Charleston's Board of Architectural Review, established 1931 as the first US municipal historic preservation body, reviews exterior changes citywide in historic districts using strict design guidelines.
Charleston created the nation's first municipal historic preservation ordinance in 1931, establishing the Old and Historic District and the Board of Architectural Review (BAR). Today the BAR-Large reviews projects in the larger historic district while BAR-Small reviews smaller properties and ordinary repairs. Any exterior change visible from public rights-of-way, including paint colors, windows, doors, signage, fencing, roofing, and demolitions, requires Certificate of Appropriateness. The Charleston Design Review Manual codifies acceptable materials, proportions, and forms. Demolition of contributing structures is rarely approved.
Stop work orders, fines $100-$500 per day per violation, restoration to approved condition, and possible criminal misdemeanor for willful unauthorized demolition.
See how Charleston's downtown design guide rules stack up against other locations.
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