The Charleston County Historic Preservation Commission on May 21 reviewed a minor subdivision plat application for a parcel in the Hamlin community and found the proposal consistent with the cultural resources element of the county comprehensive plan, the commission said.

The application would split one existing lot into two. Staff said one resulting lot is about 19,000 square feet (about 0.447 acre) and the other is roughly 13,000 square feet; one lot contains an existing structure and the new lot would be created to the rear. Staff noted the parcel is zoned S-3 and appears in FEMA flood zones on the county maps. The commission’s report will be forwarded to the Charleston County Planning Commission, which is scheduled to consider the subdivision at its June 9, 2025, meeting at 2 p.m. in Council Chambers.

The commission’s evaluation focused on whether the plat is consistent with the cultural resources element strategies listed in the comprehensive plan and with the county’s Historic Preservation Ordinance. Commissioners who voiced positions during the roll call unanimously said the application is consistent and cited policies including CR-1 (promote historic preservation), CR-3 (work with settlement communities), and CR-5 (community preservation measures).

During public comment, Lily Johnson, who said she will be the owner of the parcel and plans to build a single-family home, described family ties to the Hamlin community and urged the commission to move the application forward. Myra Snipe Richardson, president of the Hamlin Beach Community Association, also spoke in support and said Johnson’s family has long roots in the community.

Staff described public notice steps: property owners within 300 feet were notified (staff said 263 notices were mailed), signs were posted on April 22, 2025, and the notice was published in the Post and Courier. Staff reported receiving two written comments in support. The county’s subdivision review process requires that plats within 300 feet of historic properties or districts be evaluated by the Historic Preservation Commission before the Planning Commission acts, staff said, citing Charleston County Historic Preservation Ordinance section 21-6 and South Carolina Code of Laws section 6-29-340 for the planning commission duties.

Commissioners asked for and received clarifications on lot sizes, flood zone status and on whether on-site sewage (septic) or sewer service applies. Staff said the subdivision process requires either a septic permit from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) or payment of sewer impact and tap fees; staff also said water service would be through the local waterworks and that an impact fee had been paid on the project as presented.

The commission’s written report will record each commissioner’s finding of “consistent” and the specific comprehensive-plan strategies cited. The Planning Commission will receive that report and make the final determination on the subdivision application at the scheduled hearing.