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

Historic Preservation
Rules & Regulations

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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City of Laurens Historic Preservation Overlay District

See (Sec. 44-342) for the Historic Preservation Overlay District ordinance.

City of Marion Historical Conservation and Preservation District Ordinance

See section 302 for Historical Conservation and Preservation District.

City of Newberry 2030 Comprehensive Plan – Chapter 5

Chapter 5 of Newberry's Comprehensive Plan on Cultural Resources Element.

City of Newberry Design Review Process

Newberry's Design Review Process from 2003.

City of Seneca Design Review

See Article XII in document for Design Review.

City of Sumter Design Review Guidelines

Design review guidelines for Sumter.

City of Sumter Historical and Cultural Resources Element – 2040 Comprehensive Plan

Historical and cultural resources element of Sumter's 2040 comprehensive plan.

City of Walhalla Historic Property Designation and Design Review Ordinance

Ordinance establishing local historic property designation and design review.

City of Westminster Special Property Tax Assessment Program for Rehabilitated Historic Properties

Ordinance on special property tax assessment program for rehabilitated historic properties.

City of Williston Historic Overlay District Guidelines § 4-120 and § 4-121 Designation of Historic Structures

See § 4-120 for Historic overlay district guidelines & § 4-121 for designation of historic structures.

Coastal Zone Management Act of 1976

Section 48-39-150 of the Act, as amended, requires DHEC-OCRM to consider the "extent to which the development could affect ... irreplaceable historic and archaeological sites of South Carolina’s coastal zone" when deciding whether or not to issue a certification or permit. It covers the 8 coastal counties: Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Horry, and Jasper.

Colleton Co. Building and Historic Design Requirements

The Historic Preservation Commission shall promote the purposes and objectives of this Ordinance by exercising the following powers and functions.

Colleton Co. Design Guidelines for the Historic Districts

This book present design guidelines for historic districts in Walterboro, South Carolina. The guidelines reflect a basic preservation philosophy to encourage the preservation and careful treatment of the historic resources within the city, while recognizing the need for the contemporary economic use of these structures. The guidelines are intended to be a means for balancing the historic qualities of existing historic structures with the demands of contemporary use.

Colleton County 2030 Comprehensive Plan

See section D starting on pg. 73 for Historic and Cultural Resources.

Colleton Special Property Tax Assessment Program for Rehabilitated Historic Properties

A special tax assessment is hereby created wherein real property that has complied with all provisions of the Bailey Bill Program shall receive a property tax assessment for such real property and any improvements thereon that is based upon the fair market value of such property during the year that preliminary certification of the historic rehabilitation of such property is granted. In order to be eligible to receive the special assessment, a property must undergo a historic rehabilitation that adheres to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, together with the Design Guidelines for Historic Districts in Walterboro.

Cottontown/Bellevue (Columbia) Architectural Conservation District

The goal of this district and of these guidelines is to maintain and protect the structures that exemplify important parts of Columbia’s history as well as preserve, conserve, and enhance the character, function, and environment of the district. This task must be accomplished with an appreciation of the development of the district and the history that is critical to its character. These goals should not be construed as an attempt to restrict design creativity; instead, they should be interpreted as an avenue to embrace it while also encouraging appropriate designs.

Dillon Board of Architectural Review

The Board of Architectural Review has been established for the specific purpose of preservation and protection of Dillon's designated historic districts and properties for their unique, special or desired character by means of restrictions and conditions governing the right to erect, demolish, remove in whole or in part, alter their exterior appearance pursuant to S.C. Code §§ 6-29-710 and 6-29-870 and be appointed by the City Council.

Dillon Requirements for Creation of a Historic Mixed Use District

Due to historical development patterns, certain areas of the City are characterized by a mixture of uses such as residential and commercial uses, or residential and industrial uses, which are normally segregated under standard zoning districts. Because of the variety of circumstances which exist in different areas of the City, and the different treatment accorded those areas in the Growth Policy, it is not possible to establish a zoning district with uniform listing of uses and standards. Therefore, the historic mixed use district is intended to provide procedures and criteria for recognition of such areas.

Dorchester Board of Architectural Review Rules of Procedure

These rules of procedure are adopted for the Town of Summerville Board of Architectural Review.

Dorchester Commercial Design Review Board Rules of Procedure

These rules of procedure are adopted for the Town of Summerville Commercial Design Review Board.

Dorchester Historic District Design Guidelines

These guidelines are intended to provide a clear framework for making sure that changes to the exterior of properties within Summerville’s historic district are made appropriately and consistently. This ensures that changes to individual properties do not negatively impact surrounding properties or the overall character of the neighborhood. Maintaining a neighborhood’s historic character has social, economic, and environmental benefits beyond achieving a particular aesthetic appearance.

