Meeting today re. Encroachment on Root System of Sol Legare oak--★NOT REMOVAL★
UPDATE ON SOL LEGARE SAND OAK:
We are feeling more than a little bit emotional today as we are hoping that our many months of worrying about the wonderful, historic 40 in. DBH Sol Legare Sand Oak will come to an end this afternoon.
After first hearing of the possible removal of this iconic grand oak on Richardson Road (Sol Legare) in October of 2025, and it first coming before the Charleston County BZA (for removal) in December of 2025; TODAY (Sept. 14) at 4 p.m., the BZA will take up the homebuilder's request for a variance to encroach an additional 4 ft into the root zone of this special tree, to run the roadway to the three new homes he wishes to build beyond the tree.
We hope that the BZA grants this variance request, and we are so grateful that the grand sand oak will remain where it's been standing (for what we have evidence to show) has been 9-10 decades, since the 1930's. This is a healthy, B-rated grand oak.
We trust the arborist's preservation plan and specific recommendations for running the roadway beside this special tree.
We are grateful to the James Island PSD Fire Department for approving a variance to the typically required road width for the road to be constructed carefully around the grand oak tree.
We are relieved that the Charleston County Planning Staff has recommended fair and thoughtful conditions for the variance if approved including a tree protection plan and mitigation plan should the worst happen, the grand tree should die within (3) years----for stringent mitigation for the possible loss of the tree and the planting of new trees. We are praying that this tree stays healthy and safe-- and is not compromised by the roadway running close to its trunk. We know that construction vehicles will be an intense disruption; but as only three houses are planned beyond the tree, there will not be heavy traffic near the tree once the homes are built.
Thank you to EVERYONE who signed this petition (started in March of 2026) to save this wonderful grand oak that is so important to the Sol Legare community---and really to so many of us.
We have 2,542 signatures as of today; but please feel free to keep sharing! It has been passionate James Islanders and others who have convinced everyone involved--from the builder, to the County, to the arborists-- to do all they can to SAVE THIS HISTORIC TREE and make sure it is protected into the future.
Here are some details re. the BZA meeting today if you would like to attend and speak in support of the variance request to encroach upon the tree's root zone, which we support to save the tree from removal:
Charleston County
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS (BZA) MEETING
SEPTEMBER 14, 2026, 4:00 P.M.
Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, Room 249
Lonnie Hamilton, III Public Services Building
4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston, SC 29405.
Agenda for meeting (See pages 3-4--there are other James Island items of importance!):
https://engage.charlestoncounty.org/Customer/File/Full/39db9635-bcaa-4c94-b6d6-a6551a187de2
Meeting Packet for Sol Legare Grand Sand Oak:
https://engage.charlestoncounty.org/Customer/File/Full/85646971-baac-4ce4-92b3-c01f98d5da1b
This packet includes County Staff's Recommendation and Conditions, Tree Protection Plan by builder's arborist and letter from the JIPSD Fire Dept re. the variance & conditions necessary to narrow the road around the tree.
Special Appreciation to:
Concerned Citizens of Sol Legare
Corie Hipp
Seashore Farmers Lodge
Maya Brown - Live 5 News
Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition -Queen Quet
Gullah/Geechee Nation The Slave Dwelling Project
Joseph McGill
https://www.instagram.com/bvlavelletulla
Historic Charleston Foundation
Coastal Conservation League
and ALL OF YOU!!!!
We will update everyone re. the BZA's vote today on the "encroachment" but we are hopeful it will be approved with the conditions specified by County staff.
Thank you all,
Save James Island