Charleston shows its draft zoning code rewrite Thursday, Oct. 22, as the Peninsula Plan nears its end. Public forum Nov. 19 at Burke High; comments through Dec. 13.
Peninsula residents get a first look at Charleston’s rewritten zoning code Thursday, Oct. 22. It is one of the last public sessions before the city’s Peninsula Plan goes to a draft.
The City of Charleston said the plan is in its final weeks of public engagement. City staff will present a draft list of recommendations at a public forum Nov. 19. The plan is expected to be finalized for adoption in early 2027.
The Peninsula Plan is the city’s master plan for the peninsula. It covers transportation, flooding, housing, public space, tourism, arts and culture, economic development and quality of life, according to the plan’s page.
The last Open Studios
Two drop-in Open Studio sessions are left. Both run from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Design Center, 85 Calhoun St.
- Thursday, Oct. 22: Zoning Code Rewrite. A first look at the draft of the city’s updated zoning code, with one-on-one time with the staff leading the rewrite.
- Thursday, Oct. 29: Undergrounding Utilities and Street Trees. The city’s programs for burying power lines and for the urban forest, with the staff who run them.
The Oct. 29 session comes as the City Council weighs a new franchise deal with Dominion Energy that would change how buried-line projects keep their place in line.
The public forum
City staff will present key draft elements of the plan at a forum from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at Burke High School, 244 President St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
The evening includes a presentation, questions and a poster session on other city projects. Light refreshments will be provided, the city said.
Draft materials will also be posted online. Residents can comment on them through Dec. 13.
A thank-you for taking part
The city is also handing out punch cards at Peninsula Plan events, with one punch for each event attended. Through the end of 2026, anyone with at least one punch can redeem offers at two downtown businesses:
| Business | Address | Offer |
|---|---|---|
| Bodega | 23 Ann St. | 10% discount |
| Paper Canopy | 93-C Spring St. | Free greeting card |
Other local businesses can join the program by emailing the city’s planning staff at stuberc@charleston-sc.gov.
“As we head into the final stretch, I encourage residents to come out, see the draft plan and let us know what you think,” Mayor William Cogswell said in the release.
What it means for you
- If you own or rent on the peninsula, the zoning rewrite shapes what can be built next door. Thursday’s Open Studio is the first public look at the draft.
- Can’t make a weekday afternoon? Go to the Nov. 19 forum at Burke High, or comment online by Dec. 13.
- Bring a punch card home from any event for the Bodega and Paper Canopy offers.
Our downtown neighborhood guide and upper peninsula guide cover homes, schools and parks on the peninsula. For who runs what at City Hall, see who to call.
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