Historic districts can take many forms and serve multiple functions.  In some cites historic districts are primarily residential neighborhoods, in others they can have a distinctly commercial or industrial orientation.  In the same vein the structures in historic districts can have many different "looks" reflecting both the architectural and functional diversity within a community.  It is anticipated that Charleston's long history and diversity could result in the establishment of a number of distinctive historic districts.

Any person or group of persons may apply for the designation of an area as a Historic District.  The basics of the application process are outlined in the relevant sections of the Historic Preservation Ordinance, which are available at  this link.  Nomination of Historic Districts must be made using the form available from the Historic Preservation Commission which can be found at City Hall, or it may be  downloaded from this site.

The criteria to be utilized in determining the designation of a Historic District are delineated in the Historic Preservation Ordinance and may be reviewed at this link.  The procedure for determining the merit of a nomination for Historic District status requires that property owners of the affected and adjacent properties be notified and that a public hearing be held by the Historic Preservation Commission.  At the conclusion of the public hearing The Historic Preservation Commissions evaluations and recommendations are forwarded to the City Council for a vote on approval of the historic district designation.  Upon conclusion of the hearing, and acceptance of the historic district, appropriate notification must be sent to all affected parties and associated public agencies.  A flow chart outlining the nomination process can be found at  this link .

Appropriate sections of the Historic Preservation Ordinance may be reviewed at the links indicated below 

Living or owning a business in a historic district asks a little bit more of its occupants because of the need to be sensitive about the older buildings and neighborhoods that make up the historic district. Many of the buildings in the district have stood the test of time very well, and is in a major part due to the care owners have shown in maintaining and carefully amending these places over the many years.

When the time comes that some sort of structural addition or other alteration is desired, the Charleston Historic Preservation Commission is available to help steer a project in the appropriate direction. The Commission is responsible to review all permit applications in a historic district and the best time to pay the Commission a visit is in the early stages of design of any desired alteration. Whether you are working with an architect, contractor or on your own, the Commission can provide assistance in addressing the historically pertinent issues that relate to your project. The benefit to you is a design that more readily conforms to preservation guidelines in its final state when it is reviewed for approval.

The following list includes the type of activity that would require a review by the Charleston Historic Preservation Commission before a building permit is approved. (This list is used to provide general activity types only and should not be construed to be all-inclusive.)

                                Additions              Facade alterations     Garages
                                Demolition            Porches, decks          New Construction
 

Once a property has been included in a Historic District, alterations, demolition or significant exterior structural changes in the property will require that a review of the proposed changes be conducted by the Historic Preservation Commission, prior to the issuance of a building permit, or a permit for demolition.  A full discussion of the application process and the Standards and Criteria employed in issuing a Certificate of Appropriateness can be found at this link .