Old City Height Districts  + Old & Historic District Updates

In August 2017, Charleston City Council approved ordinance changes related to the Old City Height Districts and the Old & Historic District (Board of Architectural Review standards and review process). This was a two-year in-depth public process led by a nationally renowned consultant and with community input.

Overview

The City of Charleston Planning Department, in partnership with Historic Charleston Foundation and the consultant team of Duany Plater-Zyberk and Company (DPZ), carefully evaluated two key components of the built environment in Charleston - the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) and the allowable height zoning map. Over two years, the project team collected feedback at multiple stakeholder meetings including the public, property owners, members of the development and architectural professional communities, and preservation groups.

Old City Height Districts - Interactive Zoning Map link

Old & Historic District (standards, rules, BAR process) - Zoning Ordinance link

Old City Height Districts  - Zoning Ordinance link

BAR review process, standards, principles and policies  - BAR webpage with additional info