DR Zone in Charleston, SC
DR zoning district rules in Charleston, SC. Permitted uses, setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage requirements.
The DR zone in Charleston, SC is a residential district. This zone requires a Per historic streetwall front setback, 3 ft side setback, and 5 ft rear setback. Maximum building height is Per BAR contextual review feet (3 stories). Maximum lot coverage is 70%.
Setback Requirements
| Setback Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | Per historic streetwall |
| Side Setback | 3 feet |
| Rear Setback | 5 feet |
Charleston Zoning Ordinance Chapter 54 — DR Downtown Residential. Setbacks governed by historic streetwall alignment. BAR review determines contextually appropriate setbacks for new infill. Charleston's historic side-yard piazza tradition affects side setback application.
Height Limits
- Max Height
- Per BAR contextual review
- Max Stories
- 3
Charleston Zoning Ordinance — DR Downtown Residential. Height governed by Board of Architectural Review contextual compatibility analysis. New construction must be subordinate to or consistent with adjacent historic structures.
Lot Coverage
- Max Coverage
- 70%
Charleston Zoning Ordinance Chapter 54 — DR Downtown Residential. Reflects dense historic urban pattern.
Parking Requirements
Single-family: 2 spaces per dwelling unit. Off-street parking required except in DR Downtown Residential zone where pre-automobile historic properties may have no off-street parking. Charleston Zoning Ordinance Chapter 54. Multi-family: 1.5 spaces per unit in MR and MU zones. Reduced requirements in Historic District and near CARTA bus service corridors.
Source: Charleston Zoning Ordinance Chapter 54; Board of Architectural Review Guidelines. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source