Neighborhood Toolkit
The Preservation Society of Charleston is proud to present the Neighborhood Advocacy Toolkit, a comprehensive resource designed to empower community members. This toolkit provides residents with essential tools and information to advocate effectively for their neighborhoods.
Whether you’re looking to preserve the historical character of your area, improve local amenities, or engage with city planning initiatives, this toolkit has everything you need. We hope this resource will inspire and enable you to make a meaningful impact in your community.
Local Resources
City of Charleston Contacts:
Neighborhood Services Manager – Becca Hopkins; [email protected] ; 843-853-7237
Livability – 843-805-3226
Permit Center – 843-724-7450
Planning – 843-724-3765
Citizen Services Desk – 843-724-7311
Public Meeting Times
City of Charleston
Charleston County
Floodplain Management
City of Charleston Floodplain Management
Contact email: [email protected]
Region 4( S.C. )Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA floodsmart.gov
Planning and Zoning
Planning Commission is made of citizens appointed by the mayor and Charleston City Council to advise on planning and zoning matters.
Board of Zoning Appeals – Site Design (BZA-SD) addresses issues such as tree protection, landscaping, and other similar zoning issues.
Board of Zoning Appeals – Zoning (BZA-Z) addresses other zoning related subjects.
City of Charleston Zoning Codes and Ordinances
City of Charleston interactive zoning map
City of Charleston zoning department: 843-724-3765
Design Review
Board of Architectural Review (BAR)
- The Board of Architectural Review (BAR) is comprised of two different Boards: BAR-Large (BAR-L) for large projects (more than 10,000 square feet) and BAR-Small (BAR-S) for small projects. Within the historic districts (see BAR Boundaries Map (PDF)), the BAR reviews all new construction, alterations and renovations visible from the public right-of-way. The BAR reviews all demolitions of buildings 50 years of age or older on any structures south of Mount Pleasant Street, and any demolitions (regardless of age) within the Old and Historic District. In addition, the BAR has jurisdiction over all structures included on the Landmark Overlay Properties list.
- Board of Architectural Review – Large (BAR-L)
- Board of Architectural Review – Small (BAR-S)
- DRB reviews new construction, exterior alterations, and signage for commercial/non-residential projects and residential projects (eight or more units) where the property lies within the designated corridors (see DRB List of Corridors (PDF)). Projects that are less than 3,000 square feet, with certain restrictions, may be reviewed at Staff level and are not required to go before the Board.
City of Charleston Department of Preservation & Planning – BAR and DRB: 843-724-3765