The public’s opinion is being sought for the fourth time for approval of the Unified Development Code that determines various regulations throughout the city.

Previously, hearings have been held for feedback and the code has been sent back to the drawing board. Tonight’s hearing will be held at 6 p.m. in the city hall chambers in the city hall building at 520 Jackson Ave.

The steering committee made up of city officials will present the code to the Board of Zoning and Appeals as well as the public. If the public approves the code, the next step is for it to be passed by the City Council.

The reworking of the code is a first since its creation in 1969 and encompasses a number of zoning issues in Charleston, which include some pertinent to college students such as the limit of the number of unrelated people that live together.

For the past 33 years, the maximum number of unrelated people allowed to live in a residence was three. The new code states, however, the maximum number of people allowed to live together is dependent on the number of parking spaces available.

No more than two people per bedroom can live in a house, but the more parking spaces available the more people can live at a residence.

Another item highlighting the code is the regulation of signs. Previously, there were no rules on the limit or size of a sign but the reworked code sets specific limits on sign height area and number.

The regulations are a step to maintain a hometown atmosphere and move away from a highly commercialized area. With the limitations, the city will ensure Charleston stays a walkable community.

Also on the code are more detailed limitations as to what type of building can be built where, differentiating what areas are residential, commercial and industrial.