affords access to the side or rear of abutting Lots but is not considered a street.
Alteration. Any change in the supporting members of a building, such as bearing walls, columns, or girders; any addition or reduction to a building; any change in use; or any relocation of a building from one location or position to another.
Assessed Value or Valuation. A property assessment conducted by the Charleston County Tax Assessor based upon the most recent property assessment figures available.
Bank (Savings and Loan or Credit Union). A financial depository institution or related banking facility that accepts money for deposit into accounts from the general public or other financial institutions, and may include personal or business loans, wire transfers and safe deposit boxes as accessory uses.
Base Flood Elevation (BFE). The height that floodwaters are projected to reach during a 100-year flood (1% annual chance or occurring or being exceeded). The BFE is shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for zones AE and VE.
Baseline. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Bureau of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) final baseline depicted on the SCDHEC OCRM orthophoto maps of Sullivan’s Island, sheets 154 through 162. (1-21-92 revised 1999)
Bedroom. An enclosed space within a single-family dwelling unit designed or intended for sleeping and which contains at least one closet (or piece of closet-sized and closet-like storage furniture) for the storage of clothes and other personal effects. A room or other enclosed area is not a bedroom, nor considered habitable for sleeping purposes, unless it has a permanent door permitting complete closure and separation by that door from any and all kitchen and bathroom areas. As an example, a room or other enclosed area is not a bedroom within this definition if the room arrangement is such that access to a bathroom intended for use by the occupants of other bedrooms can be had only by going through that room, nor shall such a room be considered a bedroom if it is the only access to another bedroom.
Bed and Breakfast Inn. A business establishment operated within a Principal Building by an owner-occupant or resident manager, offering one to four units for temporary lodging and breakfast to the traveling public while away from their normal places of residence.
Blank Facade. A blank facade is an expanse of wall that has no windows, doors or porches.
Breakfast. A meal served between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Board of Zoning Appeals. An officially constituted body whose principal duties are to hear appeals, including appeals related variances, special exceptions and administrative determinations.
Buildable Area: See “Lot Area, Buildable.”
Building. A structure which is enclosed by a roof and by exterior walls along whose outside faces can be traced an unbroken line for the complete circumference of the structure, which is permanently affixed to a lot or lots, and used or intended for the shelter, support, or enclosure of persons, animals, or property of any kind.
Building Coverage Area, Principal. The Lot Area covered by the Principal Building measured vertically downward from the Principal Building’s exterior walls to the ground, but excludes (1) accessory structures not readily useable as living space; (2) exterior porches and decks; and, (3) exterior stairs.
Building Envelope. A three-dimensional space created by required setbacks, heights, coverage and slope angles within a lot.
Building Envelope, Front Yard. A theoretical line through which the Principal Building’s front facade shall not cross.
Building Floor Area. See “Building Square Footage, Principal.” Building Footprint. See “Building Coverage Area, Principal.”
Building Height. A vertical distance measured in a straight line from the highest point of the Building or Structure, excepting any chimney but including any other vertical improvement, to the natural ground elevation at the center point of the Building or Structure.
Building Line. A line that represents the distance a building or structure shall be set back from a lot boundary line or a street right-of-way line or a street centerline according to the terms of this Zoning Ordinance. In all cases, the building lines of a lot shall be determined to run parallel to and set back the appropriate distance required within the district in which the lot is located from street right-of-way lines, street centerlines or other lot boundary lines. Also called Front, Side or Rear Building Line.
Building Permit. A permit issued by the Building Official for the construction of a building or structure.
Building, Principal. A building in which the principal use of the lot is conducted.
Building Square Footage, Principal. The entire square footage of the principal building or buildings measured from the outside of the exterior walls, specifically including more than one dwelling on the same lot and historic structures used as accessory dwelling units, but not including (1) interior space not useable as living space (attic or parking area beneath Principal Building); (2) structures that are not used as living space; (3) exterior porches and decks; and, (4) exterior stairs. (12-17-13)
Category I Tree. Also known as a “Significant” tree, this tree has a DBH of at least sixteen (16) inches at a height of at least forty (40) feet. A Category I tree has the highest level of protection based on its total value to the island environment.
