Nick Ard

The Board conducted elections for Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary for the 2026 year. They reviewed and approved a variance request to allow two wall-mounted signs for a single commercial building that lacked internal subdivision. Additionally, the Board adopted the 2026 meeting schedule and approved a variance for a residential accessory structure that exceeded the size of the primary residence due to unique lot characteristics and security concerns. The meeting also included discussions regarding potential scheduling changes for March, the impact of a proposed municipal moratorium on future variance applications, the introduction of a new Planning Director, and ongoing challenges related to board membership recruitment.

The Board addressed public concerns regarding property line encroachments and historic residential window replacement standards. Applications were reviewed and acted upon for various residential properties, including the replacement of siding, fences, and windows, as well as the construction of a new residence. One request for window replacement and another for a building addition/revision were deferred to the next meeting. Additionally, the Board adopted the 2026 meeting schedule and reviewed updated design guidelines, including the approval of a contract with a consulting firm to assist with regulatory updates.

The board addressed several applications regarding revisions to residential properties in the historic district. Key actions included approving a rear addition and roof design modifications at 124 Orange Street, and authorizing specific alterations, including HVAC relocation and window reconfigurations, at 228 St. James Street despite public objections. A request for window replacement at 12 St. James Street was deferred for 90 days to allow for the research of restoration alternatives. Additionally, the board approved the installation of a black aluminum fence at 402 Highmarket Street and discussed compliance issues concerning setbacks at 325 Orange Street, as well as upcoming revisions to the Unified Development Ordinance.

The meeting included the election of board officers and the adoption of the 2026 meeting schedule, contingent upon bylaw amendments to resolve scheduling conflicts. The Commission discussed public concerns regarding a proposed development moratorium, specifically addressing legal and statutory compliance issues under the South Carolina Local Government Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act. The Commission formally adopted a letter expressing these advisory concerns to the City Council. Additionally, the Board reviewed procurement updates for the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) revision, budget allocations for planning services, and potential coordination strategies for future comprehensive plan updates.

The meeting covered public input from the owner of a cat café who reported over 500 cat adoptions and significant donations to local animal shelters. New Business involved Variance request V#2025-0017 concerning an increase in maximum building height from 45 ft to 75 ft for new commercial construction across multiple parcels on Front Street. The developer detailed plans for mixed-use space including restaurants, entertainment venues, apartments/condominiums, and structured parking intended to alleviate downtown parking shortages. Several members of the public voiced concerns about preserving Georgetown's historic character and village atmosphere by opposing the proposed height. The Board ultimately agreed to defer the variance request to the January 7, 2026 meeting due to health issues affecting the architectural team's ability to submit final renderings. The Board also passed motions authorizing the Chairman and Board Secretary to execute and issue Board Orders on behalf of the board.