Beaufort boards weigh zoning, historic preservation, and $150K heirs' property proposal
Beaufort County residents saw a busy stretch of local government meetings in early July, though official minutes have not yet been published for most sessions — meaning outcomes for several consequential items, including two rezoning votes and a waste management contract, remain unconfirmed in the public record.
City Council: Two rezoning readings and waste contract on July 7 agenda
Beaufort City Council scheduled second readings on two zoning map amendments for its July 7 meeting. One would rezone 1556 Salem Road from T4-Neighborhood to Regional Mixed-Use (RMX). The other would rezone 909 Church Street from T4-Neighborhood to T4-Historic Neighborhood District (T4-HN).
The council also planned to consider authorizing the city manager to enter a waste management services contract and to receive an update on Dominion Energy's vegetation management program. An executive session was scheduled to discuss a FOIA investigation, Parcel K in Beaufort Commerce Park, and appointments to boards and judges.
Because minutes have not been published, the vote tallies and final outcomes on these items are not yet available in the record.
Historic District Review Board: Two residential projects up for final approval
On July 8, the Historic District Review Board was set to review two applications for residential construction in the historic district. One sought final approval for an addition to the single-family home at 1506 Greene Street, including a bedroom, bathroom, and laundry room. The other sought final approval for new construction of a single-family home with an attached garage at 602 Bladen Street.
The agenda noted that decisions would be made at the meeting provided the applicants or their representatives were present. Minutes are not yet published.
Waterfront Advisory Committee: Draft RFQ tasks discussed
The Waterfront Advisory Committee met July 6 to review and discuss a draft Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for upcoming tasks. The committee also planned to approve minutes from June 1, 2026, and set future meeting dates. This was a discussion item, not a final decision.
Planning Commission: Zoning code worksession welcomes new member
The Beaufort Planning Commission held a July 15 worksession to discuss proposed updates to three chapters of the city's zoning code: Chapter 2 (Map and Districts), Chapter 3 (Land Use Provisions), and Chapter 4 (Infill Standards). No formal votes or decisions were expected. The agenda included a welcome for new commissioner Michael Holle and a public comment period.
Coming up
July 20 — Historic District Task Force worksession. The task force will hear a presentation on the economic impact of the Bladen Street Redevelopment District by Freedman Arts District intern Finlay Florance. LowCountry Legal Volunteers will present a proposed $150,000 to clear titles on 10 heirs' properties. The task force also plans to discuss and produce a definitive list of 5–10 properties for preservation programs, considering owner cooperation, incentives, and scope of work.
July 20 — Planning Commission public hearing. The commission will hold a public hearing on revisions to Chapters 2, 3, and 4 of the Beaufort Development Code. The body will also consider a request to table the Preliminary Plat and Site Plan for a free-standing Emergency Department at 396 Robert Smalls Parkway.
Residents who want to verify outcomes from the July 6–15 meetings should watch for published minutes from each respective body.