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Commission reviews proposed streamline of demo review for non‑contributing structures; staff seeks edits
Summary
Preservation staff proposed an amendment to handle demolition and relocation of non‑contributing resources administratively rather than through the COFA process; commissioners asked about appeal paths and were invited to submit suggested edits as staff prepares an RFQ to update the Old Town master plan.
Preservation staff told the Historic Preservation Commission on July 3 that they are preparing proposed amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance to streamline review of demolitions and relocations for non‑contributing resources in Old Town Bluffton.
Staff said the proposed change would route demolition and relocation reviews of non‑contributing resources through an administrative review by staff rather than through the full COFA (certificate of appropriateness) public hearing process, shortening the review timeline for those properties. "We are proposing that change," the staff member said, explaining that the current COFA pathway can substantially extend the process for structures the resource survey already classifies as non‑contributing.
Commissioners sought clarification on next steps and on appeal rights if staff denied a demolition request. The staff member said such cases would be reviewed by the town historic preservationist and that an appeal could be taken to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Commissioners and staff discussed timing and edits to the UDO; staff said they are preparing a request for qualifications to update the Old Town master plan and asked the commission to submit suggested amendments for consolidation.
No formal vote was taken on the amendments at the meeting; staff invited commissioners and other interested parties to provide written feedback and to participate in the master‑plan RFQ process. The commission also received a brief monthly update: staff reported nine site permits in the prior month, including grants supporting painting and door repairs and rehabilitation work at the Bluffton United Methodist Church.
Staff reminded commissioners of state continuing education requirements to maintain certified local government status and offered assistance from Carrie Guzman in the town manager’s office for tracking credits. The commission adjourned after the announcements.
Next steps: staff will draft formal amendment language for review and will circulate proposed edits to commissioners for comment as part of the Old Town master plan update work.
