City of Charleston August 3 Isaias 10 PM Update

With a late course and speed change having spared the area from the worst of Hurricane Isaias’s impacts, the city of Charleston stood down its virtual Municipal Emergency Operations Center at 8 o’clock tonight.

The city’s Poli...

City of Charleston August 3 Isaias 2 PM Update

During their meeting this morning, Charleston City Council passed an emergency ordinance authorizing Mayor John Tecklenburg to enact a citywide curfew tonight, should conditions require it as a result of Tropical Storm Isaias.

At this time, no curfew is in...

Update: City of Charleston August 2 Tropical Storm Isaias Update

In response to this evening’s update from the National Weather Service forecasting 2-4 feet of storm surge tomorrow night related to Tropical Storm Isaias, the city has added an additional Peninsula sandbag pick-up location at the RiverDogs Stad...

City of Charleston August 2 Tropical Storm Isaias Update

City of Charleston Emergency Management continues to work closely with state and regional officials to monitor Tropical Storm Isaias and make preparations for any potential local impacts.

The city’s Municipal Emergency Operations Center will acti...

City of Charleston Prepares for Hurricane Isaias

Update: After reviewing the 5 p.m. forecast, city officials announced that the following parking garages will be open to city residents free of charge from 8 a.m. Sunday, August 2 to 8 a.m. Tuesday, August 4:

• Queen Street Garage, 93 Queen Street
• Aq...

Information will be added here before, during, and after a storm.

2021 Business License Renewal Reminder

Reminder: Sunday, February 28, 2021 is the last day to renew a city of Charleston business license without incurring late fees.

Learn more about renewing your business license at: https://www.charleston-sc.gov/135/Business-License-Renewals

 Questio...

The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs Presents Like A Girl: Dare to Dream by Fer Caggian

The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs presents Like A Girl: Dare to Dream, a new exhibition by artist Fer Caggiano on view at City Gallery from March 11, 2021 through May 2, 2021. Featuring portraits of more than 35 South Carolinian women, Lik...

City of Charleston Warming Shelter to Re-Open Tonight, February 19

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming shelter at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, 265 Fishburne Street, will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight, Friday, February 19, 2021 and will remain open unti...

City of Charleston Piloting Free Mattress Recycling Program

The city of Charleston recently received grant funding from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to pilot a mattress and box spring recycling program for city residents. 

Why it matters: Due to their padding and spring...

Mayor John Tecklenburg to Launch Mayor’s Book Club for Kids

The Mayor’s Book Club, a fun new initiative for kids, will launch today as Mayor John Tecklenburg records a virtual reading of the inaugural book selection, “The Freedom Ship of Robert Smalls,” by Louise Meriwether, which was...

First Funds Deployed to Small Businesses from LDC Revolving Loan Fund

This afternoon, Mayor John Tecklenburg held a press conference with Steve Saltzman, CEO of the Charleston LDC, to announce the initial deployment of loans from the revolving loan fund created in September to aid Charleston small businesses impacted by the...

City of Charleston to Begin Golf Cart Registration Initiative

With the use of golf carts on public streets continuing to rise, the city of Charleston, in cooperation with South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, will begin actively enforcing state registration requirements on March 1, 2021.

This effort comes in r...

City of Charleston Warming Center to Re-Open Tonight

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming shelter at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, 265 Fishburne Street, will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, February 2, 2021, and will remain open unt...

City of Charleston Warming Center to Re-Open Tonight

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming shelter at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, 265 Fishburne Street, will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight, Friday, January 29, 2021, and will remain open unti...

City of Charleston Warming Center to Re-Open Tonight

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming shelter at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, 265 Fishburne Street, will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight, Thursday, January 28, 2021, and will remain open un...

City of Charleston Welcomes New City Architect

The city of Charleston has hired Tory Parish as its new City Architect.

Ms. Parish, who began work this week, will help shape the city’s built environment by overseeing the work of the Board of Architectural Review - Large, Board of Architectural...

