City OKs zoning, tattoo rules
Charleston City Council laid down new rules for
developers in the East Central neighborhood, cleared
the way for tattoo parlors to operate in the city
and approved the renaming of Court Street in the
West Side neighborhood.
The late Maranda Phillips Holmes was a community
leader who lived on Court Street.
"She loved her neighborhood, and she loved
her street," said Mayor Joe Riley. "She
was the West Side."
In other business at Tuesday's council meeting,
the city established a new advisory committee
that will look for ways to improve conditions
for pedestrians and bicyclists, and approved an
ordinance that prohibits putting just about any
sort of sign on any public or private property
without the owner's permission.
The city exempted itself from the no-sign-posting
rule, for reasons illustrated by the East Central
rezoning issues.
"We really plastered that area with signs,"
said Zoning Administrator Lee Batchelder, who
told City Council that about 140 zoning notices
were posted in the neighborhood so residents would
be aware of the zoning changes.
The East Central rezoning is aimed at helping
the neighborhood, roughly the area east of Interstate
26 between Lee and Mount Pleasant streets, make
the transition from a place known for industry
and warehouses to one known for residences and
offices.
The city has eliminated most of the industrial
zoning in the community, and much of the general
business zoning, in favor of residential and mixed-use
zoning. The zoning classifications determine how
properties can be developed.
Also, the city set new height limits for the
area, capping most new buildings at 55 feet.
Tattoo parlors soon could be coming to Charleston,
now that City Council has given final approval
to regulations governing where the businesses
can operate.
Charleston will allow tattoo parlors in areas
zoned for light or heavy industry, so long as
they meet state requirements by keeping at least
1,000 feet away from schools, playgrounds and
churches. State licenses also are required.
Tattoo parlors were initially the subject of
some controversy in 2005, when council first discussed
where they should be allowed.
