What It Means for Your Next Big Deal: Charleston's Fabric Overhaul
PAUL'S MARKET JOURNAL
Charleston is shaking things up big time with some game-changing moves to tackle housing affordability, manage growth, and beef up resilience. There are two major plays in the works: revamping Charleston's ancient zoning code and launching a housing study for the Lowcountry Rapid Transit (LCRT) corridor.
"While many of its neighbors attempt to slow growth — Charleston County is considering a two-year moratorium on large-scale residential development in historic districts; Mount Pleasant extended its ban on new apartments and condos until 2025, though housing projects targeting lower-income brackets are exempt; and Awendaw temporarily blocked most new subdivisions — the Holy City [Charleston] is looking to diversify its housing stock and add density, which could increase affordability."
Post & Courier
First up, let’s talk zoning. Charleston's been stuck with zoning rules from the 60s—yeah, like back when color TV was a novelty. Now, the city’s on a mission to modernize. They’re focusing on upping the variety of housing options, adding more density, and pushing development towards higher ground to sidestep those sea-level rise headaches. The big idea here is to mix things up with housing options like duplexes, cottage homes, and mansion apartments in places that usually just have single-family homes. More density means more affordable places to live, and they’re doing it without wrecking the neighborhood feel. Plus, they’re all about smart development to keep folks safe from rising waters by encouraging higher density on higher land. This overhaul is set to roll out over the next year, and it’s all about making the zoning rules work for today’s Charleston. I've talked about this quite a bit- but that's because it's a big deal. I'm very proud to be in a city that is trying innovative ways to tackle affordable housing without adding to the suburban sprawl.
Now, let’s hit the gas on the Lowcountry Rapid Transit (LCRT) housing study. Charleston is making significant strides with the Lowcountry Rapid Transit (LCRT) housing study, aiming to enhance housing affordability and transit-oriented development along the planned 23-mile rapid bus line connecting Ladson to Charleston. The LCRT corridor is projected to experience substantial growth by 2040, attracting approximately 43,000 new residential units, 4.1 million square feet of retail space, and 6.9 million square feet of office space. This development is about creating vibrant, walkable communities with a mix of housing types, including duplexes, quadplexes, bungalows, and townhomes, which are ideal for fostering diverse, transit-friendly neighborhoods.
The study highlights the importance of integrating "missing middle" housing to bridge the gap between single-family homes and large multifamily complexes. This approach aligns with Charleston's goal of making housing more affordable and accessible, particularly near public transit. With the projected growth, the LCRT corridor is set to become a hub of economic activity, providing numerous job opportunities and amenities within easy reach of residents.
Key strategies include developing high-density housing near transit stations, ensuring a mix of market-rate and affordable units, and enhancing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure to create safe, accessible routes for non-motorized transportation. By focusing on transit-oriented development, the LCRT project aims to reduce car dependence, alleviate congestion, and foster a more sustainable, connected community.
The LCRT project is a crucial component of Charleston's broader efforts to modernize its infrastructure and zoning regulations, ensuring the city can accommodate future growth while maintaining its unique character and livability.
There’s more to come, and I’ll be here to tell you every step of the way. If you want to discuss how this will impact your specific property or your search for opportunities in Charleston, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.
So, here’s the bottom line: Charleston is pulling out all the stops to update its zoning code and get smart about housing along the LCRT corridor. These moves are all about building a more resilient, affordable, and livable city. They’re dialing up housing variety, embracing transit-oriented development, and making sure the community’s in the loop. It’s a huge step towards handling growth and affordability without losing what makes Charleston unique. So, get involved, stay in the know, and help shape the future of Charleston.
Read more here:
Charleston's Rapid Transit is coming soon. Could it also bring affordable housing?
Charleston wants to overhaul its zoning code. What does that mean for housing development?
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