After much controversy, the Town of Port Royal,

After much controversy, the Town of Port Royal, South Carolina, approved a Traditional Town Code based on a master plan by Dover, Kohl & Partners of South Miami, Florida. The mandatory code applies to a 245-acre, largely historic central part of town. Drawing on “the rich history of Low Country urban design and architecture,” the code essentially calls for intimate streets with build-to lines and main street commercial and civic development. “The new code emphasizes what you can do, instead of what you can’t,” according to a paper by John Perry, town manager, and Victor Dover, architect. “It’s a how-to booklet — easy to follow, with lots of graphic illustrations.” The town had a significant asset on its side in gaining public confidence: an infill redevelopment project of about 45 homes was completed by Robert Turner of Village Renaissance Inc. This good-looking project, which is in accordance with the new codes, has restored the urban fabric of a two block area at the heart of Port Royal’s town center (see photo). Existing structures are “grandfathered” indefinitely, but new construction must follow the code. Town of Port Royal Email: PRSC@BBS.Pconnect.com.