City of Charleston Warming Shelter to Re-Open Tonight, January 18

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming shelter at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, 265 Fishburne Street, will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight, Monday, January 18, 2021 and will remain open until...

City of Charleston Warming Shelter to Re-Open Tonight, January 17

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming shelter at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, 265 Fishburne Street, will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight, Sunday, January 17, 2021 and will remain open until...

City of Charleston Warming Shelter to Re-Open Tonight, January 16

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming shelter at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, 265 Fishburne Street, will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight, Saturday, January 16, 2021 and will remain open unt...

City of Charleston Warming Center to Re-Open Tonight, January 15

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming center will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight, Friday, January 15, 2021 and will remain open until 7 a.m. tomorrow.

How it works: Guests must arrive by 11 p.m. to be chec...

City of Charleston to Co-Host Stimulus Webinar for Small Businesses

The city of Charleston Business Services Division has partnered with the U.S. Small Business Administration and Small Business Development Center to host a free webinar, The Stimulus Round 2: What Small Businesses Need to Know, to provide important inform...

In-Person Court Proceedings Suspended Statewide Due to Rise in COVID-19 Cases

Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the state, the Supreme Court of South Carolina has announced that all in-person court proceedings statewide are suspended until further notice, beginning Monday, January 11, 2021.

This suspension is subject to l...

City of Charleston Warming Center to Re-Open Tonight

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming center will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight, Friday, January 8, 2021 and will remain open until 7 a.m. tomorrow.

How it works: Guests must arrive by 11 p.m. t...

Statement from Mayor Tecklenburg on New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Today, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg released the following statement with regard to New Year’s Eve celebrations:

“Thanks to continued responsible practices by our citizens, Charleston has so far been spared the worst of this second...

City to Host 155th Emancipation Proclamation Association Parade and Commemorative Worship Service Vi

In consideration of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the nation’s oldest continuous Emancipation Day parade will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 1, 2021 as a virtual event.

The parade can be viewed at http://chsepa.wordpress.com.

The eve...

City of Charleston to Host AmeriCorps VISTA Virtual Information Session for 2021 Site Selection

The city of Charleston will host a Virtual Information Session for the 2021 AmeriCorps VISTA Site Selection Process to provide an overview of the AmeriCorps VISTA Program, and review related regulations and site requirements. The Information Session will ...

Sponsorships Available for New King Street Hanging Baskets

As part of ongoing efforts to ensure that King Street remains one of the most beautiful and walkable main streets in America, the city of Charleston has partnered with Charleston Water System, Explore Charleston and the Charleston Restaurant Foundation to...

Charleston Municipal Golf Course Reopens Following Extensive Renovation

This morning, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg, Golf Course Architect Troy Miller, representatives of Friends of the Muni, members of City Council and County Council, and community leaders held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Charleston Municipal Golf C...

City of Charleston Warming Center to Re-Open Tonight

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming center will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight and will remain open until 7 a.m. tomorrow.

How it works: Guests must arrive by 11 p.m. to be checked in. The warm...

Late Charlestonian Mayo Read Honored at City Arbor Day Ceremony

Today, the city of Charleston and Charleston Parks Conservancy planted a live oak tree in Hampton Park in recognition of Arbor Day and in memory of the late Charlestonian Mayo Read, who influenced the planting of more than 1,000 trees throughout the city ...

City of Charleston Warming Center to Re-Open Tonight

Due to the expected cold temperatures this evening, the city of Charleston’s warming center will re-open at 8 p.m. tonight and will remain open until 7 a.m. tomorrow.

Last evening, the warming center housed a total of 37 people, including 30 men,...

City of Charleston 2020 Holiday Events Update

This holiday season, the city of Charleston will hold the following holiday events. NOTE: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Holiday Parade and Holiday Boat Parade have been cancelled.

From December 5, 2020 through Decemb...

