Current Projects

Accessory Dwelling Units

In 2020, City Council approved an ordinance to permit Accessory Dwelling Units, as a conditional use, in all base zoning districts in the City of Charleston. All ADU units permitted under this ordinance that are rented must meet Affordable Housing income and rental thresholds listed in the zoning ordinance.

Accommodations Overlay Ordinance Amendment

Affordable Housing

City Council approved an ordinance to relax zoning regulations for the subdivision of lots and construction of new single-family homes that meet Affordable Housing requirements.

Building Elevation Design Workshop

Peruse information about the building elevation design workshop.

Folly Road Overlay Zone

City Council adopted a new Overlay Zone for Folly Road. The rules are consistent with rules adopted by Charleston County and the Town of James Island.

Johns Island Municipal Improvement District (MID)

The Johns Island Municipal Improvement District (MID) is a proposed strategy for creating a dedicated funding stream to build infrastructure improvements on Johns Island.

King Street Business Improvement District

Outline and updates regarding the King Street Business Improvement District

Maybank Highway & Main Road Overlay District

Review information about the Maybank highway project.

Old City Height Dist

In 2017 City Council approved ordinance changes related to the Old City Height Districts and the Old & Historic District (BAR standards and review process).

Outdoor Dining Expansion Ordinance

In January City Council adopted new rules to maximize outdoor dining opportunities by food and beverage establishments on private property and public sidewalks in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Short Term Rental Permit Information

Find information about the Short Term Rental Permit.

Special Parking District Overlay (King Street)

Proposed ordinance changes that would eliminate off-street parking requirements for existing buildings along middle and lower King Street (from Calhoun St to Broad St).

Trees to Offset Stormwater

A Technical Assistance Grant to Incorporate Trees as Stormwater Management

Upper Peninsula Initiative

The Charleston Upper Peninsula Initiative was an innovative and collaborative community planning effort focused on the upper eastern side of the Charleston peninsula experiencing exponential growth.

West Ashley Initiatives

Follow the City of Charleston's efforts in West Ashley!

Student Housing Overlay Zone

The City is in the process of implementing a new overlay zone district with the description of the overlay zone, schedule, text of the ordinance and map provided on this page.

Underrepresented Communities Historic Preservation Program

Information, support, and partnership network for African-American Settlement Communities in the Lowcountry to record and preserve their histories. Made possible through grant funding from the National Park Service.