Planning Commission

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 9, 2024 MINUTES PowerPoint Presentation Present: Brett Bennett, Chair, Garrett Lacy, Emily Sanford, Adam Ferrara, Pam Ireland, Bill Smyth, Michelle Mansour. Absent: Gary Davis, Mike Tinkey. Staff: Michele Reed, Peter Stone, David Pagliarini, Eddie Bernard, Michael Robertson, Chris Lubert, Lynnette Lynes Mr. Bennett called the meeting to order at 5:01 pm. 1. Approval of the Agenda Ms. Ireland moved for approval of the agenda. Mr. Ferrara seconded the motion. All in favor. 2. Correspondence All correspondence was linked to the agenda. 3. General Public Comment Mr. James McKee, 1247 Palmetto Peninsula Drive, spoke regarding tree protection. He suggested that there should be stricter requirements. He suggested that the recommendations included in the Community Forestry Master Plan (CFMP) should be reviewed and considered for inclusion in the zoning code. He stated that the CFMP also recommended one point of enforcement and suggested that this might be included in the zoning code. Ms. Michele Strauss, 545 Veranda View, spoke regarding storm runoff and impervious surface coverage throughout the Town. She suggested that the mitigation amount for replacement trees should be increased so that more trees can be replanted within the Town. She also suggested that there be a tree mitigation review board, mitigation should be required for all tree removal, and a certified arborist should consult during the Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA) process.  Planning Commission October 9, 2024 Page 2 of 3 Mr. David Quick, 1502 Village Square, suggested that the review of the zoning code should also consider what is needed for sustainability and resilience, particularly in regard to flood waters. He expressed concern with impervious surface lot coverage and suggested that this should be further reviewed and a lower percentage considered. He expressed concern with tree removals and the low number of tree coverage throughout the Town. He suggested that the CFMP recommendations should be included in the zoning code. He suggested that restoration of the tree canopy is very important and more should be done to ensure the preservation and restoration of the Town’s tree canopy. Ms. Lisa Schniptke, 185 Mossy Oak Way, suggested that more time should be taken to allow sufficient time to review the lengthy document. She suggested that the changes within §156.827 pertaining to murals should be reviewed and murals should be allowed to be seen from the main streets. She suggested that the recommendations outlined in the CFMP should be implemented and included in the zoning code as appropriate. Ms. Diedre Kennedy, 971 Cliffwood Drive, asked that the tree protection section of the zoning code should be deferred to allow for better review and additional enforcement considered. She expressed concern with the number of trees being removed. She suggested that the existing tree canopy should be preserved and retained, particularly during construction on lots. There being no further comments, Mr. Bennett continued with the agenda. 4. Requests A. Zoning Code Draft, Public Hearing and Review of Chapter 156, Zoning Code of the Town of Mount Pleasant, Draft Subchapters A: Introduction B: Zoning Districts, C: Use Regulations, D: Buffers and Screening, E: Tree Protection, F: Parking and Loading, G: Signs, H: Building and Site Design, I: Procedures, J: Reviewing and Decision-Making Bodies, K: Nonconformities, L: Enforcement, M: Rules of Interpretation and Measurement, N: Definitions and Acronyms, O: Building Permit Allocation System. Ms. Cousino reviewed the draft zoning code with the Commission.  Planning Commission October 9, 2024 Page 3 of 3 The Commission commented on the proposed zoning code and offered suggestions for changes or clarification. Mr. Ferrara moved for approval to review the zoning code in its entirety, reviewing all edits in section order. Ms. Mansour seconded the motion. All in favor. The Commission convened for a short break at 7:02 pm and reconvened at 7:14 pm. The Commission continued with the line-by-line review of the changes to the draft zoning code. Ms. Ireland moved to recess to another meeting to be determined at a later time and to keep the public hearing open. Mr. Ferrara seconded the motion. All in favor. There being no further business, the meeting recessed at 7:34 pm. Submitted by, L. Lynes SpPlanComsn10092024