Planning committee passes demolition bill

A proposed stay of demolition ordinance for historically designated structures in Charleston is on the way to City Council. Councils planning committee passed the bill Monday evening.

The bill, first introduced to the Strong Neighborhoods Task Force in May, would create three levels of historic designations for buildings in districts.

The first is a badge of honor that recognizes a building or neighborhoods historical significance. The second allows for demolition of such buildings to be delayed by 90 days while community members and the property owners figure out an alternative to tearing a building down.

Some people dont realize some of the resources that are available out there for these historic properties or maybe an adaptive reuse option, said planning director Dan Vriendt. Maybe theyre just not familiar with the zoning ordinance and different things weve added to the zoning ordinance for flexibility in adaptive reuse.

The Historic Landmarks Commission, which is charged with approving or denying nominations and stays of demolition, could waive the 90-day delay if a structure is found beyond repair.

The third level would allow for a demolition delay and require a design review of historically significant properties or districts.

There are six historic districts in the city of Charleston--the Luna Park, Edgewood, Elk City, Downtown, Grosscup and the East End historic districts. Only the East End historic district has design review.

Nothing in the bill stops a buildings eventual demolition. The ordinance only provides a cooling off period for the community and property owners, Vriendt said.

The ordinance would only apply to buildings and districts that are already listed on local and federal historic registers. A group or individual couldnt block demolition of a building that wasnt listed by nominating it after a demolition permit is applied for.

Its a pretty laborious process to get something designated as a local or historic property. Youre not just going to read about potential demolition in the newspaper and run out and try to get this rammed through, Vriendt said.

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Planning committee passes demolition bill