City, County and State Historic Preservation Rules & Regulations in SC

Historic Preservation
Rules & Regulations

Rules, Regulations & Requirements

About This Resource

Historic Preservation can be a complex and challenging endeavor with city, county, state and even federal regulations that need to be considered. In an effort to simplify the process, we’ve developed the state’s first comprehensive list of local, state and federal regulations and requirements that govern historic preservation projects in South Carolina.
Use the search tool to explore the regulations (and resources) that govern preservation projects in your region. Search by your geographic location or by type of regulation. Learn about concepts like the design review process, zoning ordinances, historic tax credits and more. Before you start a project, find out what you need to know here.
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Abbeville Historic District Information and Regulations

City of Abbeville has a Historic Overlay District, regulated by the City Council and Historic Properties Protection Commission. This link shows guideline questions, a zoning map, a list of minor exterior changes that can be approved by city staff, and a list of major exterior changes that are subject to the Historic Properties Protection Commission Board Review Process.

Abbeville Historic District Information and Regulations

City of Abbeville has a Historic Overlay District, regulated by the City Council and Historic Properties Protection Commission. This link shows guideline questions, a zoning map, a list of minor exterior changes that can be approved by city staff, and a list of major exterior changes that are subject to the Historic Properties Protection Commission Board Review Process.

Abbeville Historic Properties Protection Ordinance

An ordinance pertaining to the protection of historic properties and the design review process.

African American Burial Grounds Preservation Act

This federal legislation establishes an African American Burial Grounds Preservation Program within the National Park Service. The program will provide competitive grants and technical assistance to local partners to research, identify, survey and preserve African American burial grounds. The goal of the program is to preserve, save, and document African American burial grounds before construction or development threatens them.

Aiken Historic Design Review Manual

Design review manual curated by Aiken's Historic Preservation Commission.

Aiken Historic Overlay Zoning Ordinance

Ordinance detailing Aiken's Historic Overlay Districts.

Anderson Design Guidelines for Historic Districts

Design guidelines for historic districts in Anderson.

Anderson Historic Overlay District

Ordinance detailing the historic overlay district, design standards, and establishment of the Board of Architectural Review.

Ashley River Scenic District Ordinance

It is the intent of the Ashley River Scenic District I to safeguard the heritage and scenic beauty of the City of North Charleston, Charleston County, and Dorchester County by preserving the view shed of National Historic Landmarks and Properties on the National Registrar of Historic Places which have been confirmed by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.

Beaufort Historic District Infill Design Guidelines

Principles that will be considered by the Historic Review Board for new construction within the Historic District overlay.

Beaumont Mill Village (Spartanburg) Design Guidelines

Design policies and guidelines applying to existing and new properties within Beaumont Mill Village.

Berkeley County Comprehensive Plan

See Section E: Cultural Resources Element.

Capital Projects Sales Tax Act

Proceeds from the tax may be used for cultural, recreational, or historic facilities, or any combination of these facilities.

Charleston Board of Architectural Review Design Guidelines for Elevating Historic Buildings

The City concluded the best policy for the long=term preservation of historic structures was to support their need to elevate to the necessary FEMA requirement. In an effort to be proactive, two workshops were held in November 2017 and March 2018 with the public, architects, engineers, contractors, and preservationists to develop a set of guidelines to ensure elevations were done as sensitively and appropriately. possible. This resulting document focuses on four key areas to guide elevation projects for historic buildings: considerations for streetscape/context, site design, foundation design, and architecture/preservation.  

Charleston Board of Architectural Review Policy Statement for Historic Materials Demolition Purview

The following guidelines were adopted regarding the repair and/or replacement of historic materials visible from the public right-of-way on structures over 50 years old in the Historic Corridor District and in the peninsula area north of Line Street and south of Mount Pleasant Street (Historic Materials Demolition Purview). The purpose of this policy statement is to provide guidance and options for homeowners while maintaining the historic and cultural significance of the City’s neighborhoods and being more sustainable by reducing waste.

Charleston Board of Architectural Review Standards

The standards below have been adapted from the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. These basic principles were created to help preserve the distinctive character of a historic building and its site, while allowing for reasonable change to meet new needs. The Charleston Standards apply to historic buildings of all periods, styles, and types. They are intended to be applied in a reasonable manner, taking into consideration economic and technical feasibility; they are not hard and fast rules, but rather are meant to serve as principles to assist in determining appropriate treatments for historic buildings.

Charleston City Gravesite Protection Ordinance

During any construction, development, re-development, or ground disturbing activity, if a person discovers or is otherwise put on notice of any known or probable gravesites on the subject lot the person must immediately cease any ground disturbing work and report such notice to the city building official, as well as the county coroner and the appropriate state agencies including the state historic preservation office and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Charleston City Old Historic District Regulations

In order to promote the economic and general welfare of the city and of the public generally, and to insure the harmonious, orderly and efficient growth and development of the city, it is deemed essential by the city council of the city that the qualities relating to the history of the city and a harmonious outward appearance of structures which preserve property values and attract tourist and residents alike be preserved. These purposes are advanced through the preservation and protection of old historic or architecturally worthy structures and quaint neighborhoods which impart a distinct aspect to the city.

