Charleston City Zoning Code
Complete index of all zoning chapters, sections, and subsections
ARTICLE 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sections
- PART 1 - BASIC PROVISIONS
- PART 2 - NON-CONFORMING USES
- PART 3 - DEFINITIONS
ARTICLE 2
LAND USE REGULATIONS
Sections
- PART 1 - DESCRIPTIONS OF BASE ZONING DISTRICTS AND OVERLAY ZONES
- PART 2 - PERMITTED USES BY BASE ZONING DISTRICT
- Sec. 54-203.- Permitted principal uses.
- Sec. 54-204. - Hours of operation; restrictions.
- Sec. 54-204.1. - Restrictions on large retail centers.
- Sec. 54-204.2. - Restrictions on portable storage units; purpose and intent.
- Sec. 54-204.3. - Accommodations use restrictions.
- Sec. 54-205. - Adult uses; restrictions.
- Sec. 54-206. - Special exception uses.
- Sec. 54-207. - Conditional uses.
- PART 3 - TABLE OF PERMITTED USES
- PART 4 - ACCESSORY USES
- Sec. 54-208.- The following provisions shall apply to all residential short term rentals ("STR").
- Sec. 54-208.1. - Requirements for a Category 1 short term rental, STR permit for properties within the Old and Historic District.
- Sec. 54-208.2. - Requirements for a Category 2 short term rental, STR permit for properties located on the peninsula outside of the Old and Historic District and the Short Term Rental, ST Overlay Zone.
- Sec. 54-208.3. - Requirements for a Category 3 short term rental, STR permit for properties in all other areas of the City off of the peninsula.
- Sec. 54-209. - Communication towers.
- Sec. 54-210. - Day care facilities.
- Sec. 54-211. - Home occupations.
- Sec. 54-212. - Accessory uses within GO office developments.
- Sec. 54-213. - Sidewalk café regulations.
- Sec. 54-214. - Accessory dwelling unit.
- Sec. 54-215. - Outdoor dining services.
- Sec. 54-216. - Accessory Uses with LB zoning districts.
- Sec. 54-217. - Pools.
- PART 5 - PERMITTED USES FOR OVERLAY ZONES
- Sec. 54-220.- Accommodations overlay zone.
- Sec. 54-221. - Tour boat overlay zone.
- Sec. 54-222. - Johns Island Overlay Zone.
- Sec. 54-223. - Amusement and Recreation Services, AR Overlay Zone.
- Sec. 54-224. - Savannah Highway, SH Overlay Zone.
- Sec. 54-225. - School S Overlay Zone.
- Sec. 54-226. - Landmark LMK Overlay Zone.
- Sec. 54-227. - Short Term Rental, ST Overlay Zone.
- Sec. 54-228. - GBLN Overlay Zone.
- Sec. 54-229. - LILN Overlay Zone.
- Sec. 54-229.1. - Tech Corridor, TC Overlay Zone.
- Sec. 54-229.2. - Gateway, G Overlay Zone.
- Sec. 54-229.3. - Dupont Wappoo Planning Area and DuWap Overlay Zone.
- Sec. 54-229.4. - Folly Road, FR, Overlay Zone.
- Sec. 54-229.5. - FR Overlay Zone, North Village Sub-Area.
- Sec. 54-229.6. - FR Overlay Zone, Commercial Core Sub-Area.
- Sec. 54-229.7. - FR Overlay Zone, South Village Sub-Area.
- Sec. 54-229.8. - FR Overlay Zone, Neighborhood Preservation Sub-Area.
- Sec. 54-229.9. - FR Overlay Zone, Conservation Sub-Area.
- PART 6 - OLD AND HISTORIC DISTRICT AND OLD CITY DISTRICT REGULATIONS
- Sec. 54-230.- Purpose of creating districts.
- Sec. 54-231. - Designation of Old City District and Old and Historic Districts; definitions.
- Sec. 54-232. - Construction or demolition of structures in districts; permit required; certificate of approval.
- Sec. 54-233. - Board of Architectural Review created; composition; appointment and terms of office.
