St. Helena Island S.C. (CPO) Cultural Protection Overlay
Stay updated with St. Helena Island news and events.
Email us
About St. Helena Island CPO
CPO Facts
In 1926 The U.S. Supreme Court upheld local zoning laws.
In 1999 the CPO Zoning and Development Standards were adopted.
2014 the CPO was adopted in the Community Development Code.
2021 Beaufort County adopted 2040 Comprehensive Zoning Plans..
2023 The CPO Zoning laws was amendment was adopted..
2023 County Planning department recommended denied changes.
2023 County denied Pine Island zoning amendment request.
2025 May, Planning Department recommended denied of request.
2025 Sept. Beaufort county denied Pine Island zoning request.
Our Story
In Beaufort County, South Carolina, "CPO" refers to the Cultural Protection Overlay, a zoning tool adopted in the 1999 to protect the Gullah/Geechee culture and land of St. Helena Island by prohibiting golf courses, gated communities, and resorts. The CPO was created by and for the St. Helena community in response to increasing detrimental land development and conversions.
About St. Helena Island CPO
The CPO Law
In 1926 The U.S. Supreme Court upheld local zoning laws.
In 1999 the CPO Zoning and Development Standards were adopted.
2014 the CPO was adopted in the Community Development Code.
2021 Beaufort County adopted 2040 Comprehensive Zoning Plans..
2023 The CPO Zoning laws was amendment was adopted..
2023 County Planning department recommended denied changes.
2023 County denied Pine Island zoning amendment request.
2025 May, Planning Department recommended denied of request.
2025 Sept. Beaufort county denied Pine Island zoning request.