The Marina Overlay District Survey garnered responses from 1,037 participants, with 36 responses specifically from residents within the Marina Overlay District. Key findings from the survey include:
- Rezoning Residential Lots: A majority (66.02%) of respondents were against rezoning undeveloped residentially zoned lots for commercial development. Among the residents in the overlay district, opposition was even stronger, with 77.78% against rezoning for commercial purposes.
- Repurposing Homes for Commercial Use: Similarly, 63.46% of respondents opposed the idea of repurposing homes for commercial or mixed-use development, such as restaurants and offices. Again, Marina Overlay residents were more resistant, with 77.78% against it.
- Housing Preferences: There was strong support for single-family homes in the district, with 82.89% in favor. Only 25.88% supported townhomes, and 27.63% supported residential units above commercial spaces. Among Marina Overlay residents, 88.24% supported single-family homes.
- Commercial Development for Marina Business: Opinions were split on whether commercial development should be limited to marina-related businesses. Overall, 51.09% supported this limitation, with Marina Overlay residents nearly evenly divided.
- Dry Boat Storage: A slight majority (52.74%) supported dry boat storage in the district if it adhered to commercial standards. However, the majority of residents in the overlay district (72.22%) opposed dry boat storage.
- Neighborhood-Scale Commercial Uses: The idea of allowing neighborhood-scale commercial businesses like bakeries or small offices was opposed by 58.69% of respondents. Among the Marina Overlay residents, 75% were against such businesses.
- Restaurant in the District: A total of 56% of respondents expressed support for a restaurant in the Marina Overlay District when combining all three “yes” options. Specifically, 20.12% were in favor of a restaurant anywhere within the district, 31.24% supported a restaurant only on the lake, and 23.98% were open to a restaurant with restrictions on time, noise, size, and outdoor areas. However, 44% of respondents were against having a restaurant in the district altogether. Among Marina Overlay residents, 66.67% were opposed to a restaurant in the area, while 33.33% supported it under various conditions
- Alcohol Sales: The majority (63.06%) of respondents supported alcohol sales at a restaurant or boat club. However, Marina Overlay residents were more divided, with 51.43% opposed to alcohol sales.
Proposed Changes to the Marina Overlay District
Based on the survey results, the following proposed changes to the Marina Overlay District zoning have been highlighted in the redlined document:
- Permitted Uses: The amendments propose a clearer delineation of permitted uses, including limiting commercial activity to certain types of businesses that align with the marina’s character, such as art galleries, bookstores, and fresh farm markets, while excluding new townhouse or standalone multi-family developments.
- Architectural and Design Standards: New architectural standards focus on promoting visually appealing and community-compatible designs for mixed-use and commercial buildings. These standards include requirements for transparent windows, primary street-facing entrances, and varied façade designs to avoid monolithic structures.
- Density and Lot Sizes: The amendments emphasize maintaining the residential character of the district, with strict density requirements for multi-family housing. However, they allow increased density if green building practices or civic infrastructure are included.
- Buffer Zones and Environmental Protections: Enhanced environmental protections include maintaining a 50-foot buffer along the lakeside, restrictions on tree removal, and guidelines for shoreline access.
- Traffic and Parking: Addressing concerns about increased traffic, the amendments require a traffic impact analysis for developments generating significant trips and mandate adequate on-site parking for marina activities and other businesses.
Conclusion
The survey results show a clear preference among both the general public and Marina Overlay residents for limiting commercial development in the district, with a focus on preserving the residential and natural character of the area. The proposed zoning changes align with these preferences, offering stricter guidelines on permitted uses, density, architectural standards, and environmental protections.
Full survey results and the redlined Marina Overlay District are available below:
https://www.tegacaysc.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/3614?fileID=11635
https://www.tegacaysc.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/3614?fileID=11636
