One lot, two height limits: Proposal would require measured boundaries

A proposed Charleston zoning rewrite would require the city to record where different height districts meet on the same parcel—and confirm those lines when reviewing site improvements.⁠[1]

The measurements would have a specific reference point: the intentions of city staff who helped create the Old City Height District Map adopted by Ordinance 2017-085. The zoning administrator would maintain a list of parcels split between height districts, as well as a list of lots divided by zoning boundaries.⁠[1]

The draft also contains a 50-foot flexibility rule. For a lot crossed by a district boundary, the administrator could extend the least restrictive district requirements as much as 50 feet beyond the line, if appropriate and consistent with the zoning ordinance. But that discretion expressly would not apply to height-district boundaries on the Old City map.⁠[1]

During zoning review of site improvements, the administrator or a designee would have to confirm boundary locations for both categories of property. Disputes over those determinations would be appealable to the Board of Zoning Appeals–Zoning.⁠[1]

The same ordinance would add language allowing property owners challenging decisions by the Board of Zoning Appeals, Board of Architectural Review, Design Review Board or Planning Commission to file a circuit-court appeal with a request for pre-litigation mediation. It also includes provisions allowing nonowners to petition to intervene. The city describes this portion as incorporating 2003 state-law amendments, rather than announcing a new state law.⁠[1][2]

The combined amendment is listed as item B.2 on the Planning Commission’s October 21, 2026 agenda, with staff recommending approval. A commission vote or final council action was not confirmed for this report. On ordinance amendments, the commission makes a recommendation before a second public hearing at City Council.⁠[2][3]