City of Charleston Warming Center to Open Tonight

The city of Charleston will operate a warming center beginning at 8 p.m. tonight to 7 a.m. tomorrow. Guests must arrive by 11 p.m. to be checked in. The warming center at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, at 265 Fishburne Street, will offer indi...

City Announces COVID-19 Regulations for West Ashley Holiday Market

The city of Charleston today announced plans for the West Ashley Holiday Market in Ackerman Park, which will take place on Sunday, November 22, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 55 Sycamore Avenue and will provide citizens an opportunity to shop local in pre...

St. Julian Devine Community Center Smokestacks Task Force to Meet Today

The St. Julian Devine Community Center Smokestacks Task Force will meet for the first time at 11 a.m. today to hear an update from City of Charleston Capital Projects on the status of most recent inspection of the chimneys and the status of the Bennett Pr...

With Coronavirus relief stalled in Washington, city Budget Committee works to close $18M shortfall

As Congress continues to squabble over emergency Covid relief funds for cities and counties, the city of Charleston Ad Hoc Budget Committee will meet via Zoom at 2 pm today to consider options to balance their 2021 budget in the face of an $18 million sho...

Keep Charleston Beautiful Receives Funding to Support Beautification and Cleanup Efforts

Earlier this year, Keep Charleston Beautiful received a Keep South Carolina Beautiful (KSCB) Annual Support Grant in the amount of $9,000 to help fund initiatives related to litter prevention, litter cleanup, beautification, recycling and environmental ed...

Deadline Extended to Complete City Plan Survey

In order to maximize opportunities for public engagement, the deadline to complete the city of Charleston’s City Plan survey has been extended, and responses will now be accepted through Monday, November 16, 2020.

Why it matters: The sur...

City encourages citizens to celebrate Halloween safely

With coronavirus cases on the rise and Halloween approaching, the city of Charleston is asking citizens to stay safe by following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines while celebrating the holiday this year.

 First and most impor...

City Gallery Announces New Fall Exhibition

In partnership with the MOJA Arts Festival and the Charleston 350 Commission, the City Gallery presents The Freedom Ship of Robert Smalls, its newest exhibition on view beginning October 29, 2020. 

About the exhibition: This exhibition presents la...

Keep Charleston Beautiful to Host Halloween-Themed Clean-Up Event in West Ashley

Keep Charleston Beautiful will host a “Hallo-clean” Litter Walk, a Halloween-themed community clean-up event, along Highway 17 in West Ashley from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2020. The morning of the event, volunteers will...

Funding Available to Support Rain Garden Installations for Charleston Rainproof Pilot Project

Grants in the amount of $200 to support the installation of rain gardens are now available to city of Charleston residents, businesses and organizations through funding provided by Keep South Carolina Beautiful.

 Why it matters: Rain gard...

Call for Volunteers for City of Charleston Warming Center

Volunteers are needed to help the city of Charleston operate a warming center, which will offer individuals who are homeless a place to spend the night during inclement weather this winter. The warming center at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center,...

Charleston Artisans Market to Begin Saturday in Marion Square

This weekend, artisans and packaged food vendors will return to Marion Square for the Charleston Artisans Market on King Street Plaza. The market will run Saturday, October 17, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., across the park from the Charleston Essentials Market o...

Flooding Due to King Tides Forecast Through Sunday

Beginning tonight and for the next several days, motorists in the city of Charleston are asked to use caution and plan their travel to avoid low-lying areas during periods of high tide.

The National Weather Service in Charleston has forecast moderate floo...

Local Students Invited to Participate in Mayor’s Youth Commission Virtual Summit Series

Charleston-area students in grades 9-12 attending public, private, home, or virtual school are invited to participate in the Mayor’s Youth Commission’s Virtual Summit Series from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2020. 

Why ...

City of Charleston to Host School Supply Distribution Drive-Thru

The city of Charleston will host a school supply distribution drive-thru on Sunday, October 18, 2020 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, located at 265 Fishburne Street for local students in need of school supplies.

Why it matters: ...