Category II Tree. Also known as a “Protected” tree or species, this tree has a DBH of at least six (6) inches. All Sabal Palmetto (Cabbage Palm, herein called “Palmetto”) shall be given special protection as a “Protected Species.”
Certificate of Appropriateness. The official document issued by the Design Review Board, on the recommendation of the Historic Preservation Design Review Subcommittee, approving and/or concurring in any application for permit for erection, demolition, moving, reconstruction, restoration or alteration of any structure designated historic property.
Certificate of Occupancy. A certificate issued by the Zoning Administrator or Building Official stating that the proposed use of the building or land conforms to the requirements of the Town’s Code of Ordinances.
Certificate of Zoning Compliance, Temporary. A certificate issued by the Zoning Administrator to confirm that a temporary improvement or use is in conformity with the Zoning Ordinance.
Certificate of Zoning Compliance. A certificate issued by the Zoning Administrator to confirm that an improvement or use is in conformity with the Zoning Ordinance.
Clinic. An establishment where medical or dental patients, who are not lodged overnight, are admitted for examination or treatment.
Conditional Use. A permitted land use that has specified conditions, restrictions or limitations that are in addition to the restrictions applicable to all land uses in the zoning district.
Conservation Easement. A conservation easement is a nonpossessory interest of a holder in real property imposing limitations or affirmative obligations, the purposes of which include one or more of the following: (11-17-15)
(a) Retaining or protecting natural, scenic, or open-space aspects of real property; (11-17-15)
(b) Ensuring the availability of real property for agricultural, forest, recreational, educational, or open-space use; (11-17-15)
(c) Protecting natural resources; (11-17-15)
(d) Maintaining or enhancing air or water quality; (11-17-15)
(e) Preserving the historical, architectural, archaeological, or cultural aspects of real property; (11-17-15)
Conservation Easement Uses and Structures. A recreational use or open-air structure (gazebo, cabana, pergola, arbor, or other open-air structure) designed specifically to enjoy the natural, scenic, or open-space aspects of real property, which is only permitted as a principal use by special exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals through the establishment of a conservation easement. (11-17-15)
Construction. The creation or erection of structure(s) or improvements.
Day Care Facility. The use of a building or premises for the care and supervision of children or elderly adults who do not reside on the property, for periods of less than 12 hours.
Deck. An unenclosed, unroofed horizontal structure, whether or not elevated above grade in any manner.
DBH. Diameter of tree at breast height or the diameter at four and a half (4 1/2) feet above grade.
Density. The number of dwelling units per acre of land developed or used for residential purposes. Unless otherwise clearly stated, density requirements in this Zoning Ordinance are expressed in dwelling units per net acre, that is, per acre of land devoted to residential use exclusive of land utilized for streets, alleys, parks, playgrounds, school grounds or other public uses, or contained in the RC 1 and 2 areas.
Design Flood Elevation (DFE). The height of the lowest occupiable flood, or the height of the lowest structural member of an inhabitable floor. Includes the BFE and the town’s freeboard, also referred to as Flood Protection Elevation.
Design Guideline. Preferred design features or approaches recommended as guidelines only and not imposed as requirements.
Design Standard. Design Standards are regulation governing the design, orientation, and elevation of buildings and the treatment of site lighting.
Determination of Tree Size. Tree size made by measuring the diameter of the tree at four and a half (4 1/2) feet above grade (DBH).
District. The term applied to various geographical areas of the Town of Sullivan’s Island for the purpose of interpreting the provisions of this Zoning Ordinance. The terms “district” and “zoning district” are synonymous and are used interchangeably throughout this Zoning Ordinance.
Dwelling. A building or portion of a building arranged or designed to provide living quarters for a single family, with no structural features impeding free access throughout the entire structure by all members of the family.
