Horry County preservation commission reiterates mission amid development pressures

The Horry County Historic Preservation Commission opened its May 19 awards meeting by outlining its statutory purpose: to "identify, protect, and preserve the distinctive historical and architectural characters of Horry County," and to promote compatible development as the county grows, the chair said.

The chair told attendees that the commission operates under Horry County ordinances and hundreds of pages of guidelines when reviewing plans, rehabilitations, restorations and demolition requests for designated properties. "When we decide on what cannot or can be allowed ... these are not just our opinions ... we have to go by the law and these guidelines," the chair said. The commission also pointed to financial incentives — including tax credits and construction credits — to encourage property owners to follow approved preservation plans. The meeting emphasized the commission's role in reviewing nominations for historic designation and advising Horry County Council on properties, districts and landmarks.