Planning, Preservation & Sustainability

OVERVIEW

The Department of Planning, Preservation & Sustainability is comprised of the following divisions: Administration, Business & Neighborhood Services, Design (Civic Design Center), Planning, Preservation & Urban Design, and Zoning. The Department also administers seven public review boards.  

Mission

To improve the built environment and quality of life for all people in the City of Charleston. 

Core Responsibilities

  • Use the Comprehensive Plan as a guiding document toward a more resilient and equitable future
  • Restore, protect, and preserve historic neighborhoods
  • Facilitate construction of new neighborhoods that are compact and include a mix of uses
  • Facilitate projects, programs, and policies that create affordable housing and transportation options 
  • Cultivate healthy and diverse commercial districts 
  • Consider environmental quality in all of our actions 
  • Advocate for excellence in design 
  • Collaborate across departments to solve complex problems 
  • Offer excellent, courteous, and professional service

planning iconsREVIEW BOARD MEETINGS

VIRTUAL BOARD MEETINGS VIA ZOOM:  In response to COVID-19, all  review board meetings (BAR-L, BAR-S, BZA-Z, BZA-SD, DRB, Planning Commission and TRC) are being held virtually via Zoom. We hope to return to in-person meetings in early 2021.  More information on the review boards can be found on the board webpages.

planning iconsCITY OF CHARLESTON ZONING MAP & ZONING ORDINANCE

Public access to the City of Charleston's Zoning Map. Look up base zoning and overlay zoning information for any property in the city.  The Zoning Ordinance includes rules and standards related to land use.

planning iconsCURRENT PROJECTS

Keep informed of current projects including  amendments to zoning regulations,  major rezoning initiatives, and other special planning projects.


planning iconsCOVID-19 UPDATES