Dorchester Historic District Map

Map of Historic Overlay District in Summerville.

Dorchester Ordinance on Developments Affecting Historic and Culturally Significant Properties

It is the intent of this Ordinance to preserve the integrity, use and enjoyment of these landmarks and properties, by the citizens of Dorchester County and the public at large, as well as any additional properties or structures that may be so designated in the future. See (Sec 11.3).

Dorchester Town Center District Ordinance

To encourage the retention of the visual and historical integrity of the district while promoting commercial enterprise and protecting property value. The Town Center District is the heart of St. George. The downtown area has historically been and currently is the central area for shopping and services for both the residents of the town and surrounding areas. The Town Center District and its businesses are easily accessible by vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. A mixture of uses that respect the existing structures, especially those with historic significance, in scale and use are appropriate for this district. See section 12, pg. 54.

Downtown Anderson Design Guidelines

Design guidelines for Downtown Anderson from 2006.

Downtown Florence Design Guidelines

Design guidelines for downtown Florence.

Edgefield Rehabilitated Historic Properties Ordinances

A special tax assessment is created for eligible rehabilitated historic properties for a period of up to 20 years equal to the assessed value of the property at the time of preliminary certification.

Elmwood Park (Columbia) Architectural Conservation District Guidelines

Elmwood Park was one of Columbia’s first suburbs and reflects the City’s early 20th century development, as well as national trends. Elmwood Park is situated just north of Columbia’s first northern boundary— Upper Street, today know as Elmwood Avenue. Settled predominately by Columbia’s white, middle, and business classes, Elmwood attracted residents with its proximity to downtown and the streetcar line, but with all the amenities of a “suburban retreat.” Although some lots were settled prior to the turn of the century, major settlement occurred after the first public sale of subdivided lots in the spring of 1905.

Fairfield and Richland County Historic Preservation Ordinance

Ordinance the establishes the Board of Architectural Review and design guidelines.

Florence County Comprehensive Plan

The Cultural Resources Element chapter of Florence County's Comprehensive Plan.

Georgetown Preservation and Rehabilitative Tax Incentive Ordinance

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

Georgetown Preservation of Historic Structures Ordinance

In the event that the city's building official finds that a significant structure (as defined in this article) appears to be threatened with destruction or loss due to failure on the part of the property owner to properly maintain or repair the structure (in accordance with the definition of demolition by neglect herein), the building official shall issue a letter instructing that repairs be made.

Governor’s Mansion Columbia Protection Area District Guidelines

Once the home of Columbia’s elite antebellum aristocracy, the blocks encompassed by the Governor’s Mansion Protection Area tell a polarizing story of loss and recovery. Resettled by the middle class in the wake of the Civil War, this neighborhood remained divided along class and race lines well into the 20th century, which ultimately caused its demise. Urban renewal in the late 1950s and 1960s targeted the decrepit homes in the predominately African American part of the neighborhood. What remains in this neighborhood is a precious remnant of what was once one of Columbia’s most exclusive neighborhoods.

Granby (Columbia) Architectural Conservation District

Design Guidelines are criteria and standards that the Design/Development Review Commission must consider in determining the appropriateness of proposed work within a historic district. The goal of this district and of these guidelines is to maintain and protect the structures that exemplify important parts of Columbia’s history as well as to preserve, conserve, and enhance the character, function, and environment of the district.

Greenville Architectural Design Review

An interactive map to assist in determining if a property requires architectural design review.

Greenville County Preservation Comprehensive Plan

See section titled "Enrich Cultural Resources Element" on pg. 30 and "Goal E" on pg. 143

Greenville County Preservation Ordinance

An ordinance establishing the Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust to protect lands with significant natural, cultural, and/or historic resources in Greenville County, South Carolina.

Greenville Design Guidelines for Preservation Overlay Districts

Design guidelines for Greenville's Preservation Overlay Districts.

Greenwood City/County Comprehensive Plan 2035

The Cultural Resources Element of the Comprehensive Plan focuses on the history of Greenwood and how this history has affected the local population. Our cultural heritage is made up of many characteristics such as historic structures, festivals and events, and cultural groups and organizations. This element proposes to identify a number of cultural attributes and offer meaningful objectives to the enhancement, protection, and development of our cultural resources.

Greenwood Historic Overlay District Ordinance

See Chapter 4, Article 3 (4.3) for Historic Overlay District ordinance.

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