Public Safety Committee to Receive Preliminary After Action Review

At this afternoon’s Public Safety Committee meeting, scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. via Zoom, the Charleston Police Department will present the preliminary After Action Review evaluating the police response to the protests and riots that occu...

Mayor Tecklenburg Encourages Citizens to Receive Flu Shot

This morning, as part of the city of Charleston’s flu shot program for city employees, Mayor John Tecklenburg received his flu shot and encouraged citizens throughout the Lowcountry to do the same.  

Why flu shots matter, especially this...

City of Charleston, Charleston LDC Announce COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund

Today, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg and Charleston LDC CEO Steve Saltzman announced an $850,000 revolving loan fund to aid Charleston businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funds were authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic...

Road Closures Due to Heavy Rain Remain in Effect; Additional Rain Expected This Evening

As of 2 p.m. today, 2.5 inches of rain had fallen in the city of Charleston, with continued precipitation expected.

Currently, 26 roads are closed due to flooding, primarily in the downtown area.

The next high tide, which is expected at 4:08 p.m., is foreca...

City of Charleston Prepares for Series of High Tides, Flooding

With an 8.7-foot tide forecast for Sunday morning—potentially the third highest non-tropical high tide since 1934—City of Charleston emergency management officials urge residents and visitors to prepare for major tidal flooding. The Na...

Potential for Major Tidal Flooding Tonight; Additional Flooding into the Weekend

The National Weather Service in Charleston has forecast major flooding for Charleston around this evening’s 7:05 p.m. high tide and near-major flooding around Wednesday and Thursday evenings’ high tides. At this time, no rainfall is fo...

Charleston Sues 24 Fossil Fuel Companies for Costs of Surviving Climate Change

As Charleston approaches Friday’s third anniversary of Hurricane Irma’s extreme surge and flooding that devastated the city, officials today filed a lawsuit in South Carolina state court to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for th...

City of Charleston Plans for Partial Preservation of St. Julian Devine Chimneys

After learning of the safety report calling for the demolition of the St. Julian Devine Community Center chimneys last week, Mayor John Tecklenburg convened a meeting of project managers and engineers over the weekend to determine if there were any possib...

Public Input Needed for Charleston City Plan Update

Once every ten years, citizens in South Carolina have the opportunity to help rewrite their city’s single most important planning document--the comprehensive plan that guides decisions on development, housing, transportation, land use and more.

F...

City Announces COVID-19 Regulations for City Gallery

Due to the ongoing situation related to COVID-19 in South Carolina, City Gallery will re-open with adjusted hours and new safety precautions on Thursday, August 6, 2020.

Exhibition viewing will be offered Thursdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. u...

City of Charleston August 3 Isaias 10 PM Update

With a late course and speed change having spared the area from the worst of Hurricane Isaias’s impacts, the city of Charleston stood down its virtual Municipal Emergency Operations Center at 8 o’clock tonight.

The city’s Poli...

City of Charleston August 3 Isaias 2 PM Update

During their meeting this morning, Charleston City Council passed an emergency ordinance authorizing Mayor John Tecklenburg to enact a citywide curfew tonight, should conditions require it as a result of Tropical Storm Isaias.

At this time, no curfew is in...

City of Charleston Prepares for Hurricane Isaias

Update: After reviewing the 5 p.m. forecast, city officials announced that the following parking garages will be open to city residents free of charge from 8 a.m. Sunday, August 2 to 8 a.m. Tuesday, August 4:

• Queen Street Garage, 93 Queen Street
• Aq...

Citizens Invited to Submit Feedback for City Parks and Recreation Master Plan

The city of Charleston is seeking community input for its Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which will include a comprehensive study of the city’s existing parks, facilities and programs, and an assessment of future needs.

The feedback provided b...

Annual Operation Move-out Initiative to Begin July 30

The city of Charleston’s annual “Operation Move-out” initiative will begin at 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 30 and be conducted through 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 1. During this time, tenants are asked to place trash items at the ...

