Zoning Change Paves Way For Boardwalk Pier Development

Final adoption of an amended Planned Unit Development zoning designation on July 27, 2010, has completed the rezoning process for the exciting new 2nd Avenue Pier development in Myrtle Beach. The project includes a two story restaurant and bar offering expansive ocean views opening onto the existing pier as the first phase. Construction on this phase is complete, including a portion of the new Myrtle Beach Boardwalk passing under the structure. The development promises to serve as an iconic anchor to the southern end of the Boardwalk. The second and third phases will include public parking for the beach and boardwalk and retail and dining in two first class buildings, spearheading efforts to redevelop this downtown area.

This exciting project is made possible through innovative rezoning of the property as a Planned Unit Development (“PUD”). The PUD zoning designation allows for more innovative design and uses for property than most traditional zoning designations. A PUD (sometimes called a Planned Development District or “PDD” depending upon the jurisdiction) is a specially crafted ordinance adopted by the City or County Council to zone a property for specific structures and mixes of uses. Its use allows for the developer to obtain certain advantages, in the form of setback or height variations, in return for more innovative design and public benefit aspects.  In the case of the 2nd Avenue Pier, the project includes city owned property that will be leased on a long term basis and a design that complements and includes the city’s boardwalk. The PUD designation helps make such public-private cooperation possible, to the benefit of the entire area.

Bellamy Law Firm attorney Brad King, working with Mozingo and Wallace Architects, LLC, the architects for the project, headed the rezoning process for Teak and Trent Collins, whose family has owned and operated the pier and other properties in Myrtle Beach for decades. The rezoning process, especially the PUD classification, takes the concerted effort of a team consisting in most cases of the owner, attorney, architect, and surveyor. An attorney experienced in this process, which generally takes several months to complete, serves to coordinate and focus the efforts of the various professionals involved to produce the completed ordinance.  Lobbying with the city’s staff, planning commission and council to obtain approval involves many considerations and relationships, and is best achieved by assembling an experienced team.  

Other recent PUD approvals Brad King has headed include the Oceans 7 live/work townhome project that is a part of the 6th Avenue South PUD, as well as amendments to the 26th Avenue PUD which includes the Anderson Ocean Club and Carolinian condominium projects.