One of the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) responsibilities is advising the South Carolina Department of Environmental Service's Bureau of Coastal Management (DES-BCM, formerly DHEC-OCRM) about the potential impact of development on historic and archaeological sites in the State’s eight county coastal zone (Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Horry, and Jasper).
The South Carolina Coastal Program Document (Program Document) and the associated excerpt entitled Policies and Procedures of the South Carolina Coastal Management Program, updated July 1995, (Program Excerpt) contain the specific goals, objectives and policies necessary for DES-BCM staff review of development activities taking place in the eight coastal counties. These documents also contain the basic procedures involved in the management of specific coastal resources, such as endangered species and archaeological and historical resources.
The Program Document identifies two levels of management for archaeological and historic resources:
(1) Geographic Areas of Particular Concern (GAPCs). GAPCs are, in general, sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
(2) Sites determined significant ("Significant Sites") by the SC Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology (SCIAA) or the SC Department of Archives and History (SCDAH). The SHPO considers Significant Sites to be properties that meet the criteria for listing in the NRHP.
SHPO Role
The SHPO advises DES-BCM on the National Register eligibility status of historic and archaeological sites and the presence of Significant Sites within a project area. The SHPO also advises DES-BCM on potential impacts that the project may have on the historical or cultural values of the GAPC or Significant Site and treatment options necessary as a result of proposed development impacts, as appropriate. The SHPO’s role in project review is advisory and consultative, rather than regulatory. DES-BCM considers the SHPO’s comments in making its permitting and certification decisions.
SHPO Review Process
The SHPO will review and comment on projects within 30 days of receipt of all required information from DES-BCM or the applicant.
Upon receipt of all requested information, the SHPO will respond via email. The response will address the following:
- Presence or absence of GAPCs
- Presence or absence of Significant Sites
- Recommendations for permit conditions, as needed
Results of Review
DES-BCM has the final say regarding GAPCs and Significant Sites in a project area. Based on the information provided, the SHPO will make recommendations to DES-BCM for permit conditions to address GAPCs and Significant Sites. Permit conditions may include:
- Preservation covenant
- Archaeological monitoring of construction
- Visual buffers
- Archaeological data recovery
- Architectural documentation
- Alternative examination
Document Links (PDFs)
Definition and Treatment of GAPCs and Significant Sites
See DES-BCM Special Area Management Plans (SAMPs) for projects in the Cooper River Corridor and for the Ashley River.