Dwelling, Attached Single Family. No more than three single-family Principal Buildings constructed adjacent to one another and sharing a common building wall intended to be purchased as single-family Principal Buildings, also known as “Attached Single Family Residential.”
Dwelling, Single Family. A detached Principal Building other than a mobile home designed for or occupied exclusively by a single family on a single lot.
Dwelling, Upper Story. An attached dwelling constructed as an integral part of a non-residential Principal Building located on the second floor.
Extended Lot Line.
Exterior. The outside walls of a structure.
Enclosed Portion. A Principal Building’s living area (or other areas sheltered from the elements that may be used for living space).
Erosion Control Structure. Device or material placed on property intended to minimize erosion of soil from wind or rain events.
Elevation, Ground. The existing elevation of the earth, without modification by filling or removal of soil.
Facade, Primary Front. The largest front facing surface of a Principal Building that is parallel or nearly parallel to the front yard street frontage and is considered to be the front of the structure.
Facade, Side. The side-facing surface of a Principal Building that is parallel or nearly parallel to the side lot line.
Family. One or more persons occupying a single Principal Building living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit with no such family containing over six persons unless all members are related by blood or marriage or unless there is some custodial responsibility for the unrelated family member.
FEMA. Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Fence. Any created unroofed barrier that blocks or impedes the flow of people or animals; a fence may be a wall or other structure that prohibits physical or visual access across a lot, but does not include vegetation.
Finished Floor Elevation (FFE). Refers to the FEMA defined “Lowest Floor,” or the lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area, except for the unfinished or flood resistant enclosures used solely for parking of vehicles, building access, or storage.
Floor Area. The sum of the gross horizontal areas of all floors of a building measured from the exterior face of exterior walls, including any space where the floor-to-ceiling height is four (4) feet or greater, but excluding any unenclosed porches.
Food Service Establishments. An establishment where food and beverages are prepared to individual order, and is limited to restaurants, coffee shops, bars, bakeries and delicatessens. (8-19-14)
Bakery and Delicatessen. An establishment where food and beverages are prepared for take-out or retail sale and does not include any wholesale activities. Bakeries and delicatessens shall meet all the requirements of Section 21-50.B.(1). (8-19-14)
Bar. A prohibited establishment where alcoholic beverages are served for on premise consumption, which generates greater than fifty (50) percent of total revenue from alcohol sales. (8-19-14)
Coffee Shop. A small establishment that does not provide full service of food and beverages, but limits its offerings to particular foods and beverages. These limited commodities must reflect a core business of the coffee shop use and a limited number of ancillary non-core items as a measure to keep from serving menu items indicative of a full service restaurant. Light meals shall include, but not be limited to, soups, sandwiches, salads, baked goods, desserts, ice cream, cheese plates, typical breakfast items and may only be made available by way of counter service. Sales of food and other goods shall constitute at least eighty-five (85) percent of total revenue, and limit alcohol sales to beer and wine only (per SC Code of Regulations 7-200-1 and SC Code of Laws 61-4-500); revenue from on-site consumption of alcohol shall constitute no more than 15% of total revenue (excluding carry-out sales of beer and wine). Coffee shops shall meet all the requirements of Section 21-50.C.(2). (8-19-14)
Formula Restaurant/Eating Establishment. A restaurant or other eating establishment consisting of four or more franchise businesses, where food and beverages are prepared for consumption either on or off the premises and which is required by contract or other arrangement to offer standardized versions of any of the following: menus, ingredients, food preparation, decor, uniform, architecture or similar standardized features. (8-19-14)
Restaurant. An establishment where food and beverages are prepared for individual order, ordered and served from the table and consumed primarily within the principal building or in established outdoor dining areas. Sales of food and other goods constitute at least fifty (50) percent of total revenue, and sales of alcohol comprise no more than fifty (50) percent of total revenue. Restaurants shall meet all the requirements of Section 21-50-C.(l). (8-19-14)
Forty-year Setback Line. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Bureau of Ocean and Coastal Resource final Setback Line depicted on the OCRM orthophoto maps of Sullivan’s Island, sheets 154 through 162. Also referred to as OCRM Setback Line. The lines referred to are to be interpreted as the most recently adopted version.