- Sec. 54-234. - Meeting of board.
- Sec. 54-235. - Adoption of inventory map; procedure for revision.
- Sec. 54-236. - Guidance standards; maintenance of consistent policy.
- Sec. 54-237. - Application and review procedure.
- Sec. 54-238. - Contents of application.
- Sec. 54-239. - Public notice requirements.
- Sec. 54-240. - Board of Architectural Review; powers and duties.
- Sec. 54-241. - Powers of the board to require repair of structures; intentional demolition of structures without approval.
- Sec. 54-242. - Exemptions from article.
- Sec. 54-243. - Report to administrative officer; issuance of certificate of appropriateness.
- Sec. 54-244. - Time limitations on certificates of appropriateness.
- Sec. 54-245. - Appeals to Board of Architectural Review.
- Sec. 54-246. - Effect of an appeal.
- Sec. 54-247. - Hearing an appeal.
- Sec. 54-248. - Appeal from Board of Architectural Review to Circuit Court.
- PART 7 - PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT, PUD DISTRICT[1]
- Sec. 54-250.- PUD defined.
- Sec. 54-251. - Intent.
- Sec. 54-252. - General application.
- Sec. 54-253. - Procedures for review.
- Sec. 54-254. - Criteria for Review.
- Sec. 54-255. - Application requirements.
- Sec. 54-256. - PUD zoning regulations.
- Sec. 54-257. - Management of common open space and improvements.
- Sec. 54-258. - Recorded plats.
- Sec. 54-259. - Termination of a PUD.
- Sec. 54-260. - Amendments to approved PUD Master Plans.
- Sec. 54-261. - Modifications of approved PUD Master Plan zoning regulations.
- PART 8 - DANIEL ISLAND PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT, DI-PUD DISTRICT
- PART 9 - CANTERBURY WOODS PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT, CW-PUD DISTRICT
- PART 10 - CAINHOY, CY DISTRICT
- PART 11 - DESIGN REVIEW DISTRICT[2]
- Sec. 54-266.- Purpose for creating district.
- Sec. 54-267. - Design Review District objectives.
- Sec. 54-268. - Designation of Design Review District, review authority, scope of authority and exemptions.
- Sec. 54-269. - Design Review Board created; composition, appointment and terms of members.
- Sec. 54-270. - Board meetings.
- Sec. 54-271. - Appeals.
- Sec. 54-272. - Design review standards.
- Sec. 54-273. - Application and review procedures.
- PART 12 - GATHERING PLACE (GP) DISTRICT[3]
- Sec. 54-274.- Purpose.
- Sec. 54-275. - Definitions.
- Sec. 54-276. - Permitted uses.
- Sec. 54-277. - Density and lot size.
- Sec. 54-278. - Block length.
- Sec. 54-279. - Street connectivity.
- Sec. 54-280. - Thoroughfare classifications and right-of-way design standards.
- Sec. 54-281a. - Type 1 streets.
- Sec. 54-281b. - Type 2 streets.
- Sec. 54-282. - Off-street parking.
- Sec. 54-283. - Urban design requirements.
- Sec. 54-284. - Parks and open space.
- Sec. 54-285. - Site plans.
- PART 13 - NEIGHBORHOOD DISTRICT[4]
- Sec. 54-286.- Purpose.
- Sec. 54-287. - Applicability and minimum neighborhood size.
- Sec. 54-288. - Approval of Neighborhood District plans and plats.
- Sec. 54-289. - Density.
- Sec. 54-290. - Land uses.
- Sec. 54-292. - Block length.
- Sec. 54-293. - Street connectivity, classifications and design standards.
- Sec. 54-294. - Urban design requirements.
- Sec. 54-295. - Outdoor space.
- PART 14 - HEMMINGWOOD PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT, HW-PUD DISTRICT
- PART 15 - WORKFORCE HOUSING DISTRICTS AND OPPORTUNITY ZONES
- Sec. 54-297.- Findings.
- Sec. 54-298. - Purpose.
