Board approves special exception for accessory building on Madison property

The Dorchester County Board of Appeals approved a special exception that allows an accessory 30-by-50-by-16 pole building (about 1,500 square feet) on a 53-acre property in Madison despite the parcel's wetland and floodplain constraints. The board voted to permit the structure for equipment and storage prior to construction of a primary dwelling.

Staff member Tyler described BOA case 2824 and explained the regulatory constraints: the parcel is in a resource-conservation/floodplain area with non-tidal wetlands and soils that likely will not pass an on-site sewage perk test, which currently prevents construction of a primary residence. The applicant needs enclosed storage for hunting and maintenance equipment; staff said a wetland delineation has been completed, a wetland permit is in process, and the building permit is proceeding. Soil conservation and DPW exempted the project from stormwater and sediment control because the impact is under 5,000 square feet. Planning commission member J.C. Collins told staff he preferred a structured building to tarps and exposed storage; staff relayed Collins' observation that the building was "a better solution aesthetically."

Board members pressed staff on limits: a board member asked whether the accessory structure would be limited to storage and whether utilities would be allowed. Staff replied plumbing would not be permitted, electric was likely, and because the site is in the floodplain the owner will be required to sign a nonconversion document that the building cannot be converted to living space; staff also said floodplain construction must have started within roughly three months under current practice.

The board reviewed the county's special exception criteria — consistency with the comprehensive plan, harmony with neighborhood character, and no adverse impacts to traffic, public services, or public welfare — and found the proposed use met those standards. A motion to approve passed on a board vote. Staff and the board closed with routine remarks and adjourned the meeting.

Next steps for the applicant include completing wetland permitting and obtaining building permits; the nonconversion restriction will be recorded to prevent future residential conversion while the site remains subject to current floodplain and sewage limitations.