Charleston, SC, September 11, 2025
News Summary
The Charleston County Planning Commission has approved a zoning overlay plan to protect the historic Ten Mile community from overdevelopment. With a 6-3 vote, the commission recommended the proposal to the Charleston County Council, which will hold a public meeting on October 14. The overlay aims to preserve the community’s character by introducing stricter regulations on land use, building sizes, and density.
Charleston, SC – The Charleston County Planning Commission has approved a zoning overlay plan aimed at preserving the historic Ten Mile community, with a 6-3 vote recommending it to the Charleston County Council, which will hold a public meeting to discuss the proposal on October 14. The zoning overlay is designed to protect Ten Mile from overdevelopment while establishing lasting regulations to preserve the character of the community.
The proposed overlay introduces stricter land use guidelines that will affect the construction and layout of both residential neighborhoods and local businesses. Key factors such as building sizes, density, and overall development standards will be regulated to ensure that new developments harmonize with the existing environment. This initiative is seen as a means of balancing growth while protecting the area’s rural character.
The need for the zoning overlay has become increasingly important as Ten Mile, a historically Black community located near Awendaw, faces pressures from potential overdevelopment. The community was officially designated as a historic district by the Charleston County Council in 2022, marking a step towards preserving its unique heritage that dates back to its origins as an African American settlement. Local officials emphasized that the guidelines aim to help maintain this cultural legacy.
Developed over the past two years with input from local residents and collaboration with county staff, the proposed overlay reflects the priorities and concerns of the Ten Mile community. Among the provisions included in the overlay are requirements for new homes to match the area’s existing architectural styles, allowing for larger accessory dwelling units, and mandating that traffic studies be performed for new developments to better assess their impact on the community.
Additionally, some residents have expressed a desire to alter zoning regulations to increase density from one dwelling unit per three acres to one dwelling unit per acre, enabling family members to build homes in closer proximity. This point of view suggests a division among community members, as others oppose density increases to preserve space and the community’s rural character.
As part of future planning, there are moves to pursue an area character appraisal and secure a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Furthermore, community members seek to extend the current two-year moratorium on large-scale residential development for an additional six to eight years to ensure comprehensive evaluation of potential developments. Efforts are also being made to collaborate with other historic settlement communities to achieve similar designations and protections.
Recent public comments highlighted the community’s concerns about maintaining their lifestyle and protecting the environment from the repercussions of increased development activity. Councilman Larry Kobrovsky noted that the newly proposed guidelines would provide necessary safeguards for Ten Mile, ensuring its preservation against overdevelopment trends.
As the Charleston County Council prepares to review this recommended plan, community members remain hopeful that their voices will be prioritized in the decision-making process. The zoning overlay will not only offer a framework for the future of Ten Mile but also establish a commitment to preserving a historic community that is rich in cultural significance.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the zoning overlay for Ten Mile?
The zoning overlay aims to protect Ten Mile from overdevelopment and establish lasting regulations regarding land use, building sizes, and development standards.
When will the Charleston County Council discuss the overlay?
The Charleston County Council is set to consider the zoning overlay during a public meeting scheduled for October 14.
What are the key features of the proposed zoning overlay?
Key features include stricter guidelines for land use, architectural style compatibility for new homes, larger accessory dwelling units, and the necessity for traffic studies for new developments.
How does the zoning overlay impact residents of Ten Mile?
The overlay affects both new and existing residents by ensuring that the community’s character is preserved amidst any development, while providing regulations that allow family members to establish homes where appropriate.
What historical significance does Ten Mile hold?
Ten Mile is a historically Black community designated as a historic district by Charleston County Council. It has a rich history as an African American settlement, highlighting its cultural importance in the region.
Key Features of the Ten Mile Zoning Overlay
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Zoning Overlay Purpose | To protect Ten Mile from overdevelopment and ensure lasting community regulations. |
| Building Guidelines | Stricter regulations on building sizes, density, and architectural style. |
| Accessory Dwelling Units | Larger accessory dwelling units permitted. |
| Traffic Studies | New developments must undergo traffic studies. |
| Density Changes | Potential increases in density discussed among residents. |
| Community Collaboration | Development of overlay involved resident input and collaboration with county staff. |
| Historic Significance | Ten Mile is recognized as a historic district and maintains a rich cultural heritage. |
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Zoning
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Ten Mile community Charleston
- Live 5 News
- Google Scholar: Ten Mile zoning overlay
- Post and Courier Editorials
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Zoning overlay
- Live 5 News Video
- Google News: Charleston zoning community input
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