Freeboard. The distance between the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) and the Design Flood Elevation (DFE). Freeboard provides a buffer between projected flood elevations and a building’s lowest inhabitable floor to minimize flood damage.
Frontage. See “Street Frontage.”
Garage, private. An accessory building or portion of a Principal Building used primarily for the private storage of motor vehicles, campers, boats, boat trailers, lawn mowers, or other items as an accessory use.
Grade, Finished. The final elevation of the ground surface after humanmade alterations such as grading, grubbing, filling or excavating have been made on the ground surface. Structural and/or landscape fill is limited to one (1) foot.
Greenhouse. A building whose roof and sides are made largely of glass or other transparent or translucent material and in which the temperature and humidity can be regulated for the cultivation of plants for personal enjoyment.
Historic Preservation Overlay District. An area, designated by the Town Council pursuant to the provisions of this Article. The District may contain one or more significant historic structures and landmarks and may have within its boundaries other property or structures that are not of such historic and/or architectural significance to be designated as landmarks, nevertheless, contribute to the overall visual characteristics of the district.
Historic Property. Any place (including an archaeological site or the location of a significant historical event), building, structure, work of art, fixture or similar object that has been individually designated by Town Council of Sullivan’s Island or designated as a contributing property within a historic district.
Historic Sites Survey, 2003. A survey completed by David Schneider of historic structures on Sullivan’s Island.
Home Occupation. Any business or occupational use conducted entirely within a Principal Building and carried on by the residents thereof, which use is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the Principal Building for residential purposes.
HVAC. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
Impervious Coverage Area. That portion of the Lot Area covered by an impervious surface.
Impervious Surface. Any material or structure through which water cannot be absorbed or passed without limitation, including but not limited to roofed structures, compacted soil or stone, pavement consisting of asphalt, concrete, oil and stone, tar, or asphalt. Impervious surfaces also include building foundations, porches, decks, patios, sidewalks, play courts (tennis, basketball, etc.), pools, and other improvements that impede the absorption of water. Grassed or mulched areas are not considered impervious materials.
Improved Access. All driveways except natural grass or lawn areas.
Living Space. Any interior or exterior portion of a Dwelling used for residential or home occupation purposes including closets and hallways but excluding basements or attics used only for storage.
Loading Space, Off-Street. Space logically and conveniently located for pickups and deliveries, scaled to delivery vehicles, and accessible to such vehicles when required off-street parking spaces are filled.
Long Term Rental. The use of a Principal Building(s) that is: (1) rented, leased, assigned for tenancies; or (2) made available for one or more persons in return for valuable consideration for any period of more than twenty-eight (28) continuous days duration.
Lot or Lot of Record. A land area designated as a separate and distinct parcel, tract or property on the most recent legally recorded plat filed and/or approved by the Town of Sullivan’s Island, or in the absence of a legally recorded plat, that as described on the most recent legally recorded deed executed and delivered by the Town of Sullivan’s Island, both or either as filed in the Office of Register of Mesne Conveyance of Charleston County; provided, however, that for the purpose of determining whether such lot is a separate, distinct building lot, or lot suitable for independent conveyance, any and all applicable restrictions and limitations in the chain of title shall be considered. (9-18-07)
Lot Line. A legal boundary line of a lot.
Lot, Corner. A lot located at the intersection of two or more streets.
Lot, Double Frontage. A lot which has frontage on more than one street, provided, however, that no corner lot shall qualify as a double frontage lot unless said corner lot as frontage on more than three or more streets, also known as a “Through Lot.”
Lot, Interior. A lot that has frontage on only one street other than an alley.
