Berkeley County’s Rural Growth Plan | Charleston News

Charleston News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 25, 2026 · 1m

Berkeley County is testing a bold new zoning idea for rural areas: Transitional Agricultural Zoning lets developers build on tiny lots—down to 16,000 sq ft—but demands they preserve half the land as permanent open space. The goal? Growth without losing the countryside. Developers can cluster homes if public water’s available, and stormwater ponds are allowed (up to 30% of conserved land, designed for 100-year storms). Wide road buffers—including a 200-ft greenway—add visual and environmental protection. But critics warn it could strain infrastructure, harm wetlands, and increase crime, urging…