Columbia, SC Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

Sec. 17-3.7(i) of the Columbia Zoning Ordinance and Land Development Regulations establishes the Historic Preservation Overlay (OV-HP) District to encourage new development and redevelopment consistent with the character of the city's original historic districts and sites. The district applies to property within any of 16 historic sub-districts identified in Table 17-3.7(j)(3), plus individually designated Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 landmarks listed in Appendices A, B, and C of the ordinance. Where OV-HP standards conflict with the base zoning district, OV-HP controls.

Landmarks are tiered by significance. Type 1 landmarks strongly contribute to the city's visual and cultural history through unique or outstanding architectural design, work by a nationally important architect, or association with historically significant events or people; development on a Type 1 site must conserve the structure's original exterior and restore it to the maximum extent practicable. Type 2 landmarks, which significantly contribute to that history, must conserve both original interior and exterior. Type 3 landmarks, which generally contribute to the city's architectural character, carry a lighter design-review standard.

Before any development at a designated landmark or within a historic sub-district, Sec. 17-2.5(g) requires a Certificate of Design Approval - Historic Districts and Landmarks, whether or not a building permit is also required; only interior alterations needing zoning and building permits are exempt. Routine repairs using like materials, and additions in areas minimally visible from the street, qualify for the streamlined Minor Certificate track; more substantial exterior changes go through the Major Certificate process under Sec. 17-2.5(g)(5).