City of Charleston Committee on Community Development 9/17/26

The City of Charleston Community Development Committee met on September 17, 2026, to discuss updates related to historic architectural surveys and preservation efforts. The committee reviewed progress on the update to the historic architectural survey for the peninsula, funded in prior budget years, which included surveying nearly 1,600 historic properties to better categorize and protect them under the city's existing one-to-four ranking system. The committee was informed about upcoming code amendments to incorporate the new survey data into the zoning ordinance, with plans to present these changes to the Planning Commission in October and City Council in November. Additionally, the committee discussed grant-funded surveys focusing on African-American historic resources and initial survey work in West Ashley, aiming to improve data-driven decision-making for preservation and demolition criteria. The consultant New South, selected through an RFP process, was praised for responsiveness and expertise. The meeting emphasized the importance of accurate data to guide regulatory review processes and potential future policy adjustments to balance historic preservation with community needs.