Free COVID-19 Testing at St. Julian Devine on Monday, July 20

The city of Charleston, in partnership with the Shifa Clinic and Lab 24, will offer free COVID-19 testing to members of the Charleston community from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2020 at St. Julian Devine Community Center, located at 1 Cooper Str...

City Council Passes Additional COVID-19 Protective Measures

City Council to Consider Additional COVID-19 Protective Measures

Tonight, Charleston City Council will consider additional emergency measures to protect the community against the spread of COVID-19.

If passed, the following added regulations would go into effect citywide, beginning July 15, 2020:

• Amended mask requirement...

City Announces COVID-19 Regulations for Charleston Peninsula Essentials Market

Due to the ongoing situation related to COVID-19 in South Carolina, the Charleston Farmers Market will open as an essentials only market on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the VIP parking lot adjacent to Joseph P. Riley, Jr....

City of Charleston Launches Citibot, Text Message Communication Tool for Residents and Government

The city of Charleston today announced its launch of Citibot, an interactive text messaging and customer service tool for civic engagement with government.

With Citibot, residents and visitors of Charleston will be able to use text message-based technology...

STIB Approves $21.5 Million for Septima Clark Drainage and Transportation Improvement Project

This morning, the South Carolina Transportation Infrastructure Bank approved the city of Charleston’s application for funding in the amount of $21.5 million for Phase 5 of the Septima Clark Drainage and Transportation Improvement Project.

Charles...

City Face Covering Ordinance to Go Into Effect at Midnight

The emergency ordinance requiring face coverings in public areas throughout the city of Charleston to reduce risk of exposure to COVID-19 goes into effect at 12 a.m., Wednesday, July 1, 2020.

Answers to many frequently asked questions regarding the ordinan...

Bees Landing Recreation Center to Temporarily Close as COVID-19 Precaution

Earlier today, the city of Charleston Recreation Department learned of one employee at Bees Landing Recreation Center who has tested positive for COVID-19. While the employee has not been in the workplace since Tuesday of last week, the facility has close...

Hazel Parker Playground to Temporarily Close as COVID-19 Precaution

Earlier today, the city of Charleston Recreation Department learned of one employee at Hazel Parker Playground who has tested positive for COVID-19. While the employee has not been in the workplace since Friday of last week, the facility has closed and wi...

James Island Recreation Complex to Temporarily Close as COVID-19 Precaution

On Thursday, June 25, 2020, the city of Charleston Recreation Department was notified of two employees at the James Island Recreation Complex (JIRC) who had tested positive for COVID-19. These employees have not been in the workplace since Friday of last ...

City Announces COVID-19 Regulations for West Ashley Essentials Market

Due to the ongoing situation related to COVID-19 in South Carolina, the West Ashley Farmers Market will open as an essentials only market on Saturday, June 27, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Ackerman Park, located at 55 Sycamore Avenue.

V...

City of Charleston to Participate in Annual Summer Food Service Program

This year, the city of Charleston is once again participating in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which provides children and teens under 18 years of age with free, nutritious lunches during the summer months while schools are not in session.

Beginn...

City of Charleston Waives Building Permit Fees Related to May 30 Damage

At their emergency meeting this morning, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg and members of City Council voted to waive all fees for building repairs related to property damage incurred by property and business owners on Saturday, May 30, 2020 in the city o...

No June 6 Curfew Planned in the City of Charleston

With no problems reported overnight, there is no curfew planned in the city of Charleston tonight, Saturday, June 6, 2020. City officials will continue to monitor the situation throughout the day, and are prepared to take additional actions if circumstanc...

Citizens Encouraged to Report Damage

City staff have been actively working to identify and evaluate damage that occurred on Saturday night. Citizens and business owners are encouraged to continue to report damage at: https://gis.charleston-sc.gov/report-damage/

When reporting, please provide ...

City of Charleston Municipal Court to Reopen Monday

The city of Charleston Municipal Court will return to its regular schedule of conducting traffic and criminal bench trials on Monday, June 8, 2020. No jury trial cases are being scheduled at this time.

