West Ashley is one of Charleston’s most beautiful neighborhoods, filled with historic homes that have stood for hundreds of years. These old homes tell the story of South Carolina’s past, from grand mansions to cozy cottages. But owning one of these special properties comes with extra responsibilities, especially when it’s time to paint.
Painting a historic home in West Ashley means following city regulations to preserve the neighborhood’s historic character. That includes getting approval for color changes—even if you’re repainting. This helps keep the charm that makes these areas so special. For many homeowners, this process can seem confusing and overwhelming.
The main challenges are understanding the rules, picking the right colors, and making sure your project follows all the guidelines. Many homeowners worry about making mistakes or choosing colors that won’t be approved. But don’t worry – with the right information and help, the process is much easier than it seems.
Understanding West Ashley’s Historic Areas
West Ashley has several historic areas, each with its own rules for painting and home changes. These areas were chosen because they have lots of old buildings that create a special feeling. The most important areas include parts of the Ashley River Historic District and individual homes listed as historic properties.
Even if your home isn’t individually listed as historic, being located within a designated historic district means you’ll still need BAR approval for exterior painting.
Knowing exactly what type of historic designation your property has is important. Some homes are “contributing” to the historic district, which means they add to the historic character. Others might be “non-contributing” but still need to follow certain rules. This affects how strict the color requirements will be for your painting project.
The Role of Charleston’s Board of Architectural Review (BAR)
Charleston’s Board of Architectural Review serves as the guardian of the city’s architectural heritage, reviewing proposed changes to properties within historic districts to ensure they maintain the character that makes Charleston so distinctive. The BAR consists of professionals in architecture, history, and related fields who understand both the technical aspects of preservation and the practical needs of property owners.
Approval is required for virtually any exterior painting project on properties within Charleston’s historic districts, whether you’re changing colors or simply repainting with the same color. This might seem excessive, but the requirement exists because even seemingly minor changes can have cumulative effects on a district’s character. The BAR’s role is to balance preservation goals with property owners’ needs, allowing appropriate updates while preventing changes that would diminish historic integrity.
The application process typically takes 4-6 weeks from submission to decision, though complex cases may take longer. The BAR meets regularly throughout the year, and applications must be submitted by specific deadlines to be considered at each meeting. Understanding this timeline is essential for planning your painting project, especially if you’re working around weather constraints or other scheduling considerations.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Painting Approval Process
Preparing Your Application
The foundation of a successful BAR application is thorough preparation. If you’re navigating HOA requirements, especially in historic or planned communities, you may also want to review our HOA Paint Approval Process in West Ashley Neighborhoods for helpful context. You’ll need to submit a completed application form along with supporting materials that clearly communicate your proposed changes. Required documents typically include current photographs of all exterior surfaces to be painted, showing the existing condition and colors. These photos should be taken in good lighting and from multiple angles to give reviewers a complete picture of your property.
You’ll also need to specify the exact paint colors you’re proposing, typically by manufacturer name and color number. Simply describing colors as “cream” or “blue-gray” isn’t sufficient—the BAR needs precise specifications to ensure the colors meet historic guidelines. If you’re proposing to restore original colors based on paint analysis, include documentation of that analysis as supporting evidence.
Property history research can strengthen your application significantly. If you can document that your proposed colors match or closely approximate original colors used on the property, this provides compelling justification for approval. Local archives, previous paint analysis reports, or historical photographs can provide this valuable documentation.
Scheduling Your Review
Once your application is complete, submit it by the published deadline for the BAR meeting where you’d like it considered. The city’s planning department staff will review your submission for completeness before it goes to the BAR. If anything is missing or unclear, they’ll contact you to request additional information, which can delay your review.
You’re encouraged to attend the BAR meeting where your application is considered, though it’s not always required for straightforward painting applications. Being present allows you to answer questions and clarify any concerns the board members might have about your proposal.
Take time to ensure all required forms are filled out completely and that your photos clearly show the current condition and colors of your property.
Navigating Approved Historic Color Palettes
Historic color palettes aren’t arbitrary restrictions—they’re based on careful research into what colors were actually available and used during different historical periods. Paint technology has evolved dramatically over the centuries, and colors that seem natural to us today might not have existed when your home was built. Understanding these palettes helps you choose colors that enhance rather than compromise your home’s historic character.
For Charleston-area homes, appropriate color palettes vary by architectural style and construction period. Federal-style homes from the early 1800s typically used more restrained colors—whites, off-whites, and muted earth tones. Victorian-era properties from later in the 19th century might appropriately use more elaborate color schemes, including darker body colors with contrasting trim.
Research Resources
The Charleston Museum and Historic Charleston Foundation maintain extensive archives of information about local architectural history, including documentation of original paint colors on significant properties. Professional paint analysis services can examine paint layers on your specific property to determine original colors, though this specialized service represents an additional investment.
National resources like the National Park Service’s preservation briefs provide guidance on appropriate color choices for different architectural styles and periods. Paint manufacturers also offer historic color collections based on analysis of period buildings, though you should verify that specific colors are appropriate for your home’s style and period.
Working with Preservation Standards
The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties provide the philosophical framework that guides local preservation decisions. These standards emphasize preserving historic character while allowing for appropriate updates and changes. For painting projects, this means balancing authenticity with practical considerations like maintenance and weather protection.