Lot Area. The area of the lot lying outside the area designated as marsh or that portion above the ocean’s high water mark; lots adjacent to RC-1 - only land area located above and landward of the landward RC-1 Area District boundary line; and, lots adjacent to RC-2 - only land area located above and landward of the SC DHEC-OCRM “Critical Area Line” as determined in the field by OCRM staff.
Lot, Buildable Area. The land area remaining after deleting the required Front, Side, and Rear Yard Setbacks and excluding any land area not considered as Lot Area as defined above.
Lot, Buildable Width. The width of the lot at the building line less that required for Side Yard Setbacks.
Lot Depth. The mean horizontal distance between front and rear lot lines.
Lot, Shallow. A lot with less depth than width at the building line.
Lot Width. The horizontal distance between side lot lines measured at the building line.
Manufactured Home. A structure that is transportable in one (1) or more sections, built on a permanent chassis and has been designed to be used as a dwelling with or without permanent foundation. This structure, when connected to the required utilities, which includes plumbing, heating air conditioning and electrical systems contained therein, bears a label certifying that is constructed in compliance with the national Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards act, U.S. Public Law 93-383.
Map. The word “map” or “zoning map” shall mean the official Zoning Map of the Town of Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina.
Mobile Home. A transportable, factory-built home, designed to be used as a year-round residential dwelling and built prior to enactment of the Federal Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 that became effective June 15, 1976. This definition differs from that of a “manufactured home” above.
Modular building unit. Any building of closed construction, regardless of type of construction or occupancy classification, other than a mobile or manufactured home, constructed off-site in accordance with the applicable codes, and transported to the point of use for installation.
Neighborhood Compatibility. A condition that exists when land uses and structures are harmonious, with adjacent development. [See Article XII.]
National Register of Historic Places. The national list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, or culture, maintained by the Secretary of the Interior under authority of the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended.
Natural Ground Elevation. The elevation of any lot or any point on a lot before fill is placed on a lot as required in section 5-16.
Nonconforming Lot. A duly recorded lot of record established prior to adoption of the Sullivan’s Island’s first Zoning Ordinance that does not comply with the minimum Lot Area, lot width or lot depth requirements of this Zoning Ordinance.
Nonconforming Structure. Any building or structure that was legally established but no longer complies with the density, lot coverage, floor area, height and dimensional standards of this Zoning Ordinance.
Nonconforming Use. A land use that was legally established but that is no longer allowed by the use regulations of the Zoning District in which it is located.
Nonconformities. Uses, structures, lots, signs and other situations that came into existence legally and continued to exist as a legal nonconforming use until the time of the adoption of this ordinance but that do not conform to one or more requirements of this Zoning Ordinance.
Occupant. Any person, including adults and children and guests of such adults or children, using residential property as a place for overnight sleeping.
Occupied. The word “used” or “occupied” as applied to any land or building shall be construed to imply that said land or building is in actual use or occupancy and shall be construed to include the words intended, arranged, or designed to be used or occupied.
OCRM. Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management formerly known as South Carolina Coastal Council.
Ordinary Maintenance and Repairs. Any work on which a Building Permit or any other Town permit or certificate is not required and where the purpose is stabilization, and further, where such work will not noticeably change the exterior appearance of the resource. Any work not satisfying all of the above requirements shall not be considered ordinary maintenance and repair.
Outdoor Display Area. A portion of a property outside of any building where merchandise, goods or other items are placed in public view for the purpose of direct sale or lease to customers.
Outdoor Storage. The keeping within an unroofed and unenclosed area any goods, materials, merchandise or vehicles in the same place for more than thirty days.
Overlay Zone. A zone which imposes a set of requirements or relaxes a set of requirements imposed by the underlying zoning district when there is a special public interest in a particular geographic area that does not coincide with the underlying zone boundaries
Parcel. See “Lot”.
Parking. The placement of a vehicle or equipment at a location for less than thirty (30) days.
Parking Lot. Any area used for the express purposes of parking automobiles, but not including a single family dwelling’s parking area incidental to the principal use.
