New ordinance aims to protect historic Pawleys Island homes from demolition standards
June 8, 2026
Pawleys Island is moving forward with a newly drafted historic preservation ordinance designed to legally protect its signature “arrogantly shabby” architectural aesthetic. The initiative is primarily aimed at saving older, character-rich homes from being demolished. Under current federal regulations, if remodeling costs exceed half of an older home’s assessed value, owners are forced to elevate the structure to meet modern flood standards—a requirement that often leads to demolition instead of renovation.
How the Program Will Work
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Island-Wide Designation: The entire island will technically be designated as a historic district, but participation is completely voluntary.
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Owner-Driven Nominations: Structures will only be placed on the official historic list if the owners explicitly choose to opt in and submit a signed nomination.
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Eligibility Criteria: To qualify, homes must have been built before Hurricane Hazel in 1954 and adhere to the town’s existing Architectural Review Board guidelines for the “Pawleys look.”
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The Tradeoff: Homeowners who join the program will be eligible for waivers from strict FEMA elevation requirements during renovations. In exchange, any future exterior modifications beyond basic upkeep must be approved by the town to ensure the home’s historic integrity is maintained.
Next Steps and Timeline
The town is intentionally slowing its pace to gather public feedback and ensure community backing before finalizing the law. The ordinance is expected to undergo its first reading and a public hearing in July, followed by final approval in August.
Once approved, the town will establish a Historic Preservation Board and apply for “certified local government” status through the state and the National Park Service. This certification process is expected to take three to five months, after which the town can officially begin granting the flood regulation waivers. Roughly 30 homeowners have already expressed interest in joining the initial rollout.
