Emergency Erosion Control Ordinance Update
On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, City Council adopted an emergency ordinance allowing owners of beach front properties located between 100 and 914 Ocean Boulevard to install a revetment or seawall entirely landward of the critical area, as determined by the Ocean and Coastal Resource Management office (OCRM). OCRM is a division of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control that regulates and protects the state’s coastal resources.
The emergency ordinance becomes effective immediately and will expire 60 days after its enactment, unless extended by City Council.
Owners will be allowed to install a revetment or a seawall entirely landward of the critical area markers placed by OCRM, and no more than 20 feet seaward of the maximum building line.
The erosion control structure needs to be designed by a registered, qualified engineer who can certify that the structure will not accelerate erosion or negatively impact adjacent or downdrift lots, and be designed and built to withstand a storm event.
Seawalls and revetments cannot not be made of recycled concrete/materials, unless specifically designed for the purpose of marine construction.
Property owners will be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of the erosion control system and ensure it is in good condition.
The standards and conditions for approval of the installation of a revetment or a seawall are included in their entirety in the language of the emergency ordinance.
Residents are reminded that if their house or pool is within 20 feet of the erosion, they may request their own emergency order from OCRM to conduct sand scraping or the installation of sand bags.
Should property owners have any questions about the process and conditions to obtain a permit for the construction of a seawall or revetment, please contact City Hall at 843-886-6428.