Due to the social distancing guidelines in place relat...

City Announces Free Parking Options to Assist Local Businesses

In order to support local businesses and safely stimulate economic recovery, effective Monday, June 1, 2020 and for the remainder of the year, metered parking enforcement will cease after 6 p.m. citywide. In conjunction with this change, regular parking m...

City of Charleston Summer Day Camps to Begin June 15

In consultation with area medical professionals, city of Charleston summer day camps provided by the Recreation Department are scheduled to begin on June 15^th and run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Drop-off hours will be from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., and pick-up wil...

Applications Open for CARES Act CDBG Funding for Homelessness Prevention

The city of Charleston, in partnership with Trident United Way, today announced the availability of $132,099 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and provided by...

City of Charleston May 15 Coronavirus Update

At a press conference this afternoon with local restaurant industry representatives, Mayor Tecklenburg announced the city’s plan to allow temporary outdoor dining on private property and public sidewalks.

The emergency ordinance, passed by City C...

Mayors Tecklenburg and Haynie Announce Cancellation of 2020 Cooper River Bridge Run

Today, Mayors John Tecklenburg and Will Haynie released the following statement announcing that the 2020 Cooper River Bridge Run would not move forward:

“Given the current circumstances related to COVID-19, we feel that it is time to cancel this ...

Most City of Charleston Parks to Reopen for Exercise Activities

Tonight, during an emergency meeting of Charleston City Council, Mayor John Tecklenburg announced that most city parks will reopen this weekend to allow for exercise and movement. No group activities--such as picnics or exercise classes--or close contact ...

City of Charleston Coronavirus April 22 Update

This evening, in response to Governor Henry McMaster’s Executive Order reopening some retail businesses previously determined to be non-essential, Charleston City Council passed an emergency ordinance on decreasing the risk of exposure to COVID-...

Mayor Tecklenburg Encourages Public Comment on US Army Corps Preliminary Flood Protection Plan

Today, the United States Army Corps of Engineers released a preliminary flood protection plan for the Charleston peninsula. The plan is the result of an 18-month study of coastal storm impacts on the Charleston peninsula and can be viewed on the Army Corp...

Severe Weather Expected Through Monday Morning

Two episodes of severe weather are being forecast for the Charleston area over the next 24 hours.

First, between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. tonight, scattered to severe thunderstorms are expected across the region. Damaging winds in excess of 70 mph, hail, heavy do...

City of Charleston Releases COVID-19 Response and Recovery Plan

At a press conference this afternoon, Mayor John Tecklenburg elaborated on the city’s COVID-19 response and recovery strategy, which was presented to City Council for their feedback last night.

The plan calls for three steps: first, shutdown to s...

City of Charleston Coronavirus April 9 Update

The city of Charleston remains at OPCON 1, while today, at a press conference, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg was joined by Reverend Dr. Krystal Sears, Senior Pastor at Greater St. Luke AME Church, and Imam Bourouis El-Idrissi of the Islamic Council of...

City of Charleston Coronavirus April 7 Update

The city of Charleston remains at OPCON 1, while today, at a press conference, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg stressed the importance of complying with Governor Henry McMaster’s “Home or Work” order.

Mayor Tecklenburg said,...

City of Charleston Coronavirus April 6 Update

The city of Charleston remains at OPCON 1 and continues to enforce the Stay at Home ordinance citywide. In compliance with the ordinance, citizens are asked to continue to heed the stay at home orders and make only essential trips.

Tonight, Charleston City...

City of Charleston Coronavirus April 3 Update

At a press conference today, Mayor John Tecklenburg and city leaders once again stressed the importance of complying with the city’s Stay at Home ordinance and reviewed the city’s activities with regard to the coronavirus. To recap:

• All...

City of Charleston April 2 Coronavirus Update

The city of Charleston remains at OPCON 1 and continues to enforce the Stay at Home ordinance citywide. In compliance with the ordinance, citizens are asked to continue to heed the stay at home orders and make only essential trips.

The 2020 seasons of the ...

