Isle of Palms council denies zoning change for Acme Lowcountry Kitchen expansion

The Isle of Palms City Council voted Tuesday night to deny a zoning setback change requested by Acme Lowcountry Kitchen owner Bobby Simmons, according to ABC News 4 WCIV. Simmons has operated the restaurant for nearly 20 years and sought the change to address limited parking on the property.

Simmons proposed moving the restaurant building closer to Carolina Boulevard to create more space for a parking lot, aiming to reduce customers circling the building searching for parking, WCIV reported. The change would have required altering existing setback regulations.

Some local business owners expressed concerns about the potential impact of changing setback rules. Brenda Smith, owner of Sea Biscuit Café, urged the council to consider how the decision might affect other property owners in the area, according to WCIV.

Another business owner argued for more flexibility from the government toward businesses, saying the current tendency is to say no because it is easier. Despite these views, the council decided against the zoning change, posing challenges for the restaurant's planned expansion, WCBD Count on 2 reported.

The Acme Lowcountry Kitchen owner had plans to build a larger restaurant on the back portion of the property while keeping the current business open, but the council’s decision complicates those plans, WCBD noted.