Development News for Beaufort, South Carolina

B&B Code Revisions, Drive-Thru Regulations, and Downtown Height Limits Under Review

The board reviewed and debated revisions to the Bed and Breakfast (B&B) code, focusing on definitions, owner occupancy, and operational aspects. A key discussion point was whether a proprietor, especially one operating through an LLC, must reside on-site, with the state statute suggesting the owner should live there. This led to exploring the nuances of LLCs and 'proprietor' definitions. The board also considered alignment with state statutes, the possibility of making local regulations more restrictive, and the inclusion of specific definitions. Concerns were raised about events hosted at B&Bs, with a consensus emerging that events should generally be limited to registered guests, or require special permits, especially in residential zones. The board also touched upon the distinction between 'inns' and 'B&Bs,' and how to define them within the code, considering implications for historic structures and compliance with different building codes. The discussion about drive-thru regulations in RMX zones aimed to allow functional drive-thrus with proper screening, while building height limits in downtown areas were debated to preserve historic character, leaning towards a three-story maximum. Finally, discussions touched on PUD regulations, drive-thru screening, and the potential removal of the Bladen overlay district [cite: 221-692, 1773-1947, 2093-2655, 3809-3834].

Drive-Thru Regulations Re-evaluated for RMX Zones

The board addressed drive-thru regulations, specifically the restriction that drive-thru lanes shall not circulate around any plan or street frontage. This standard was seen as potentially eliminating all drive-thrus in RMX zones. The suggestion was to allow drive-thrus to be accessed or exited across the front of the building, provided vehicle stacking remains on the side or rear. The primary concern is to prevent vehicles from being visible from the main street. While Chick-fil-A was cited as an example of a drive-thru circulating around a building (approved under T5C), the discussion focused on making it easier for RMX zones to accommodate drive-thrus with appropriate screening and stacking located away from the front. The goal is to allow functional drive-thrus while maintaining aesthetic appeal and traffic flow [cite: 1773-1947].

Proposal to Limit Downtown Building Height to Three Stories to Preserve Historic Character

The board discussed proposed changes to building height limitations in downtown Buford, particularly in T5DC, T4N, and T4HN zones. There was a strong consensus to limit new construction to a maximum of three stories to preserve the historic character and visual scale of the downtown area. This would involve revising current allowances that permit four stories in certain conditions, especially in T5DC. The discussion included clarifying definitions of 'story' and 'habitable space' and considering increased setbacks for any upper stories. The goal is to ensure new developments are proportional to the historic context and maintain a pedestrian-friendly streetscape [cite: 2093-2655].

Downtown Building Height Limits Debated to Preserve Historic Character

The board extensively discussed building height regulations in downtown districts, specifically T5DC, T4N, and T4HN, and their interaction with the historic district. The prevailing sentiment was a desire to limit new construction to a maximum of three stories to maintain the historic character and massing of downtown. While T5DC currently allows four stories (three at the property line, four within 15 feet), and T4N/T4HN have related restrictions, the board considered reducing the maximum height and increasing setbacks for upper floors. Specific concerns were raised about the definition of 'story' and 'habitable space,' and the potential for loopholes. The discussion concluded with a strong leaning towards a three-story maximum, with a potential 25-foot setback for any allowed upper stories, aiming to preserve the downtown's historic scale and pedestrian-friendly atmosphere [cite: 2093-2655].