Charleston is a City oriented towards its history and with good reason, 4 million visitors come to Charleston to experience the past in the form of structures, food and culture. Preservation is then a must within the confinements of the City. But even a City with such strong ties to its past has to look at the future, especially given the population increase projected by Charleston County to reach 425,000 by 2020 (for the County).

At a larger scale, plans such as the establishment of a new  John’s Island Code that will help define new development within the Urban Growth Boundary, the adoption of the Calhoun Plan, the much discussed Spring Cannon Corridor Plan, the downtown plan adopted in 1999, the Charleston Green Plan just to name, can change the Charleston area in many positive ways. To learn more about these and other projects visit the Department of Planning and Neighborhoods.

For anyone not familiar with the Cannonborough Elliotborough neighborhood, a study was recently done to evaluate the neighborhood’s character. This study – area character appraisal - was also performed for the Old Windermere and Byrnes Downs neighborhoods. These comprehensive documents highlight some of the main features that give the neighborhoods their charm and character, from architectural features to the neighborhood’s history even suggesting  residential or commercial roles.

For property owners, builders or anyone interested in remodeling a structure that is part of the historical district of Charleston, I suggest researching through the City’s website where forms and other documents are available. For more help schedule a visit at The Hub SC on 69 Spring Street.

The next planning commission meeting will be held this July 21st at 5:00pm, third floor at 75 Calhoun St. Click here for the agenda.