- Sec. 54-299. - Availability.
- Sec. 54-299.1. - Definitions.
- Sec. 54-299.2. - Land uses for WH districts.
- Sec. 54-299.3. - Parking and loading.
- Sec. 54-299.4. - Height, area and setback regulations.
- Sec. 54-299.5. - Affordable/workforce housing account.
- Sec. 54-299.6. - Lot frontage requirements.
- Sec. 54-299.7. - Land uses for qualified developments.
- Sec. 54-299.8. - Small efficiency dwelling units.
- PART 16 - CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT
- PART 17 - UPPER PENINSULA DISTRICT[5]
- Sec. 54-299.21.- Findings.
- Sec. 54-299.22. - Purpose.
- Sec. 54-299.23. - Land uses.
- Sec. 54-299.24. - Rooftop uses above height limit.
- Sec. 54-299.25. - Ground floor active use.
- Sec. 54-299.26. - Mixed use.
- Sec. 54-299.27. - Parking.
- Sec. 54-299.28. - Location of parking.
- Sec. 54-299.29. - Density.
- Sec. 54-299.30. - Height limits.
- Sec. 54-299.31. - Drainage ponds.
- Sec. 54-299.32. - Incentive options.
- Sec. 54-299.33. - Definitions.
- PART 18 - JOB CENTER DISTRICT[6]
- Sec. 54-299.51.- Intent.
- Sec. 54-299.52. - Applicability of standards.
- Sec. 54-299.53. - Hours of operation.
- Sec. 54-299.54. - Height, area and setback regulations.
- Sec. 54-299.55. - Driveways and vehicle access.
- Sec. 54-299.56. - Landscape buffer, road buffer and parking lot buffer requirements.
- Sec. 54-299.57. - Design standards.
- Sec. 54-299.58. - Parking area surface material requirements.
- PART 19 - CONSERVATION DEVELOPMENT
ARTICLE 3
SITE REGULATIONS
Sections
- PART 1 - HEIGHT, AREA AND SETBACK REGULATIONS
- PART 2 - OLD CITY HEIGHT DISTRICTS AND VIEW CORRIDOR PROTECTION
- Sec. 54-305. - Applicability of requirements for Old City Height District.
- Sec. 54-306. - Old City Height Districts.
- Sec. 54-306.A. - Height District 2.5.
- Sec. 54-306.B. - Height District 3.
- Sec. 54-306.C. - Height District 2.5 - 3.
- Sec. 54-306.D. - Height District 3.5.
- Sec. 54-306.E. - Height District 4.
- Sec. 54-306.F. - Height District 5.
- Sec. 54-306.G. - Height District 6.
- Sec 54-306.H. - Height District 7.
- Sec. 54-306.I. - Height District 8.
- Sec. 54-306.J. - Height District 4-12.
- Sec. 54-306.K. - Height District 3X.
- Sec. 54-306.L. - Height District 85/200.
- Sec. 54-306.M. - Height District 85/125.
- Sec. 54-306.N. - Height District 85/30.
- Sec. 54-306.O. - Height District 100/30.
- Sec. 54-306.P. - Height District 80/30.
- Sec. 54-306.Q. - Height District 50W.
- Sec. 54-306.R. - Height District W.
- Sec. 54-306.S. - Height District WP.
- Sec. 54-306.T. - Height District 56/30 V.
- Sec. 54-306.U. - Height District 120/30.
- Sec. 54-306.V. - Height District 55/30 S.
- Sec. 54-306.W. - Height District 55/30.
- Sec. 54-306.X. - Height district chart.
- Sec. 54-306.Y. - Height District 8-12(A), (B), and (C).
- Sec. 54-307. - View corridor protection.
- Sec. 54-308. - Exceptions.
- PART 3 - DRIVEWAY AND BUILDING SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FOR BUSINESS, OFFICE OR INDUSTRIAL LOTS
- PART 4 - OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS
- Sec. 54-315. - Intent.
- Sec. 54-316. - Applicability of requirements.
- Sec. 54-317. - Required number of off-street parking spaces by land use.