Authenticity doesn’t necessarily mean replicating exactly what existed historically—it means making choices that are compatible with and supportive of the property’s historic character. If historical documentation shows your home was originally painted white, choosing a slightly different shade of white that better suits your preferences might be acceptable, while choosing a completely different color would not be.
The standards also recognize that some modern updates may be necessary for practical reasons. Modern paint formulations offer better durability and weather protection than historical paints, and using these improved materials is generally acceptable as long as the color and finish appearance remain appropriate to the historical period.
Balancing Modern Needs with Historic Character
Modern homeowners have legitimate concerns about maintenance, energy efficiency, and personal preferences that didn’t exist for historical occupants. The key is finding solutions that address these concerns without compromising historic integrity. For example, if you prefer darker colors for practical reasons, research whether darker colors were used historically on homes of your type and period.
Climate considerations are also legitimate—Charleston’s humid climate and intense sun create challenges that might justify certain modern approaches to paint selection and preparation. Working with experienced professionals who understand both historic preservation requirements and local climate conditions helps ensure your project succeeds on both fronts.
Tips for a Smooth Approval and Painting Project
Working with Experienced Professionals
Partnering with painters who have specific experience working on historic properties can make the difference between a smooth project and a frustrating ordeal. Experienced historic painters understand preservation requirements, know how to work with older building materials, and can often provide valuable guidance on appropriate color choices and application techniques.
When selecting a painting contractor, ask specifically about their experience with historic properties and BAR applications. Some contractors specialize in historic work and have established relationships with preservation consultants who can assist with research and documentation. At Wade Paint Co., our team has extensive experience working on Charleston’s historic homes, from downtown Tradd Street mansions to West Ashley’s antebellum estates, and we understand the unique requirements that come with these special properties.
Documentation and Research
Investing time in documenting your property’s current condition and researching its history pays dividends throughout the approval and painting process. Take comprehensive photographs before beginning any work, both for your BAR application and for your own records. If you discover any interesting historical details during the painting process—such as evidence of original colors or architectural features—document these findings as they may be valuable for future preservation efforts.
Maintenance Planning
Historic homes often require more frequent maintenance than newer properties, and planning for ongoing touch-ups and repairs helps preserve both your investment and the property’s historic character. Discuss maintenance schedules and touch-up procedures with your painting contractor, and ensure you understand what future maintenance will be required to keep your home looking its best while remaining compliant with preservation guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I paint without approval?
If you paint without getting approval first, you could be forced to repaint your home with approved colors. This ends up costing much more time and money than just getting approval in the first place. If you're not sure whether you need approval, call the city planning department to ask.
Are there faster options for urgent painting needs?
The approval process usually takes 4-6 weeks, but emergency situations might get faster review. If you have urgent needs because of building damage or safety concerns, contact the planning department right away. They might be able to help with temporary solutions or speed up the review.
Can I appeal if my paint colors get rejected?
Yes, you can appeal a decision, but appeals usually only work if there was a mistake in the process or if you have important new information. It's better to work with professionals to make your first application as strong as possible rather than counting on an appeal.
How much does the approval process cost?
There's usually a small application fee for BAR review, typically under $100 for residential painting projects. This is much less expensive than having to repaint if you don't get approval first. The exact fee depends on your project size and type.
Do I need approval to repaint with the same color?
In most cases, yes. Even if you're repainting with the exact same color, Charleston’s BAR typically requires formal approval to ensure paint types, sheen, and application methods remain historically appropriate.
What if I want to restore my home's original colors?
If you can prove what the original colors were through paint analysis or historical documentation, this often makes approval much easier. The review board likes to see homeowners restoring authentic historic colors. Professional paint analysis can uncover original colors hidden under layers of later paint.
How long do I have to wait for approval?
The typical timeline is 4-6 weeks from when you submit your complete application to getting a decision. Complex cases might take longer. Plan ahead and submit your application well before you want to start painting, especially if you're trying to work around weather or other timing concerns.
Can I do the painting myself, or do I need a professional?
You can paint your own home if you want to, but working with professionals experienced in historic properties often makes the whole process smoother. They understand the requirements, can help with color selection, and know how to work with older building materials. Plus, they can often help with the approval paperwork.
Conclusion
Embracing the stewardship of a historic home in West Ashley means becoming part of Charleston’s ongoing preservation story. While the approval process for painting projects requires patience and attention to detail, successful projects follow a clear path: understanding your property’s significance, researching appropriate color choices, preparing thorough applications, and working with experienced professionals. The investment in doing things properly pays dividends in the form of a beautiful home that enhances both your enjoyment and your property’s value while contributing to the larger community’s historic character.
At Wade Paint Co., we’re proud to be part of Charleston’s preservation community, helping homeowners maintain their historic properties with the care and expertise these special buildings deserve. Whether you’re planning a complete exterior refresh or simply need guidance on maintenance touch-ups, don’t hesitate to seek advice from preservation professionals and experienced contractors. If you’re planning a historic home painting project in West Ashley or anywhere in the Charleston area, we’d be honored to help you achieve your vision while respecting your home’s legacy.
