Council Eases Parking Requirement for Medical Offices

Irmo Town Council approved third and final reading of an amendment to a zoning ordinance for parking at offices and clinics of medical doctors, dentists, osteopathy and health care.

During Tuesday's meeting, the council unanimously approved the amendment to the ordinance changing the rules from one space per 200 square feet of gross interior space to one space per 300 square feet.

Mayor John Gibbons said the change requires fewer parking spaces for medical and dental offices than what was currently being required.

The board also briefly discussed allowing permanent open air farmers' markets for produce only. No action was taken.

During public participation, Josh Smith, a resident of the Friarsgate community and proponent of legalizing backyard chickens, presented more information about having chickens within residential areas in the town.

Smith said he found no restrictions on keeping chickens in the backyards of the Friarsgate community, both old and new.

Smith said the town ordinance should allow for a small number of backyard hens for several reasons including the use of eggs for consumption and manure for fertilizer.

While Smith presented the information to council Tuesday, he also said that he and other supporters would wait until after the November election to bring the matter back before the council.

"We're going to wait because right now they can’t think of anything else other than the election," Smith said.