This petition serves as notice of the public’s formal opposition to a proposed planned development (PD) on parcel ID #1510000095, the Bolt Farm Treehouse, LLC.

Members of the Charleston County Planning Commission as well as the Wadmalaw Island Land Planning Committee (WILPC) Have already unanimously opposed the suggested changes in Zoning.

The WILPC presented an outline of the Bolts’ interactions with the county and community and received comments from a large crowd of concerned Wadmalaw residents. The vast majority of these comments expressed strong opposition to the development. At the conclusion of public comments, the WILPC voted unanimously to oppose the PD.

After an extensive review of the Bolts’ public comments and their social media messaging / marketing, we conclude the PD is requested as a means to circumvent the Charleston County short-term rental ordinance. In addition, we believe the Bolts intend the property to function not simply as a family retreat, but primarily as a commercial eco-retreat/luxury treehouse hotel operation. As noted by the Coastal Conservation League, if a family retreat is the true intention of the Bolt Farm, then the 72-night limitation should be sufficient for this purpose.

In the application it is stated “The structures were originally intended for personal use, but due to the high construction costs, the costs were offset by doing Short Term Rentals. After the overwhelmingly positive response from guests, it was decided that the owners wanted the ability to rent more than two of the structures for more than 35 nights per year.”

According to the PD the owners are requesting to allow:

Commerical Guest House Short Term Rental units: “7 UNITS”

Manufactured Housing Unit: “1 MANUFACTURED, MOBILE, OR OTHER TYPE OF PERMITTED DWELLING UNIT”

Parking Spaces: There will be 3 parking spaces for each unit and 40 parking spaces for special events.

Outside Vendors and Service Providers: Use of outside service providers and vendors to increase both the utility and enjoyment of the property for both paying and personal guests.”

Special Events: (“weddings, community gatherings, etc.”

Asking for 25 special events per year. 

Max number of people allowed at a Special Event : 99 guests (not including vendors and employees.

Alcohol Sales and Service:

 “(wine and beer) is only for guests staying overnight and shall be allowed at special events such as weddings. The alcohol will be kept in storage and only placed in each dwelling if the guests are over 21 years old and pay for or are gifted the alcohol.”

Alcohol Sales and Service are by right and a Special Exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals is not required.

Impact Assesment:

*Current residences are served by an existing well and septic field. Additional units will require increased water service and a larger septic field. These items shall be coordinated and applied for during the design phase and prior to construction.

Use of Open Space:

 a. Trails shall be natural.

b. Individual fire pits shall be provided at each unit.

Such a commercial operation of more than 72 nights a year represents a drastic departure from not only the allowed land uses for AG-15, but also from the rural, agricultural and residential character of Wadmalaw Island. The preservation and protection of Wadmalaw is the first and foremost concern. This PD threatens to erode the protections provided to Wadmalaw by current zoning laws and the Comprehensive Plan. In addition, if approved it would not only invalidate the purpose of the short-term rental ordinance, but would set a precedent for other commercial entities to bypass protections afforded to rural residential and agricultural land on Wadmalaw.

We sincerely hope our thoughts and concerns have been heavily weighed, and that the Charleston County Council will follow the recommendations of its Planning Committee, the WILPC, and the community and will oppose the Bolt Farm PD-17. We believe that Charleston County will stand by the community of Wadmalaw Island and that our voices will be heard.