Scam alert: Fake letters claim the city of Charleston, MUSC seeking college students for a COVID-19

The city of Charleston learned today that scam letters are being sent to College of Charleston students claiming the City of Charleston Public Service Department and MUSC are seeking healthy students to participate in a vaccine trial for COVID-19...

Charleston City Council Amends ‘Stay at Home’ Ordinance to Add Governor’s Most Recent Orders

Tonight, during an emergency meeting, Charleston City Council amended the city’s “Stay at Home” Ordinance to add Governor Henry McMaster’s most recent orders regarding the closure of “non-essential&rdq...

City of Charleston March 31 Coronavirus Update

The city of Charleston remains at OPCON 1 and continues to enforce the Stay at Home ordinance citywide.

Since last Friday, the city’s Livability Department has been working with the Charleston Fire Department to meet with local grocery stores and...

City of Charleston March 30 Coronavirus PM Update

The city of Charleston continues to operate at OPCON 1 and the city’s Stay at Home ordinance remains in effect with non-essential businesses closed citywide.

In an effort to resume trash service (yard debris and bulk items such as furniture, appl...

City of Charleston March 30 Coronavirus AM Update

The city of Charleston continues to operate at OPCON 1 and the city’s Stay at Home ordinance remains in effect with non-essential businesses closed citywide.

Over the weekend, Charleston Police Department continued their policy of measured enforc...

City of Charleston March 27 Coronavirus Update

The city of Charleston continues to operate at OPCON 1 with the stay at home ordinance in effect and non-essential businesses closed citywide.

Earlier today, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg and Police Chief Luther Reynolds held a press conference to prov...

City of Charleston Releases Statement on AG Office’s Opinion

Today, city of Charleston Corporation Counsel Susan Herdina released the following statement with regard to the SC Attorney General Office’s opinion on home rule and emergency authority:

"The city appreciates the strong support for the princ...

City of Charleston March 26 Coronavirus Update

The city of Charleston continues to operate at OPCON 1 with the stay at home ordinance in effect and non-essential businesses closed citywide.

The Community Development Committee and Charleston City Council met today and approved an emergency ordinance to ...

City of Charleston releases further guidance on ‘Stay at Home’ ordinance

UPDATE: April 22, 2020:

On April 20th, Governor Henry McMaster issued an Executive Order reopening certain classes of retail businesses. 

Following the Governor’s order, Charleston City Council passed an emergency ordinance on decreasing ...

Mayor Tecklenburg’s Coronavirus Press Conference Remarks, March 24

Today, at a 2:30 p.m. press conference, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg gave the following remarks regarding the city’s continued efforts to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19:

Good afternoon.

For the past several weeks, governments and residents ...

City of Charleston March 23 Coronavirus Update

The city of Charleston continues to operate at OPCON 1, with city buildings closed to the public and employees transitioning to working from home. Those who are unable to telecommute are now working in alternating A and B teams in order to protect the cit...

Mayor Tecklenburg’s Coronavirus Press Conference Remarks, March 22

Today, at a 4 p.m. press conference with representatives from Charleston County, the City of North Charleston and the Town of Mount Pleasant Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg gave the following remarks:

With the coronavirus now aggressively spreading acros...

City of Charleston March 20 Coronavirus Update

Effective at 5 p.m. today, the city of Charleston shifted to OPCON-1 and closed all remaining offices and facilities, including recreation centers, to the public. 

Many city staff members will transition to working remotely effective Monday, with ...

Statement from Mayor Tecklenburg on City’s Coronavirus Response

At a press conference today, Mayor John Tecklenburg made the following statement on the city’s efforts related to COVID-19:

Since the threat of the coronavirus first became clear in China and later in Europe, the city of Charleston has taken a nu...

City of Charleston Coronavirus March 19 PM Update

Tonight, at an emergency meeting, Charleston City Council voted to amend the city’s emergency ordinance regarding gatherings to align with Governor Henry McMaster’s guidelines for bars and restaurants and to limit social gatherings to ...

