The Planning Department provides professional guidance and staff support to multiple citizen boards and commissions. In addition to those detailed here, the department works with the Planning and Urban Renewal Committees of City Council.
Filing deadlines and meeting dates for the public hearings held by these boards and commissions are set annually.
Municipal Planning Commission
The MPC is a 16 member body that meets monthly to consider matters related to orderly growth and development in Charleston. Applications to come before the MPC include the following:
- Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance
- Amendments to the Zoning Map (Rezonings)
- Annexations
- Developments of Significant Impact
- Street Namings, Dedications, and Closings
- Subdivisions
Decisions of the MPC regarding Developments of Significant Impact and Subdivisions are final. In all other matters, the MPC serves in an advisory capacity to City Council, who makes the final determination. Click here for a list of MPC members.
Board of Zoning Appeals
The BZA is a 5 member body that meets bimonthly to consider matters that require variation from or interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance and applications that require the exercise of discretion. Cases to come before the BZA include the following:
In all matters, the decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals is final. Aggrieved parties may appeal those decisions through the Circuit Court of Kanawha County. Click here for a list of BZA members.
Historic Landmarks Commission
The HLC is a 5 member body established to identify, study, preserve, and protect Charleston’s historic landscape. The HLC meets monthly to consider the following:
- Certificates of Appropriateness—requests to alter the exterior of historic buildings within the East End Historic District, which is the only area in the City subject to formal design review.
- Demolition Delay—requests to demolish structures contributing to the character and integrity of any historic district within the City.
In all matters, the decision of the Historic Landmarks Commission is final. Aggrieved parties may appeal those decisions through the Circuit Court of Kanawha County. Click here for a list of HLC members.