Historic Preservation
Timeline
1973- A Historic Survey was conducted and the National Historic District was designated on Pawleys Island.
2024- The Town of Pawleys Island’s Planning Commission formally kicked off the Historic Preservation initiative following the demolition of an undesignated historic home. The Commission gathered information and crafted a plan for the initiative.
2025- Town Council approved funding for a Historic Preservation Workshop, which was held in December. The well-attended workshop provided valuable guidance for Historic Preservation and laid out the key steps needed to become a Certified Local Government (CLG).
2026- Town Council approved the creation of the Historic Preservation Special Committee (HPSC), which seeks to complete all the steps for the Town to become a CLG: creating a Historic Preservation ordinance, establishing a definition/criteria for what makes a property historic, conducting an inventory of historic properties, development of design guidelines, and encouraging public participation.
Key Resources
Below you are able to open important documents relating to the Pawleys Island Historic Preservation initiative, including Q/As, the draft ordinance, advantages for property owners, and a nomination form:
DRAFT Ordinance – The June 2026 DRAFT Historical Preservation Ordinance.
Historical Q&As – May 2026 Document Constructed from questions commonly asked by homeowners considering nominating their property to be on the List of Local Historic Properties.
Nomination Form – Form for owners to complete and return, along with documentation and photographs, to have their property considered for addition to the List of Local Historic Properties.
Application for Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) – Application for approval of external replacements, renovation work, etc. Note: note needed for maintenance and repairs that do not change the appearance.
Financial Advantages – Provides an overview of Federal and State income tax credit opportunities as well as local (County) tax assessment freezes.