- Sec. 54-318. - Design requirements for new parking areas.
- Sec. 54-318.1. - Storage or display of merchandise in parking areas prohibited.
- Sec. 54-319. - Location of parking.
- Sec. 54-319.1. - Shared parking.
- Sec. 54-319.2. - Off-site parking agreement.
- Sec. 54-320. - Additional parking requirements.
- PART 5 - OFF-STREET LOADING REQUIREMENTS
- PART 6 - TREE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
- Sec. 54-325. - Intent.
- Sec. 54-326. - Exemptions.
- Sec. 54-327. - Tree removal restrictions.
- Sec. 54-328. - Tree survey requirements.
- Sec. 54-329. - Standards for approval to remove trees.
- Sec. 54-330. - Tree protection requirements.
- Sec. 54-331. - Tree replacement, relocation, planting and maintenance requirements.
- PART 7 - PARKING LOT, VEHICULAR USE, AND REFUSE COLLECTION AREA LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING REQUIREMENTS[1]
- Sec. 54-340. - Intent.
- Sec. 54-341. - Applicability of requirements.
- Sec. 54-342. - Plan review and approval requirements.
- Sec. 54-343. - Perimeter landscaping requirements for surface parking lots, service areas or other vehicular use areas.
- Sec. 54-343.1. - Interior landscaping requirements for surface parking lots and other vehicular use areas.
- Sec. 54-343.2. - Screening requirements for refuse collection areas.
- PART 8 - LANDSCAPE BUFFER REQUIREMENTS
- PART 9 - RELOCATION AND MOVING OF STRUCTURES
- PART 10 - VISION CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
- PART 11 - ONE-FAMILY ATTACHED DWELLINGS
- PART 12 - MOBILE HOMES IN THE DR-3 DISTRICT
- PART 13 - MULTI-FAMILY DWELLINGS FOR ELDERLY IN THE DR-4 DISTRICT
- PART 14 - SIDEWALKS
- PART 15 - TRANSIT ACCOMMODATIONS
ARTICLE 4
SIGN REGULATIONS
Sections
- PART 1 - GENERALLY
- PART 2 - PROHIBITED AND EXEMPT SIGNS
- PART 3 - SIGN REGULATIONS
- Sec. 54-410. - Provisions applicable to all signs.
- Sec. 54-411. - Temporary signs within all zoning districts.
- Sec. 54-412. - Regulations for signs within the Savannah Highway Overlay Zone and Residential Office, RO District.
- Sec. 54-413. - Regulations for signs within the Commercial Transitional, CT District.
- Sec. 54-414. - Regulations for signs within the Daniel Island Town Center DI-TC, Gathering Place, GP District and Neighborhood, N District.
- Sec. 54-414.1. - Regulations for signs within the Agricultural, AG-8 and AG-S Districts.
- Sec. 54-415. - Regulations for signs within all other districts.
- PART 4 - NON-CONFORMING SIGNS
ARTICLE 5
EXCEPTIONS AND MODIFICATIONS
Sections
- PART 1 - EXCEPTIONS TO LOT SIZE AND LOT AREA REQUIREMENTS
- PART 2 - EXCEPTIONS TO HEIGHT AND SETBACK REQUIREMENTS
- PART 3 - EXCEPTION TO VISION CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
- PART 4 - EXCEPTIONS TO PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
- PART 5 - EXCEPTIONS TO BUFFER REQUIREMENTS
ARTICLE 6
LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW1
Sections
- Sec. 54-601.- Land Development Plan Approval.
- Sec. 54-602. - Establishment of the Technical Review Committee (TRC).
- Sec. 54-603. - Intent.
- Sec. 54-604. - Developments that require TRC approval.
- Sec. 54-605. - Site alteration prior to land development plan approval prohibited.
- Sec. 54-606. - TRC review procedures.
- Sec. 54-607. - Appeals.
- Sec. 54-608. - Time limitations on TRC approval.