Charleston Design Review Board Ordinance

The intent of establishing the Design Review Board and initiating design review is to enhance the Island’s character, preserve property values and protect the unique island identity of Sullivan’s Island. The Design Review process is intended to promote design that is compatible in mass and scale with existing development of the Island and in harmony with the natural environment. The process is aimed at improving and augmenting other development controls included in the Zoning Ordinance.

Charleston Design Review Board Ordinance

It shall be within the power of the Design Review Board to carry out all duties listed in division A of the ordinance. In order to accomplish said duties, the Design Review Board shall have the authority to adjust or modify the architectural and site design review standards of § 156.310(E) and (F) as deemed appropriate to the particular project and its individual circumstances.

Charleston Elevating Historic Buildings Ordinance

To preserve the character of designated historic properties and surrounding neighborhoods, an integrated design approach shall be taken when elevating Sullivan's Island Landmarks and Traditional Island Resources.

Charleston Historic and Design Districts

This section may not be construed to limit a municipality’s authority to enforce historic preservation zoning regulations consistent with the preservation of local zoning authority under 47 U.S.C. Section 332(c)(7), the requirements for facility modifications under 47 U.S.C. Section 1455(a), or the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (54 U.S.C. Section 300101 et seq.), and the regulations adopted to implement those laws.

Charleston Historic Conservation Overlay District Ordinance

The Historic Conservation Overlay District regulations apply in addition to the underlying zoning district. By establishing the Historic Conservation Overlay District, the Town intends to protect and preserve the historic character of the area so designated.

Charleston Historic Preservation Commission Ordinance

The Historic District preservation Commission shall oversee the Old Village Historic District and any future historic districts established by the town. The Commission shall maintain a local survey and inventory of buildings, structures, and sites. The Commission shall review the local survey and inventory and make recommendations for historic designation to the Town Council.

Charleston Historic Preservation Ordinance

The standards of this section are intended to safeguard the integrity of historic structures, sites, and their context and to protect public views of these resources along public rights-of-way. The standards of this section shall apply to all sites (existing and future) listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Charleston Historic Preservation Overlay District Ordinance

The HP Historic Preservation Overlay District is designed to protect properties that have been determined architecturally, archaeologically, culturally or historically significant to the Town of Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina.

Charleston Old City Height Districts and View Corridor Protection Ordinance

The requirements of this section have resulted from a contextual study of building height and architectural patterns in the Old City Height District. The requirements of this section reflect the predominant building height trends of the areas to which they are applied, and reinforce the principles cited in the Downtown Plan, adopted in 1999, that higher structures be located along spine streets of the Peninsula, with heights of structures tapering down towards the waters' edges. The requirements of this Section are intended to clarify acceptable heights of buildings in areas of the Old City Height District.

Charleston Old Village Historic District Ordinance

The intent of the district is to: (1) To protect, preserve, and enhance the architecture of the Old Village; (2) To promote the economic and general welfare of the residents of the Old Village and the town; (3) To foster civic pride; (4) To encourage harmonious growth and development within the Old Village Historic District; and (5) To promote the use and preservation of the historic district for the education and welfare of the residents of the town.

Cherokee Historic Preservation Overlay District Ordinance

See section 2.6 in document for Historic Preservation Overlay District ordinance.

Chester Historic District and Structure Plan Review Application Regulations

pplications for review of plans to construct, alter, relocate, demolish, or partially demolish any structure in -H and NCH districts or a structure in any district designated as a historic structure in Division 7 of this ordinance must be filed by the owner with the Codes Administrator for consideration by the Historic Preservation Commission meeting the following requirements.

Chester Historic Property Rehabilitation

A special tax assessment is created for the following two types of eligible rehabilitation historic properties: (1) For owner-occupied property an assessment and (2)For income-producing rehabilitated property.

City of Barnwell Designation of Historic Structures

See (§ 4-127) for designation of historic structures.

City of Barnwell Historic Overlay District Guidelines

See § 4-126 for Historic Overlay District Guidelines.

City of Camden Design Guidelines

Design guidelines for the city of Camden.

City of Charleston Cemetery Protection Ordinance

City of Charleston law that protects known and/or suspected burial grounds, grave sites, or cemeteries. It prohibits destruction or desecration of any burial ground. It also stipulates that during any construction, development, or ground disturbing activity, if it is made known that any grave sites or suspected grave sites exist, all development must cease until approved and it is required to report to the city and historic preservation office.

City of Clinton Historical Buildings and Maintenance District Zoning Ordinance

The Historical Building and Maintenance District is an overlay district, designed and intended to promote the educational, cultural, economic, and general welfare of the community by providing a mechanism for the identification, recognition, preservation, maintenance, protection, and enhancement of existing historic and architecturally valuable structures, properties and/or districts which serve as visible reminders of the social, cultural, economic, political, and/or architectural history of the City of Clinton.

City of Darlington Historic Overlay District Zoning Ordinance

See section (3-3) for Historic Overlay District ordinance.

City of Georgetown Historic District’s Architectural Review Board

Georgetown's Architectural Review Board governs exterior changes, new construction, signage, and demolition within the city's Historic District. You must go through the ARB's Certificate of Appropriateness process to make any preservation changes within the Historic District.

City of Hartsville 2020 Comprehensive Plan

See section 8 (VIII) on Cultural and Recreational Resources.

City of Hartsville Historic Preservation Ordinance

Chapter 11 of Hartsville's zoning ordinance pertaining to historic preservation.

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