Zoning Permits & Planning Needs

The town's ​Zoning Code requires the issuance of a zoning permit by the Town Planner prior to the commencement of any development activities, including signs and temporary uses. ​The purpose of a zoning permit is to ensure that any proposed use and/or structure complies with all applicable zoning requirements of the Zoning Code. In reviewing and approving a zoning permit request, ​the Town Planner may attach reasonable conditions in order to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Zoning Code.

Zoning permit applications for most subdivisions, planned developments, and commercial projects must also be reviewed and approved by the town's Planning Commission, pursuant to the Zoning Code. 

​​In instances when a building permit is required, the issuance of a town zoning permit will entitle the holder to apply for and obtain a building permit from the Charleston County Building Inspection Services Department. Pursuant to an agreement between the town and Charleston County, the county's Building Inspection Services Department is responsible for administering and enforcing all permitting and inspection services within the town.

A zoning permit will expire if no building permit has been issued within six months from the date upon which the zoning permit was issued. When a building permit is not required, a zoning permit will expire if development has not commenced within six months from the date of issuance.

Submittal Requirements

All permit applications must be submitted using the appropriate application form: 

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Application forms submitted in person at Awendaw Town Hall during regular business hours, by email to Takeya White, Planning Clerk, or by mail: Town of Awendaw, PO Box 520, Awendaw, SC 29429.

Permits are also required to submit the following with their applications:
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  • Notarized Action Statement 
  • Site plan with tree survey and Town Zoning Ordinance Setbacks
  • SCDES Septic Permit
  • Architectural drawings including floor plans, elevations with building height and roof mid-point height, required FEMA BFE and 2’ freeboard if applicable. PDF’s must be labeled, i.e. floor plan, elevations.  

Items which must be reviewed by the Planning Commission should be submitted at least thirty days prior to the scheduled Planning Commission meeting date.
​Staff Contacts: 
Daniel O'Hara Town Planner 
Email: click here. 
Takeya White, Planning Clerk
​Email: click here. 
Office: (843) 931-8125
Department Hours:
Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Variances, Special Exceptions & Appeals

The town's Board of Zoning Appeals has three specific powers, duties and responsibilities under state and local law:
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  • Variances: ​To hear and decide appeals for variances from the requirements of the zoning ordinance when strict application of the provisions of the ordinance would result in unnecessary hardship. State law outlines four criteria which must be met in order to qualify for a variance, and it is incumbent upon the applicant to demonstrate how the request satisfies each of the four criteria; 
  • Special Exceptions: To permit uses by special exception when designated within the zoning ordinance; and
  • ​Appeals: To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is an error in an order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative official in the enforcement of the zoning ordinance.

For assistance in filing an application for variance, special exception or an appeal, please contact Daniel O'Hara, Town Planner, via email: [email protected]