Charleston, SC Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Sec. 32(6) of the Zoning Ordinance sets general requirements for the 'Quality Outdoor Public Space' incentive option available to Upper Peninsula District buildings pursuing a height or density bonus. Subsection (g) requires the space to 'include ample plantings such as trees, shrubs, flowering plants, groundcover or turf, as appropriate,' with turf generally limited to areas anticipated for use or play, and requires that vegetation be selected, placed and spaced so every species can mature properly over time. Subsection (h) then requires the space to include native plants or introduced plants that are not considered invasive species, a direct planting-palette standard tied to earning the district's outdoor space incentive points.

to reduce evaporation loss, and requires the space to be designed by a licensed landscape architect and approved by applicable City boards. A qualifying public space earns 1 to 4 incentive points depending on its size, from 1 point for 2,500 to 5,000 square feet up to 4 points for 20,000 square feet or more, under Table 3: Points Possible for Outdoor Public Space. The native-plant standard applies only to public spaces built to earn this specific incentive within the Upper Peninsula District; it is not a general landscaping requirement for other Charleston zoning districts or private residential yards.