COVID-19 |Update #24

The Isle of Palms City Council held an emergency City Council meeting today, Friday, May 8, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. to discuss the recommendations developed by the Short Term Rental & Hotel Phased Re-Opening Task Force and consider further measures to protect the citizens of the Isle of Palms.

City Council took the following actions:

  • Rescinded the "Keep it Moving" policy on the beach. Gatherings of more than 3 people are still prohibited, unless they are family members who live in the same household.
  • Check-ins of short term rentals, hotels and other overnight accommodations will be allowed starting on Wednesday, May 13, 2020.
  • Effective May 13, 2020, short-term rentals and accommodations businesses shall implement all reasonable steps to comply with applicable Governor's Executive Orders, sanitation guidelines, including future guidelines, promulgated by the CDC, DHEC, or any other state or federal public health official, including but not limited to measures outlined in this document.

The following information, regulations and restrictions are still in place:

Short-Term Rentals and Hotels

Short term rentals, hotel and overnight accommodations of 29 days or less are prohibited until May 12th.

Effective May 13, 2020, short-term rentals and accommodations businesses shall implement all reasonable steps to comply with applicable Governor's Executive Orders, sanitation guidelines, including future guidelines, promulgated by the CDC, DHEC, or any other state or federal public health official, including but not limited to measures outlined in this document.

Beach Use Restrictions

All public gatherings of any type, of greater than 3 people are prohibited, except family members who live in the same household.

Assistance for Businesses

  • Council has granted a 15-day exemption starting on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 for Isle of Palms restaurants to allow outdoor sales of food directly outside of their establishments.
  • All deadlines imposed by City Ordinance shall be suspended until July 15, 2020.
  • A temporary exemption of the plastics ban ordinance is in place for businesses during the state of emergency.
  • The City has compiled a list of resources available to businesses to support economic retention and recovery related to the novel outbreak.

City Operations and Other Information:

  • Police and Fire Departments continue with normal operations and continue taking necessary measures to protect personnel from exposure and infection of COVID-19. Please call the non-emergency number at (843) 886-6522 rather than walk-in for non-emergency questions.
  • All recreational and athletic programs/classes and events will be postponed until further notice.
  • Starting on Monday, May 4th, the following outdoor recreational facilities at the Recreation Center will reopen Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.:
    • Tennis courts: Available for singles only. No more than 2 people per court will be allowed at the same time or available for family play so long as players are all related and from the same household.
    • Soccer field: The field will be divided in two halves. No more than 3 people will be allowed on each side.
    • Multi-purpose field:The field will be divided in two halves.No more than 3 people will be allowed on each side.
    • Bark Park: No more than 3 people will be allowed inside the bark park at the same time.Social distancing rules apply in the bark park.Any dog owners waiting outside for use of the bark park with their pet must remain six feet apart.
  • Citizens will be required to maintain strict social distancing restrictions while performing the allowed outdoor recreational activities.
  • City Hall offices will reopen to the public starting on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 with limited hours between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The City encourages all citizens to delay non-essential business and walk-in customer service to City Hall. All services will continue to be available via phone and email.
    • Parking and Court fines can be paid online or by mail to PO Drawer 508 Isle of Palms, South Carolina.
    • Other payments can be made online via credit card or through the drop box in the lobby of City Hall, or by mail to PO Drawer 508 Isle of Palms, South Carolina.
    • Specific staff contact information is available on the City's website here. Every effort will be made to accommodate residents remotely.
  • The Building Departments is processing building permits and business licenses via phone, email, and using the forms page here. Please call (843) 886-9912 for more information.
  • As of now, household garbage collection will operate on a normal schedule.However, this is subject to any closure at the Charleston County Bee's Ferry Landfill site.
  • Effective noon, April 17, 2020, the Isle of Palms Marina and Breach Inlet boat ramp for launching and retrieving will be opened.
  • Municipal Court has been canceled and is being postponed to a later date. Notices will be mailed this week. For questions or more information, please email Amy Wilkerson Lee, Clerk of Court, at amyw@iop.net
  • The Isle of Palms County Park is open. Visit their Alert Center for updates.
  • The public restrooms located in Front Beach are open.