Charleston County, SC, September 26, 2025
News Summary
The Charleston County Council is weighing the extension of a moratorium on large-scale residential development in historic districts, responding to residents’ concerns about the impact on rural landscapes. Councilman Larry Kobrovsky and community members advocate for preservation, especially following significant property losses due to ongoing construction. A meeting is set for September 25 to explore further protections and zoning changes in the Ten Mile community, where residents seek historic district status for additional safeguarding.
Charleston County, SC – The Charleston County Council is considering extending a moratorium on large-scale residential development in historic districts beyond its current two-year limit, which was initially enacted in July 2024. The council’s decision follows growing concerns from residents in various communities about the impact of development on their historic and rural landscapes.
Councilman Larry Kobrovsky expressed strong support for the moratorium, emphasizing the need to preserve the rural nature of the unincorporated areas of Charleston County. A meeting of the planning and public works committee is scheduled for September 25 to further discuss the possibility of extending the moratorium and expanding protections to additional settlement communities.
Historic settlement communities face increasing pressure from development, leading to the loss of significant properties. A recent example includes Tobin-Boyd Elementary School in Red Top, which is slated for demolition to accommodate new homes. Residents from Ten Mile and Phillips Community are particularly vocal about feeling encroached upon by ongoing construction in their neighborhoods.
In 2023, some landowners in Ten Mile sold property to Crescent Homes for the construction of subdivisions, intensifying the community’s concerns regarding development density. In response, the council is also exploring the implementation of a zoning overlay district for the Ten Mile community, which would aim to decrease the allowable density from four homes per acre to three. This move is intended to offer some relief to residents fearful of overdevelopment.
Joel Evans, the county’s zoning and planning director, highlighted that achieving historic district designation allows communities to have their development plans reviewed by the historic preservation commission. This designation further enables communities to undertake additional protective measures, such as crafting area character appraisals to better align new developments with the existing environment.
Residents from Ten Mile conveyed their desire to see the moratorium extended for another six to eight years, while also advocating for the community’s recognition as a historic district. Their request aligns with sentiments shared by members of other settlement communities lacking such designation, who are calling for enhanced protections from development pressures.
Melody Dover, president of the Red Top Improvement Association, is actively supporting the moratorium’s extension while advocating for broader protections for settlement communities overall. The Red Top area alone has plans for approximately 6,000 new homes, raising heightened concerns about the ramifications of continued development and the potential strain on community resources.
Throughout Charleston County, numerous residents have expressed anxiety about their neighborhoods being overtaken by new construction, viewing the moratorium as a necessary pause to re-evaluate development practices to ensure the conservation of community heritage and character. This ongoing conversation reflects the widespread desire for more robust protections to balance growth with preservation in historic and settlement areas across the county.
FAQ Section
What is the current status of the moratorium on development in Charleston County?
The Charleston County Council is considering extending a moratorium on large-scale residential development in historic districts beyond the current two-year limit, which was initially enacted in July 2024.
Who is advocating for the extension of the moratorium?
Councilman Larry Kobrovsky supports extending the moratorium to preserve the rural nature of unincorporated areas of Charleston County.
When is the meeting to discuss the moratorium extension?
A planning and public works committee meeting is scheduled for September 25 to discuss the possibility of extending the moratorium and expanding protections to settlement communities.
What recent developments have increased pressure on settlement communities?
Settlement communities are losing significant properties to development, including Tobin-Boyd Elementary School in Red Top, which is slated for demolition for new homes.
What are the concerns of the residents in Ten Mile and Phillips Community?
Residents feel increasingly surrounded by development, prompting fears of overdevelopment and community loss.
What is the proposed zoning change for Ten Mile Community?
The council is considering a zoning overlay district to reduce density from four homes per acre to three in the Ten Mile community.
What do residents hope for regarding historic district status?
Ten Mile residents expressed a desire to keep the moratorium for an additional six to eight years and to gain historic district status for greater protections.
How many new homes are planned for the Red Top area?
About 6,000 homes are planned in the Red Top area, raising concerns about limits on development and the strain on resources.
Key Features of the Moratorium Discussion
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Current Moratorium | In effect since July 2024, aimed at large-scale residential developments in historic districts. |
| Council Support | Councilman Larry Kobrovsky advocates for prolonged moratorium to uphold rural character. |
| Upcoming Meeting | Planning and public works committee meeting scheduled for September 25. |
| Community Concerns | Significant properties lost to development; residents feel threatened by ongoing construction. |
| Zoning Changes | Potential zoning overlay district for Ten Mile to decrease density from four to three homes per acre. |
| Historic Designations | Communities can implement additional protective measures once designated as historic districts. |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Charleston County Moratorium
- Live 5 News: Mount Pleasant Development Stop
- ABC News 4: Hamlin Beach Historic District
- Condé Nast Traveler: The Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Historic Preservation
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