Beaufort County's Community Services and Land Use Committee voted Monday, January 9, to postpone actions on a text amendment to the St. Helena Cultural Overlay Protection (CPO) zone for more research and discussion with the community. 

Chairwoman Alice Howard explained to the large crowd in attendance that agenda item #12--a proposal to amend the St. Helena Cultural Overlay Protection zone on St. Helena--was up for discussion. However, she asked for a motion to postpone consideration of the item until the Committee's April 10 meeting.

The issue is also referred to the Cultural Protection Overlay District Committee, which was formed in November 2022 to study the existing ordinance with our legal department and other outside entities. The Committee is looking to clarify and strengthen the language of the COP.

"I support Chairwoman Howard's decision to postpone this matter until our April meeting," said Vice Chair York Glover. "The Cultural Protection Overlay District Committee needs more time to study the existing ordinance with the legal department and make sure we are doing everything within our power as County Council to monitor development projects and make sure we protect St. Helena and the surrounding islands."

This delay also gives the committee time to suggest provisions that can be added to reinforce the overlay's purpose and to improve the protection it provides St. Helena and the surrounding islands. When it comes back from the CPO, the item will be placed back on the Community Services and Land Use agenda and will have time for additional public comment.

Watch the Community Services and Land Use Committee Meeting here: 
January 09, 2023 Community Services Committee - Beaufort County, SC (swagit.com)

The text amendment currently reads as follows: