Charleston · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Charleston public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
West Ashley commercial rezonings
Three West Ashley properties near Sam Rittenberg and Ashley Hall Road would shift from residential to General Business zoning, opening the door to commercial development — a change neighbors often weigh closely.
Planning and Preservation Administrative Fee Updates
New fee schedules for permits, zoning verification letters, and staff reviews are headed for public hearing — anyone pulling permits or seeking zoning letters would pay the new rates.
Comprehensive Transportation Review Ordinance
A new ordinance in the works would require traffic studies for developments based on how much traffic they actually generate, not just their size, and add walking, biking, and transit analysis. The goal is to keep new development from worsening traffic on already strained roads like Maybank and River Road.
Historic-building flood compliance variances
Two cases ask the board to let substantially improved historic buildings skip full flood-proofing — including the city's own fire stations. Decisions shape how Charleston balances historic preservation against rising flood risk.
Short-Term Rental Regulations and Occupancy Clarifications
Council is reviewing proposed changes to city code regarding short-term rentals and the Short-Term Rental Overlay district to better manage vacation rentals.
Zoning Rewrite Project Alignment
The city is updating how property boundaries are interpreted on the zoning map and standardizing the process for appealing local board decisions to the circuit court. These changes affect property owners dealing with split zonings or looking to challenge board rulings.