Horry County Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting - April 13, 2026

The Horry County Zoning Board of Appeals met on April 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Horry County Government Center, Conway, South Carolina. Vice Chairman Martin Dawsey chaired the meeting. The board considered a reconsideration request and fifteen variance applications, approving most with conditions and denying one.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved the March 9, 2026 regular meeting minutes as presented.

Reconsideration Granted

• The board voted unanimously to reconsider case 2026-02-005 (Dylan Tarr/Tarr Group for Professional Resource Development Inc.), which had been denied at the March 9 meeting. The reconsideration will be heard in May 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On case 2026-03-009 (The Rock Church parking variances), multiple residents of nearby Collins Glen subdivision expressed opposition, citing concerns about stormwater runoff, increased traffic on Highway 707, potential overflow parking onto Fenway Drive, safety for children, and lack of architectural renderings. One resident requested the church provide a stormwater management plan.
• On case 2026-03-006 (telecommunications tower fall zone variance), a neighboring property owner, Sarah Marlowe, expressed confusion about required waivers and asked for time to consult an attorney before signing any document.
• On case 2026-03-003 (fuel canopy variance), no public opposition was voiced.
• On other cases, no public testimony was offered.

Discussion Items and Variances

• 2026-03-001 (William Martin): Variance for storage building setbacks (0.5 ft side, 4 ft rear). Applicant explained tree roots prevented proper placement. Approved unanimously.
• 2026-03-002 (P3 Engineering for CF Smith Properties): Variance to reduce parking for a dental office from 55 spaces to 29 (26-space variance). Applicant requested 12 treatment rooms. Board questioned staff count and overflow parking. Denied unanimously.
• 2026-03-003 (Interstate Sign for GCL&B LLC): Variance for fuel canopy setback (15.5 ft variance from 25 ft) and 100% variance from hip/gable roof and column wrap requirements. Applicant stated canopy replacement in same footprint. Board amended motion to require hip roof and decorative column wraps. Approved with conditions.
• 2026-03-004 (Donald and Lisa Couch): Variances for two storage buildings (4.8 ft side, 7.7 ft side, 12.7 ft rear). Applicant cited lack of knowledge. A letter of opposition from adjacent property owner was noted. Approved 5-4.
• 2026-03-005 (Chris Lewis for Ramzy Investments): Variance for building height (40 ft vs 35 ft). Applicant proposed adjusting roof design to reduce mean roof height. Approved unanimously.
• 2026-03-006 (Diamond Shores for Dead Duck LLC): 100% variance from 500-ft telecommunications tower fall zone to create eight home lots. Applicant stated it only applied to lot lines, not construction. Waivers and indemnification required. Approved unanimously.
• 2026-03-007 (Christopher and Ramona Kaminsky): Variance for storage building side setback (3 ft variance). Structure had been in place for over ten years; neighbors supported. Approved unanimously.
• 2026-03-008 (Diamond Shores for King Asphalt Inc.): Variance from PDD-required 290-ft side setback to 149 ft for an office building (141-ft variance). Board member expressed concern about encroachment on residential area but approved after discussion. Approved.
• 2026-03-009 (Bolton & Menk for The Rock Church): Two variances: 100% variance to allow 236 of 250 parking spaces in front of building (code allows 50%), and 100% variance to allow 125 spaces in one module (max 75). Church stated design promotes welcoming entry and security. Approved despite resident opposition.
• 2026-03-010 (Wilton Prince & Leslie Reed): Variance of 4.2 ft from 25-ft side setback for a farm building. Applicant used for hay storage. Approved unanimously.
• 2026-03-011 (Bruce & Annah Geiger): Variance of 3 ft from 15-ft rear setback for a screen room roof overhang. Easement not encroached. Approved unanimously.
• 2026-03-012 (Kimberly & Bernard Good): Variance of 0.2 ft from 10-ft side setback for a garage (2 inches over). Foundation survey indicated siding overhang. Approved unanimously.
• 2026-03-013 (G3 Engineering for Rhino 10 LLC): Two variances: 15-space variance to allow 65 of 101 parking spaces forward (code limits 50%), and 100% variance to not install sidewalk on Holmestown Road for a private parking lot. Approved separately.
• 2026-03-014 (Erin Blalock for Omni Investments Properties): 100% variance to use prefabricated metal panels on facade, allowed by overlay. Applicant presented modern design. Approved unanimously.
• 2026-03-015 (BTB Construction for Ani Properties): Variance to not install required 6-ft privacy fence along rear property line where subdivision already had a fence. Applicant argued fence would create inaccessible alley. Approved.

Key Outcomes

• Denial: Case 2026-03-002 (dental office parking variance) was denied unanimously.
• Approvals: All other variance cases were approved, most with standard staff conditions.
• Reconsideration: The board voted to reconsider case 2026-02-005 in May 2026.
• Administrative: The board authorized staff to type handwritten edits on signed board orders before filing.
• Request by board member: Austin Graham requested that all applicant-submitted documents, including full-size site plans, be included in future packets. Staff was commended for compliance.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:05 p.m.