As growth and development continue to surge in the Lowcountry, Charleston County officials are pushing back against a rezoning request in Ravenel that they say would undermine conservation efforts and long-term planning for rural land.
Proposed Rezoning in Ravenel
The request involves a property on the 7400 block of Highway 165, where the owners sought to change the zoning from Agricultural Preservation (AG-10) to Agricultural Residential (AGR). The change would allow higher housing density on the land, which is currently intended for limited development to preserve open space and natural character.
But officials say the property has already been rezoned to its maximum potential, and under current rules, a new subdivision cannot be approved.
Why the Request Was Denied
Charleston County’s zoning team explained that rezoning decisions must align with the county’s comprehensive plan, which outlines how land should be used and developed.
Key reasons for the denial include:
Comprehensive Plan Conflict: The plan designates the land for agricultural preservation, which allows only one unit per 10 acres. Any higher density would break those rules.
Urban Growth Boundary: The property lies outside the urban growth boundary, a key line drawn years ago to restrict dense development in rural areas.
Consistency & Precedent: Officials warned that approving the request could set a precedent for future rezoning requests, opening what Councilman Joe Boykin called “a Pandora’s box” of overdevelopment.
“These plans were well laid and they’ve worked well for us. We would be creating density where it was not anticipated,” Boykin said.
Balancing Growth and Preservation
County leaders stressed that development has a place in Charleston County, but it must be directed toward areas within the growth boundary, not rural preservation zones.
“There’s a place for development, there’s a place for growth and there’s a place not to put it,” Boykin emphasized. “That’s the whole reason we have this plan in place — to preserve the character and beauty of Charleston County while also accommodating new residents.”
Next Steps: Public Hearing
Residents will have the opportunity to share their input at a public hearing scheduled for:
Date: Tuesday
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Charleston County Council Chambers, 2nd floor, Lonnie Hamilton III Public Services Building, 4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston
Case Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 7400 block of Highway 165, Ravenel |
| Current Zoning | Agricultural Preservation (AG-10) |
| Requested Zoning | Agricultural Residential (AGR) |
| Key Rule | 1 housing unit per 10 acres (max density) |
| Status | Request denied by staff |
| Reason | Outside urban growth boundary; inconsistent with comprehensive plan |
| Next Step | Public hearing with Charleston County Council |
Charleston County officials remain firm in their stance: preservation and smart planning must take priority over unchecked development. The Ravenel rezoning request is just one example of the growing tension between the need for housing and the push to protect the Lowcountry’s rural beauty. With a public hearing set, residents will now have their say in a debate that reflects a larger question for the region’s future — how much growth is too much?
