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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Historic Preservation Overlay District Ordinance

See section 2.6 in document for historic preservation overlay district ordinance.

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.

Historic Preservation Review Guide

This guide offers a look into the process in obtaining a Certificate of Design Approval for historic property owners.

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.

Historic Special Overlay District

or the purpose of the ordinances of the Town of Lexington, historic sites and structures include those that have a Historic Special Overlay District. Properties that have a Historic Special Overlay District designation shall be governed by the Town of Lexington's Historic Preservation Ordinance.

Historical District Construction Design Standards

This manual provides specific development standards for use by the York Historical Commission (HC) for all construction within the York Local Historic District. This district contains the historic core development of the City of York, South Carolina and has significant residential and nonresidential local landmarks within its environs. Within this district the City of York Zoning Ordinance governs land use and development. The City of York Construction Design Standards are an additional layer of review specific to the district. This document is from June of 2008.

Horry County Preservation Ordinance

An ordinance to provide special property assessments to rehabilitated historic property.

Horry County Preservation Plan

The purpose of the Horry County Preservation Plan is to enable government officials and citizens to effectively protect historical resources in light of growth, environmental changes and an inexact future. The Preservation Plan identifies the County’s historical assets and challenges for the future while making recommendations to County Council about where preservation efforts need to be focused in unincorporated Horry County and properties for consideration to the Horry County Historic Property Register

Horry County Zoning Ordinance

See Article XII - Historic Preservation Commission for historic property inventory, process for granting COA and COE, design guidelines, and designation of historic properties.

James Island Comprehensive Plan

See section 3.4 for cultural resources element.

Kershaw County Rehabilitated Historic Properties Regulations

See section 5 (V) for historic properties.

Kingstree Historic Preservation Code of Ordinances

The Historic Preservation chapter of Kingstree's Code of Ordinances includes the powers and duties of the Architectural Review Board, designation process of historic properties, design guidelines, and the city's historic property inventory.

Landmark District Guidelines

The Landmark District Also known as the Robert Mills Historic District, and named for the Robert Mills House (Ainsley Hall House) at 1616 Blanding Street, is a collection of houses once owned by prominent members of Columbia. Although prominent members of Columbia continue to occupy the district, today these structures serve as their offices, rather than residences. Nonetheless, the district retains a mixture of architectural styles pointing to its numerous phases of development.

Laurens County Rehabilitated Historic Properties Ordinances

A special tax assessment is created for eligible rehabilitated historic properties based upon the assessed value of the property at the time of preliminary certification. The said special tax assessment shall be for a period of at least two years but not longer than 20 years, and shall otherwise be determined by vote of a majority of the members of the Laurens County Council then seated, based upon the benefits to be gained by the residents and taxpayers of Laurens County.

List of State Preservation Laws

South Carolina Department of Archives + History (SCDAH) compiled list of state laws pertaining to historic preservation.

Local Accomodations Tax Act

One of the uses of the revenues generated by accommodations tax is “tourism-related cultural, recreational, or historic facilities.”

Map of Columbia’s Historic District Zoning Overlays

Map of Historic Overlay Districts in Columbia.

Marlboro County Special Property Tax Assesment Program For Rehabilitated Historic Properties Ordinance (#829)

An ordinance to encourage the restoration of historic properties.

McCormick Co Design Standards

County design standards for McCormick county

McCormick County Design Standards

Design standards for McCormick county.

McCormick County Design Standards

Design standards for McCormick county.

Oakwood Court 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.

Oconee County Ordinance Establishing “Cultural and Historic Preservation” Chapter

Ordinance establishing "Cultural and Historic Preservation" chapter to Oconee County's Code of Ordinances.

Old & Historic District & Old City 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.

Old Aiken Design Guidelines

Design guidelines for Old Aiken.

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.

Old Shandon/Lower Waverly Protection Area District Guidelines

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 these guidelines and of the district is to maintain this relationship, not to require restoration to a certain historical period. This task must be accomplished with an appreciation of the diversity of the area, which is critical to its character. Because of this diversity, these guidelines must be administered in a flexible manner so that the historic integrity and feel can be maintained with minimal technical restrictions.

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.

Olde North Charleston Historic District & Neighborhood Conservation District

In an effort to preserve the character of historic neighborhoods and prevent the loss of historic structures, the city is implementing both an historic district and a neighborhood conservation district. The goal of these districts is to maintain and protect the structures that depict an important part of the history of the City of North Charleston's development. This ordinance will serve to preserve, conserve, and enhance the character, function, and environment of Olde North Charleston.

Orangeburg Comprehensive Plan – Chapter 7

See Chapter 7 on Land Use & Development.

Orangeburg Zoning Ordinance

See 24-6.2 on Historical Conservation Districts.

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).

Overlay District Ordinance

The purpose of the Mill Village Overlay District is to promote harmonious and compatible development within mill village communities which complement the character and charm of these neighborhoods.

Pickens County Eligible Rehabilitation Ordinance

See section 36-176 to 178 for the special tax assessment created for eligible rehabilitated historic properties.

Plan Greenville County Comprehensive Plan

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

Preservation and Protection of Abadoned and Unmaintained Cemeteries

Authorizes counties and municipalities to preserve and protect any cemetery within their jurisdictions that the counties or municipalities determine has been abandoned. Authorizes counties or municipalities to spend public funds or use inmate labor for these cemeteries.

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.

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.

Proposed Uptown Greenwood Overlay District Amendment

The purpose of the Uptown Greenwood Overlay District (O-UP) is to promote harmonious and compatible development within the Uptown Greenwood Central Business District which complements the character and charm of this unique mixed use center.

Protection of Historic Memorials Ordinance

It is the purpose of this article to facilitate the preservation of historical memorials, as defined below, which are located within the unincorporated boundaries of Oconee County, South Carolina.

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