Easements

Through our Easement Program, the Preservation Society creates co-steward relationships with property owners to preserve Charleston’s architectural heritage in perpetuity.

What is a Preservation Easement?

An easement is a legal agreement in which a property owner formally conveys the preservation authority of a property to a qualified organization, like the Preservation Society of Charleston. The PSC works closely with the owner to establish an agreement that is uniquely designed to reflect both parties’ vision for the future protection of the property. The goal of the easement program is to create a co-steward relationship between the property owner and the Preservation Society. The easement agreement may apply to the exterior or interior and outlines which features or materials must be preserved in place, as well as how the building may be used or altered going forward. In addition to preservation benefits, there is a fiscal incentive to participating in the easement program in the form of a charitable tax deduction to the owner. The result is mutually beneficial for all involved and safeguards Charleston’s architectural heritage for future generations.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DONATING AN EASEMENT?

An easement on a certified historic structure allows the owner to protect their property in perpetuity while qualifying for Federal tax deductions. For more information on preservation easements visit the National Park Service website. The value of the deduction is determined by an appraisal and calculated by using the property owner’s federal tax rate.

WHAT IS THE DONATION PROCESS?
  • A person certified to appraise properties for easement purposes appraises the property.
  • A draft easement document is prepared by the property owner’s attorney and reviewed by both the property owner and the Preservation Society. Each easement document is tailored to the needs of the individual property owner.
  • There are fees associated with granting an easement based on the complexity of the property.
  • The easement document is recorded at the Charleston County Register of Means Conveyance (RMC) office.

For current easement property owners who wish to submit a proposed change for the Preservation Society’s consideration, please download and return the Easement Alterations Request Form.

For additional information regarding the Preservation Society’s preservation easement program, contact Erin Minnigan, Director of Preservation and Planning, at 843.722.4630 ext. 25, or email at eminnigan@ preservationsociety.org

128 Tradd Street

New Easement Spotlight

“Hopie and I are so pleased to know that through the Preservation Society easement our family home will be preserved and protected
in the years to come. We are proud that we have taken this step. We know too well how Charleston is changing and are now very confident the property is safe with the Society.”

— Dr. Telfair Parker