Parking Space. A space within a parking lot or on a single-family dwelling lot expressively provided for the purpose of parking an automobile or other vehicle.
Person. The word “person” includes a firm, association, organization, partnership, trust company, or corporation, as well as an individual.
Pervious Materials. Any material through which water can be easily absorbed or passed, at a minimum infiltration rate of 2.0 inches per hour, such as, but not limited to, grass and uncompacted gravel, shell and crushed stone. (1/20/09)
Pet, Non-traditional. Non-domesticated animals or animals commonly used for the production of food or products, such as cattle, sheep, goats, hogs or poultry.
Premises. A lot or other tract of land including the buildings or structures thereon. Also, see “lot.”
Principal Building. See “Building, Principal.”
Principal Use. The specific, primary purpose for which land or a building is used.
Primary Oceanfront Sand Dune. A line marked in the field by South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Bureau of OCRM staff that designates the location of the crest of a sand dune.
Prohibited Use. A use that is not permitted in a Zoning District.
Property. Something tangible to which its owner has legal title.
Recreation Vehicle. A mobile home, tent, trailer, or other self-contained vehicle, designed for recreational purposes, made of metal or other materials, mounted on two or more wheels and either self-propelled or rigged for towing, provided such vehicle is less than thirty (30) feet in length and is not used for residential purposes within the Town of Sullivan’s Island.
Religious Institution. A religious organization operated for worship, religious training or study, and including convents, monasteries, shrines and temples.
Rental or Rental Dwelling. A dwelling(s) intended to be occupied as a permanent residence by a person or persons that are other than the property owner.
Residence. See “Dwelling.”
Residential, Attached Single Family. See “Dwelling.”
Residential, Single Family. See “Dwelling.”
Residential, Upper Story. See “Dwelling.”
Restaurant. See “Food Service Establishments.” (8-19-14)
SCCC. South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Bureau of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management.
SCDHEC. South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Setback. The required horizontal distance, measured at right angles to the boundary line, between a Principal Building and a boundary line.
Single-family. See “family.”
Sign. The term “sign” shall mean and include every sign, poster panel, free-standing ground sign, roof sign, projecting sign, pylon sign, sign painted on a wall, window, marquee, awning or canopy, and shall include any announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, ribbon, banner, illustration or insignia used to advertise or promote the interests of any person when the same is placed in view of the general public, traveling along a public street right-of-way.
Sign Area. The area of a sign face (which is also the sign area of a wall sign or other sign with only one face) shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle or combination thereof that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, but not including any supporting framework, bracing or decorative fence or wall when such fence or wall otherwise meets the requirements of this Ordinance and is clearly incidental to the display itself.
Sign Height. The distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. Normal grade shall be construed to be the newly established grade after any site construction, exclusive of any filling, berming or mounding that was created solely for the purpose of locating the sign. In cases in which the normal grade cannot be reasonably determined, sign height shall be computed on the assumption that the elevation of the normal grade at the base of the sign is equal to the point of crown elevation of the nearest public street.
Sign, Wall. A sign attached to a vertical surface of the building on the walls of a building, attached flat against a wall, or a projecting sign, including on awnings and in windows.
Sign, Pole or Ground Mounted. Signs, whether or not illuminated, mounted on poles or constructed as monument sign at ground level, whose primary purpose is for advertising or information related to private property or businesses.
Sign, Illuminated. When artificial illumination techniques are used in any fashion to project the message on a sign, that sign shall be an illuminated sign.
Special Exception. A use permitted in a zoning district that possesses characteristics that require certain controls in order to insure compatibility with other uses in the district within which they are proposed for location and therefore shall be approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Spirits Tasting Events. An event or festival produced for a limited time and permitted by codes and laws for the purpose of public sampling of alcoholic beverages.
Story. That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it, or if there be no floor above it, then the space between the floor and ceiling next above it. The area used as foundation beneath the first usable living floor shall not be considered a “story.”