ARTICLE 8
SUBDIVISION, PROPERTY LINE ADJUSTMENT OR ABANDONMENT
Sections
- PART 1 - PURPOSE AND DEFINITIONS[1]
- PART 2 - PROCEDURES FOR PLAT APPROVAL[2]
- Sec. 54-806. - Property line abandonment procedures.
- Sec. 54-807. - Property line adjustment procedures.
- Sec. 54-808. - Subdivision procedures.
- Sec. 54-809. - Concept plan or PUD site plan.
- Sec. 54-810. - Development plan (preliminary plat and construction documents).
- Sec. 54-811. - Final subdivision plat.
- Sec. 54-812. - Recording of plat.
- Sec. 54-813. - Phasing major subdivision plats.
- Sec. 54-814. - Resubdivision of land.
- Sec. 54-815. - Miscellaneous platting situations.
- Sec. 54-816. - Plat Review Committee and Technical Review Committee.
- PART 3 - SUBDIVISION DESIGN STANDARDS
- PART 4 - REQUIRED IMPROVEMENTS
ARTICLE 9
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Sections
- PART 1 - GENERAL ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
- Sec. 54-901. - Zoning administrator as administrative officer; inspections; enforcing agents.
- Sec. 54-902. - Duty of corporation counsel as to enforcement.
- Sec. 54-903. - Building permit a prerequisite to work.
- Sec. 54-904. - Procedure when enforcement or interpretation questioned; appeals to court.
- Sec. 54-905. - Remedies for violations.
- Sec. 54-906. - Building permits; plat and plans required.
- Sec. 54-907. - Certificate of appropriateness.
- Sec. 54-908. - Certificate of occupancy.
- Sec. 54-909. - Permit limitations; failure to commence work.
- Sec. 54-910. - Interpretation and purpose of chapter.
- PART 2 - BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS—ZONING AND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS—SITE DESIGN[1]
- Sec. 54-920. - Boards created; composition; appointment and term of members.
- Sec. 54-921. - Rules of procedure; public notice; meetings; minutes; witnesses.
- Sec. 54-922. - Procedures for posting properties and application fees.
- Sec. 54-923. - Powers of the Board of Zoning Appeals—Zoning and Board of Zoning Appeals—Site Design.
- Sec. 54-924. - Requirements for granting a variance.
- Sec. 54-925. - Variances; authority of Board to impose conditions.
- Sec. 54-926. - Appeals to Boards of Zoning Appeals.
- Sec. 54-927. - Effect of an appeal.
- Sec. 54-928. - Hearing an appeal.
- Sec. 54-929. - Order of Board upon determination of appeal.
- Sec. 54-930. - Appeal from Board of Zoning Appeals to Circuit Court.
- Sec. 54-931. - Time limitations on permits authorized by Boards of Zoning Appeals and reapplication after denial.
- PART 3 - PLANNING COMMISSION; CHANGES AND AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS[2]
- Sec. 54-940. - Planning Commission created; powers and duties.
- Sec. 54-941. - Planning Commission composition; terms; organization; meetings; procedural rules.
- Sec. 54-942. - Planning Commission public hearings, notices and application fees.
- Sec. 54-943. - Procedures for changes and amendments.
- Sec. 54-944. - Study of proposed changes by Planning Commission.
- Sec. 54-945. - Procedures for review of projects for compatibility with the comprehensive plan.
- PART 4 - PENALTIES
- PART 5 - VESTED RIGHTS
- Sec. 54-960. - Vested rights.
- Sec. 54-961. - Definitions.
- Sec. 54-962. - Term.
- Sec. 54-963. - Variances, special exceptions.
- Sec. 54-964. - Amendment.
- Sec. 54-965. - Revocation.
- Sec. 54-966. - Building permits.
- Sec. 54-967. - Later enacted laws.
- Sec. 54-968. - Waiver not permitted.
- Sec. 54-969. - Permit Extension Joint Resolutions of 2010 and 2013.
- PART 6 - TEMPORARY MORATORIUM - CHURCH CREEK DRAINAGE BASIN[3]
ARTICLE 10
AGRICULTURAL ZONING DISTRICTS
Sections
- PART 1 - AG-8 AND AG-S AGRICULTURAL DISTRICTS
- Sec. 54-1001. - Purpose and intent.
