Hilton Head Reporter

BEAUFORT, S.C. – Beaufort City Council will schedule an extra work session on the third Tuesday of the month beginning March 21 to review proposed changes to the Beaufort Development Code.

The meeting on March 21 at 5 p.m. will set up the framework for the following meetings, and also discuss the principles behind form-based code, which is what the City of Beaufort adheres to in its planning, developing, and permitting.

“Code edits that bear consideration range from minor scrivener’s errors to macro process changes and everything in between,” said City Manager Scott Marshall. “Workshopping these edits on a consistent basis will help us adequately define, plan for, and include public input in the consideration and approval process that will result in a better overall product consistent with our long-term planning documents.”

The Beaufort Development Code was approved by City Council in June 2017. It has been amended since then. Form-based codes depart from traditional zoning in that they define building form standards in various locations; elements in the public realm, such as sidewalks, tree cover, on-street parking, etc.; and various architectural standards. It tends to favor more mixed-use, denser and infill development.

Each work session is open to the public, and agendas will be posted ahead of time. Final recommendations to amend the Beaufort Code will also be sent to the Metropolitan Planning Commission and City Council for approval.

The Beaufort Development Code is now searchable online as part of Municode.

Original source can be found here.