2026-11-16 - Board of Architectural Review

Summary

Built from the posted BAR Policy Statement document for this meeting; the BAR-L agenda item list itself was not available, so applications are not summarized. No minutes or video recorded yet.

• A draft BAR policy statement on swimming pools is posted. It was adopted by the BAR-Small by motion on September 24, 2026; the BAR-Large adoption date is left blank in the draft. See BAR Policy Statement Revisions.
• Pools are treated as site features: appropriate in rear yards behind the rearmost wall of the primary structure, not in front yards or driveways; side yards case by case.
• Pools visible from the public right-of-way (not behind the rearmost wall) or elevated require Board review; rooftop pools need Board approval.
• Pool equipment must not be visible from the right-of-way; fencing and screening must be permitted with the pool; lighting and jets must not be visible from the right-of-way.
• Pools must not remove contributing outbuildings or historic walls and should be proportional to the lot.

Agenda

• BAR Policy Statement Update: Pools (draft guidelines for the Old and Historic District, Old City District, Landmark Overlay Zone and Historic Corridor District). See BAR Policy Statement Revisions.
• Application items: not read.

Sources

• Agenda Center listing for this date: https://www.charleston-sc.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11162026-11333
• Documents: BAR Policy Statement Update; BAR-L Agenda; BAR-L Agenda (Initial Presentation)
• Agenda Center: https://www.charleston-sc.gov/AgendaCenter