City of Charleston Coronavirus March 18 PM Update

The city of Charleston remains at OPCON 2, with modified operations designed to limit in-person contact.

According to SC DHEC, there are now 60 positive cases of coronavirus in South Carolina, four of which tested positive in Charleston County. For the lat...

City of Charleston Coronavirus March 17 PM Update

The city of Charleston remains at OPCON 2, with modified operations designed to limit in-person contact.

According to SC DHEC, there are now 47 positive cases of coronavirus in South Carolina, three of which tested positive in Charleston County. For the la...

City of Charleston Coronavirus March 16 PM Update

The city of Charleston continues to operate at OPCON 2, indicating a state of modified operations intended to limit person-to-person contact.

Charleston City Council met telephonically this afternoon to receive an update on the city’s response to...

City of Charleston Coronavirus Update March 16, 2020

UPDATED BELOW

At an emergency telephonic City Council meeting at 2 p.m. today, Council will be briefed on city actions to date and consider a State of Emergency declaration. The call in number for the meeting is 1-800-747-5150; access code: 7243729#.

Follow...

City of Charleston March 13, 2020 Coronavirus Update: Most Recent Cancelations and Postponements

The city of Charleston today announced the postponement of the upcoming Trust and Security Community Summit, sponsored by the city and Mayor’s Clergy Advisory Council, which was scheduled to take place at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2020 at G...

Frequently Asked Questions About the Coronavirus in Charleston

Updated: April 2, 2020, 4:50 p.m.

What is the coronavirus and where did it come from?

Coronavirus 2019, also called COVID-19, is a virus that first appeared in Asia late last year. It is a contagious disease that is easily passed from person to person, caus...

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sponsors Announce Cancelations Due to Coronavirus

In phone calls with Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg this morning, the sponsors of both St. Patrick’s Day parades scheduled to take place in the city of Charleston on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, have agreed to suspend their plans due to the rapidl...

City of Charleston Coronavirus Preparations as of March 10, 2020

City of Charleston Emergency Management Director Shannon Scaff will address Charleston City Council tonight to provide an update on the city’s coronavirus preparations. Among the steps he’ll be discussing are the following:

Joint Federa...

Charleston, SC Coronavirus Fact Sheet - Thursday, March 12, 2020

Charleston, SC Coronavirus Fact Sheet 

Updated: 9:00 a.m., Thursday, March 12, 2020

For the latest on City of Charleston Coronavirus Preparations please read, "City of Charleston Coronavirus Preparations as of March 12, 2020" available he...

City of Charleston Takes Precautionary Steps Regarding Coronavirus

To date, no cases of coronavirus have been detected in the state of South Carolina or any of the immediately surrounding states. However, as a precautionary measure, today Mayor John Tecklenburg and city of Charleston leaders consulted with federal, state...

Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information

Updated January 29, 2021

Mayor John Tecklenburg and city of Charleston leaders remain in close communication with federal, state and regional officials including representatives of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Center for Disease Control (C...

City of Charleston Launches Citibot

The city of Charleston today announced its launch of Citibot, an interactive text messaging and customer service tool for civic engagement with government.

With Citibot, residents and visitors of Charleston will be able to use text message-based technology...

Resources for Small Businesses Affected by COVID-19

The City of Charleston Business & Neighborhood Services Division has developed a COVID-19 resource list, located at www.charleston-sc.gov/covid19resourcelist, for the Charleston community to include essential resources, small business support, and rec...

City of Charleston Parks and Recreation Master Plan

The city of Charleston is planning for the future of YOUR parks and recreation opportunities. Join the conversation to help shape the future of our city and ensure that our parks and recreation offerings continue to positively serve our community and meet...

Notice of Changes to the City of Charleston Municipal Court Schedule

Updated: March 18, 2020 2 p.m.

Please be advised of the following notice from the City of Charleston Municipal Court Administration:

The City of Charleston is implementing the following plan:

• All court sessions are postponed indefinitely and will be reschedu...