New Beaufort zoning rules aim for mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods

Beaufort began updating its zoning regulations Monday in an effort to promote walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods as envisioned in the city's civic master plan.

"The Beaufort Code," as it is being called, will replace the current development ordinance. The city's goal is for the new code to be adopted in July.

A committee made up of City Councilmen George O'Kelley and Phil Cromer and various members of city boards and commissions will review the new code in a series of public meetings that began Monday morning at City Hall.

Under the Beaufort Code, the 17 current single-use zones will be consolidated into 11 mixed-use and conventional zones.

A new Historic Neighborhood District, for example, would replace two residential districts, providing standards unique to the historic district and preventing development like high-density apartments.

The changes also seek to streamline permitting by bypassing some decisions that currently require board approval.

City staff would be able to review demolition of dilapidated structures in the Northwest Quadrant and the construction of single-family homes in the neighborhood, processes which currently require Historic District Review Board approval. Staff could also review more projects currently under the purview of the Design Review Board.

More information is available at www.cityofbeaufort.org/beaufort-code.

This story was originally published November 23, 2015 at 9:52 AM with the headline "New Beaufort zoning rules aim for mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods."