Charleston, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Charleston County has established a zoning overlay district to protect the historic Ten Mile community from overdevelopment. This decision follows extensive discussions with local residents concerned about maintaining the area’s rural character. Key features include reduced residential density and a moratorium on large-scale developments. The community actively participated in shaping these guidelines, emphasizing architectural consistency and the preservation of their unique heritage.
Charleston County has approved plans to establish a zoning overlay district aimed at preserving the historic Ten Mile community from overdevelopment. This decision comes after over two years of discussions between county officials and local residents, who expressed concerns about maintaining the area’s rural character amidst pressures for large-scale development.
The Ten Mile community, situated near Awendaw, South Carolina, is recognized as a historically Black settlement with deep cultural roots. In June 2022, the Charleston County Council officially designated Ten Mile as a historic district to protect its unique identity and heritage. To further safeguard this community, a zoning amendment made in early 2024 reduced the residential density in parts of Ten Mile from four homes per acre to three.
In addition to this density reduction, the council imposed a two-year moratorium on large-scale residential developments across all historic districts, including Ten Mile. This moratorium is intended to provide a buffer as new zoning guidelines are developed, aiming to ensure any future development aligns with the community’s vision for sustainability and preservation.
Community Guidelines and Input
In 2023, community meetings were initiated to gather input for the proposed zoning overlay guidelines, enabling residents to voice their opinions and preferences. There was a strong desire among residents to amend density regulations, suggesting an increase in the rural part of Ten Mile to allow one dwelling unit per acre, as opposed to the existing one unit per three acres. This change would facilitate families to build homes on shared land, fostering a sense of community while adhering to preservation efforts.
The proposed zoning guidelines include several significant considerations: maintaining architectural styles similar to existing homes in Ten Mile, requiring neighborhood association approval for any new street names, allowing for larger accessory dwelling units on properties, and implementing more rigorous traffic impact studies for new developments. These measures aim to ensure that any development is in line with the values and needs of the community.
Community Perspectives
Residents in Ten Mile have voiced their support for the zoning overlay district, emphasizing that it is a critical tool for preventing displacement caused by potential developments that do not align with their community’s vision. Additionally, there is an ongoing effort to achieve an area character appraisal and to register Ten Mile for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, further solidifying its status as a historic community.
In light of ongoing development pressures, residents have expressed a preference for extending the current moratorium on large-scale developments for an additional six to eight years. Community organizers have also begun collaborating with nearby settlements to pursue similar historic district designations, aiming to protect their unique identities and histories.
The Charleston County Planning Commission recently held discussions on the proposed zoning overlay district, with an official vote on the matter anticipated at the upcoming public meeting scheduled for October 14. As the community works together to protect its heritage, the focus remains on achieving a balance between development opportunities and the preservation of Ten Mile’s valued rural character.
Key Features of Zoning Overlay District
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Density Reduction | Residential density decreased from four homes per acre to three homes per acre. |
| Moratorium on Development | Two-year suspension of large-scale developments in historic districts. |
| Community Input | Guidelines created from community feedback through meetings in 2023. |
| Architectural Consistency | New developments must maintain existing architectural styles. |
| Accessory Dwelling Units | Larger accessory dwelling units are permitted to encourage shared family living. |
| Traffic Impact Studies | More stringent requirements for development-related traffic studies. |
FAQ
What is the purpose of the zoning overlay district in Ten Mile?
The zoning overlay district aims to preserve the rural character of the historic Ten Mile community and deter large-scale developments that could threaten its unique identity.
What changes have been made to residential density in Ten Mile?
Residential density in parts of Ten Mile has been reduced from four homes per acre to three homes per acre as part of the zoning changes.
What can residents expect at the upcoming public meeting on October 14?
Residents can anticipate discussions and a vote on the proposed zoning overlay district at the Charleston County Planning Commission public meeting on October 14.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Zoning Overlay Moves Forward in Ten Mile Community
- Post and Courier: Charleston County Ten Mile Zoning
- ABC News 4: Planning Commission Advances Zoning Overlay
- Wikipedia: Zoning
- KIVI TV: Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission Denies Application
- Google Search: Zoning Overlays
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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