Show All Answers

1. Do I need a permit to remove a tree in my yard?

Yes, trees located on residential lots that are 16 inches in diameter (measuring trunk 4 1/2 feet from the ground) are protected and require a permit from the Town of Mount Pleasant. Residential trees that are exempt from a permit are those under 16 inches in diameter and the following species: Pine, Sweet Gum, Callary Pear, River Birch, Mimosa, Chinaberry, Chinese Tallow, Camphor Tree, and White Poplar trees unless they are located in a buffer, critical area or right-of-way. Remember to check with your HOA or neighborhood for any covenants for restrictions regarding tree removal.

2. Do I need a permit to install a new roof on my house?

Yes. The permit can be issued to you as the owner or a contractor who is licensed to work in South Carolina. If you live in the Old Village Historic District, additional approval from the Historic District Preservation Commission will be necessary before a permit can be issued.

3. Can I have an apartment over my garage?

Yes. The Town allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in most residential zoning districts. Please call the PLAN Department at (843) 884-1229 to verify that your property can have an ADU. Size, location, occupancy, and other requirements may be found in Zoning Code Section 156.110 & 156.111. A building permit is required and can be submitted to our Building Inspections office with all required supplemental information as outlined on the ADU checklist.

4. Do I need a permit to trim a tree?

You may trim any dead limbs out of a tree. You may also trim the live crown as long as it is evenly distributed throughout the crown and does not damage the tree or tree canopy.

5. How do I get a plat or map of my property?

If you are looking for the recorded plat for your property, please contact the Charleston County RMC Office at (843) 958-4800. If you are looking for a site plan showing your house on the lot, please contact the Permitting Office of the Building Inspection Division at (843) 849-2029. If you are looking for an aerial view of an area or a zoning map, please fill out a map request or contact the Planning & Engineering Division at (843) 884-1229.

6. I want to build a new home or add onto my existing home--how do I determine the buildable area or where I can build on my property?

There are several regulations that apply when determining the buildable area:

1. Zoning. To determine the buildable area, you first determine the zoning. You can find this information by using the Town’ GIS or calling the Planning Department. 
2. Development standards. Once the zoning is determined, go to the zoning code section § 156.303 to find the minimum development standards. The minimum development standards provide the setbacks as well as the maximum permitted building coverage.

1.  Setbacks. Mark the setbacks for the specific zoning district provided in the development standards table on the plot.
2. Building coverage. Using the specific zoning district, determine the minimum building coverage provided in the development standards table. The maximum building coverage will be between 30% - 50%. Use the survey to calculate the lots total square footage. Calculate the maximum percent allowed (30% - 50% depending on district) of the total lot square footage. This gives you the maximum building footprint in square feet that could be permitted on the lot. 

3. Trees. Submittal requirements include a tree survey conducted within the past 12 months. Look at the trees on the survey and mark all the trees that are 16” DBH (§ 156.221) or greater and draw their required tree protection zone (§ 156.227). 
4. Easements, buffers, covenants and restrictions. Check the recorded plat for any easements. Check with the Record or Deeds for any covenants and restrictions. Determine if the property has any required buffers by looking at the Bufferyard section in the zoning code (§ 156.201). 
5. Buildable area. Highlight the area on the plot that is not taken up by setbacks, trees (if any), easements (if any), buffers (if any), or any covenants and restrictions (if any). The highlighted area is the buildable area.
6. Professional expertise. Be sure to consult a professional to ensure accuracy. 

7. Do I need approval to have a vision corridor on my property?

Yes, you need a plat approved by the Town of Mount Pleasant and recorded at the Charleston County Record of Deeds office.   

8. My lot touches more than one street or is irregularly shaped--how do I determine where my setbacks apply?

Setbacks are regulated according to § 156.007, of the Town of Mount Pleasant Code of Ordinances as follows:

BUILDING LINE (includes SETBACK).  That line which represents the minimum distances, when measured at right angles, which a building or structure must be placed from a lot line in accordance with the terms of this chapter. Front and rear yards should be located along the width of the lot (shorter dimension) and side yards should be located along the length of the lot (longer dimension), both regardless of lot and building orientation so as to provide the greatest amount of buildable area.

 LOT, CORNER.  A lot at the junction of, and fronting on, two or more streets (but not alleys) at their intersection (lot “A” in diagram shown below).

LOT, DEPTH.  The average horizontal distance between the front and rear lot lines, measured in the general direction of its side lot lines.

LOT, DOUBLE FRONTAGE.  A lot having a frontage on two streets (but not alleys), at a point other than at their intersection, as distinguished from corner lot (lot “C” in diagram shown below).

LOT, INTERIOR.  A lot other than a corner lot, having frontage on only one street other than an alley (lot “B” in diagram shown below).