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Boards / Committees

Planning Commission

Planning Commission Members
The Planning Commission is a seven-member board appointed by Town Council serving staggered three-year terms. They meet on the third Monday of each month at 6:00PM. The Commission is charged with the responsibility to undertake a continuing planning program for the physical, social and economic growth, development and redevelopment of the Town. The plans must promote the public health, safety, morals, convenience, prosperity, or general welfare as well as the efficiency and economy of the Town. The Planning Commission acts in a review and recommending capacity on the following matters:

  • Comprehensive Plan State-mandated 5-year reviews and 10-year updates;
  • Comprehensive Plan amendments;
  • Zoning Ordinance text amendments;
  • Zoning Map amendments (Rezonings);
  • Planned Development (PD) Plans and PD Zoning Map amendments;
  • Acceptance of public dedications; and
  • Adoption of fees associated with this ordinance.
The Planning Commission has final (local) decision-making authority on the following matters:

  • Preliminary Subdivision Plats;
  • Private development review;
  • Public Project review;
  • Appeals of Administrative Decisions on Final Subdivision Plats; and
  • Appeals of Administrative Decisions on Subdivision Matters.

Board of Zoning Appeals
BZA Members

The seven-member, council-appointed Awendaw Board of Zoning Appeals is a Quasi-Judicial body established to interpret and grant relief from the Zoning Ordinance adopted by Town Council on December 7, 2000. The Board of Zoning Appeals meets on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 PM as needed and has jurisdiction over three (3) types of cases: Appeals, Variances and Special Exceptions.

  • Appeals are heard regarding administrative actions or decisions by the Zoning Administrator or staff and require a two thirds (2/3) vote of quorum present to overturn the Zoning Administrator’s decision.
  • Variances may be granted when strict application of the zoning ordinance would cause an unnecessary hardship. This Board’s actions must be based on specific standards as contained in the S.C. Local Government Planning Enabling Act of 1994 and the Town of Awendaw Zoning Ordinance. A two-thirds vote (2/3) is required to grant a variance.
  • Special Exceptions allow the Board to permit uses if certain terms and conditions as defined in the Zoning Ordinance are met. It must be understood that the rules of your neighborhood or subdivision are binding and we can take no action that will negate their jurisdiction over your property. A simple majority is required to attain a special exception.