For the first time since the city was incorporated in the 1970s, North Charleston is undertaking a complete rewrite of its zoning and development regulations. The project, called “One North Charleston,” will combine the city’s zoning, land development, and related regulations into a single Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) — one updated rulebook designed to guide growth for decades to come.
The city officially launched the process in June 2026 with two community kick-off meetings — one in-person at the North Charleston Athletic Center on June 2, and a virtual session on June 9. The rewrite is expected to take approximately 18 months.
“Community input is critical to this process,” said Mayor Reggie Burgess. “The decisions made through this ordinance will impact how our city grows, develops, and preserves the character of our neighborhoods.”
Why It Matters for Inspectors and Builders
A Unified Development Ordinance does more than reorganize text. It changes how land can be used, what can be built where, and what standards new construction must meet. For inspectors and code officials, that means the rules you enforce today may look different tomorrow — not because the building code changed, but because the zoning framework that governs development patterns is being modernized.
Here is what code professionals should be watching:
Zoning vs. Building Code — These are separate systems. The UDO governs land use, setbacks, density, and what types of buildings are permitted in specific districts. The building code (2024 IRC, IBC, etc.) governs how those buildings are constructed. A zoning rewrite does not change the building code — but it can change what gets built and where, which changes what you inspect.
Subdivision and Land Development Standards — The UDO will update rules for lot sizes, street widths, infrastructure requirements, and stormwater management. If you inspect subdivisions or perform site inspections, these standards directly affect your work.
Public Engagement Period — The 18-month process means multiple opportunities for building professionals to provide input. If you work in or around North Charleston, this is your window to flag impractical standards, unclear language, or conflicts between zoning rules and building code requirements before they become law.
What to Watch For
The city has indicated that additional public meetings, workshops, and online surveys will be announced throughout the process. The draft ordinance is expected to be available for public review before adoption.
For inspectors working in North Charleston and surrounding jurisdictions, the key takeaway is simple: the development rules are changing, and the time to understand and influence those changes is now — not after adoption.
Learn more about the One North Charleston project and upcoming engagement opportunities at onenorthcharleston.com.
Want to talk code with other inspectors? Continue the conversation at branches-live-oak.com.
John Calloway, Senior Digital Advisor, Live Oak Code Consultants LLC
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