- Sec. 54-1002. - Use regulations.
- Sec. 54-1003. - Height, area and setback regulations.
- Sec. 54-1004. - Other regulations.
- Sec. 54-1005. - Table of permitted principal uses.
- Sec. 54-1006. - Special exception uses.
- Sec. 54-1007. - Conditional uses.
- Sec. 54-1008. - Accessory agricultural uses.
- Sec. 54-1009. - Accessory dwelling units.
- Sec. 54-1010. - Waterfront development standards.
- PART 2 - SPECIAL EVENTS USE REGULATIONS FOR AGRICULTURAL DISTRICTS
- Sec. 54-1020. - Purpose.
- Sec. 54-1021. - "Special Events" defined.
- Sec. 54-1022. - Private special events.
- Sec. 54-1023. - Temporary special events.
- Sec. 54-1024. - Outdoor special events (principal uses and temporary special events).
- Sec. 54-1025. - Indoor special events.
- Sec. 54-1026. - Zoning permit.
- Sec. 54-1027. - Lapse of approval.
- PART 3 - CONSERVATION SUBDIVISIONS IN AGRICULTURAL ZONING DISTRICTS
- Sec. 54-1030. - Purpose and intent.
- Sec. 54-1031. - Definitions.
- Sec. 54-1032. - Applicability.
- Sec. 54-1033. - Procedures.
- Sec. 54-1034. - Process.
- Sec. 54-1035. - Density/intensity and dimensional standards.
- Sec. 54-1036. - Waterfront lot standards.
- Sec. 54-1037. - Conservation area standards.
- Sec. 54-1038. - Conservation subdivision standards.
- Sec. 54-1039. - Accessory dwelling units within a conservation subdivision.
- PART 4 - RURAL ROAD STANDARDS FOR AGRICULTURAL ZONING DISTRICTS
- Sec. 54-1050. - Abbreviations.
- Sec. 54-1051. - Definitions.
- Sec. 54-1052. - Introduction.
- Sec. 54-1053. - Objective.
- Sec. 54-1054. - Property access.
- Sec. 54-1055. - Landowner/developer responsibilities.
- Sec. 54-1056. - Rural road classifications.
- Sec. 54-1057. - Applying road classifications.
- Sec. 54-1058. - Private road standards.
- Sec. 54-1059. - Public road standards.
- Sec. 54-1060. - Design and construction requirements.
APPENDIX C
Rules and Regulations of the BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS—ZONING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS—SITE DESIGN
Sections
- Article I. - Organization
- Article II. - Meetings
- Article III. - Appeal and Application Procedure
- Section 1. - Appeal or Application Requirements, Time Limits and Fees.
- Section 2. - Time Limit for Appeal of an Administrative Decision.
- Section 3. - Time Limit and Procedure for Appeal for Reconsideration of a Board Decision to the Board.
- Section 4. - Agenda.
- Section 5. - Withdrawal of Appeal or Application.
- Section 6. - Deferrals.
- Section 7. - Notice.
- Article IV. - Hearing Procedure
- Article V. - Records
- Article VI. - Adoption and Amendment
Rules of
Procedure of the Board of Architectural Review
Sections
- Article I. Organization
- Article II. Meetings
- Article III. Appeals Procedure
- Article IV. Hearing Procedure
- Article V. Records
- Article VI. Amendment, Conflicts and Adoption
APPENDIX F
Rules of Procedure Planning Commission City of Charleston
Sections
- Article I - Organization
- Article II - Meetings
- Article III - Public Hearings
- Article IV - Records
- Article V - Review Procedure
- Article VI - Adoption and Amendment
APPENDIX K
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD Rules of Procedure
Sections
- Article I. Organization
- Article II. Meetings
- Article III. Appeals Procedure
- Article IV. Hearing Procedure
- Article V. Records
- Article VI. Amendment, Conflicts and Adoption