Story, Half. A story in which one or more exterior walls intersect a sloping roof not more than two (2’) feet above the floor of such story.
Street. A dedicated and accepted public right-of-way for vehicular traffic that affords the principal means of access to abutting properties.
Street Centerline. That line surveyed and monumental by the governing body shall be the centerline of a street; or in the event that no centerline has been so determined, it shall be that line running midway between, and parallel to the general direction of, the outside right-of-way lines of such streets.
Street Frontage. The width in linear feet of a lot where it abuts the right-of-way of any street from which access may be directly gained.
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 more or less permanent location on the ground. A “building” and “sign” as defined in this section are “structures.” A structure or part of a structure shall include buildings, overhanging eaves, covered structures such as steps, porches, patios, decks, pools, carports, and any extension of a building beyond its foundation line.
Structure Height. See “Building Height.”
Temporary Use. A use established for a fixed period of time with the intent to discontinue such use upon the expiration of the time period.
Town Council. The term “Town Council” refers to the legally constituted and elected governing body of the Town of Sullivan’s Island.
Tract. See “lot”.
Trailer. Any vehicle or structure capable of moving, or being moved, over streets and highways on its own wheels or on flat beds or other carriers, which is designed or utilized to: (1) provide temporary or permanent quarters for the conduct of a business, profession, trade or occupation; (2) serve as a carrier of people, new or used goods, products or equipment; and (3) be used as selling, advertising or display device. For the purposes of this Zoning Ordinance, the term “trailer” shall not include the terms “camper”, “recreational vehicle”, or “house trailer”.
Tree. Any living, self-supporting woody perennial plant that is evergreen or deciduous.
Tree Commission. A Commission appointed by the Town Council to oversee the Tree Protection Article of the Zoning Ordinance.
Tree, Protected. A Category II tree that has a DBH of at least 6 inches.
Tree, Protected Species. All Sabal Palmettos (Cabbage Palm, herein called “Palmetto”).
Tree, Significant. A Category I tree that has a DBH of at least 16 inches or a height of at least 40 feet; it shall have the highest level of protection based on its total value to the island environment.
Upper Story Residential. See “Dwelling.”
Useable Living Space. That area contained in a Principal Building used for bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, entranceways, hallways, closets, enclosed sun porches and other such space but not including attics without windows or skylights, or area below the first floor living area not used as living space.
Usable Lot Area. See “buildable Lot Area.”
Use. Accessory. See “accessory.”
Use, Principal. The primary purpose for which a lot is occupied and/or used.
Used. See “occupied”.
Utility substation. A facility for the operation of public utility services such as electrical, gas, water and sewer.
Vacation Rental. The commercial use of a Principal Building(s) that is: (1) rented, leased, assigned for tenancies; or (2) made available for use, occupancy, possession, sleeping accommodations, or lodging for one or more persons in return for valuable consideration for any period of less than twenty-eight (28) continuous days duration.
Variance. A modification of the terms of this Zoning Ordinance not contrary to the public interest where, owning to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of this Zoning Ordinance will, in an individual case, result in unnecessary hardship, so that the spirit of the Zoning Ordinance or resolution shall be observed, public safety and welfare secured, and substantial justice done.
Yard, Front. A yard situated between the front building line and the front lot line extending the full width of the lot; the front yard is that portion of the lot adjacent to the street.
Yard, Rear. A yard situated between the rear building line and the rear lot line and extending the full width of the lot.
Yard, Side. A yard situated between a side building line and a side lot line and extending from the front yard to the rear yard.
Zoning Administrator. The term “Zoning Administrator” refers to any person so designated by the Town Council of Sullivan’s Island, and so employed.
Zoning District. See “District”.
Zoning Map. See “Map”.
Zoning Standard. Regulations governing land uses, lot area and dimensions, setbacks, lot coverage, size and height. These regulations address a structure’s location on the lot and the permitted building envelope.
(Ord. 2018-07, passed 11-20-2018; Ord. 2020-17, passed 11-17-2020)