The Beachfront Management Act requires SCDES BCM to be notified of certain activities within the beachfront critical areas. Activities that require notification include new construction, additions, and replacement of habitable structures; construction and replacement of pools that are landward of both the baseline and an existing erosion control device; and maintenance and repair of erosion control structures that have not been declared damaged beyond repair by SCDES BCM. SCDES BCM's South Carolina Beachfront Jurisdictional Lines Viewer can be used to view the approximate location of the baseline and setback line on a map.
Submitting a Beachfront Notification
Beachfront notifications are submitted to SCDES BCM through the ePermitting portal, and there is no fee associated with a beachfront notification. For new habitable structures, additions, and replacement of habitable structures, the beachfront notification application should include a professionally developed plat, the heated square footage of the new structure and pre-existing structure (if applicable), and a description of the project. Depending on the type of activity, additional information may be required. Plats must include property lines, the current BCM baseline and setback line, any parking requirements that may be in effect, and a horizontal profile of the proposed structure in relation to BCM’s jurisdictional lines. Architectural design plans are not required; however, they are helpful for the beachfront notification review process. Additionally, the location of the landward toe of the primary oceanfront sand dune may be requested on the plat to ensure no construction will impact the primary dune.
A plat must be submitted for new pools (showing the footprint and cross section of the new pool and the location of the existing erosion control structure) and replacement pools (showing the footprint and cross section of the original and replacement pools and the location of the existing erosion control structure). For maintenance and repair of existing grandfathered erosion control structures that are not damaged beyond repair, a scope of work, site photographs, and site plans (if available) should be submitted. All notification submissions will be reviewed by the Beachfront Management Section, and if approved, an acknowledgment letter will be sent to the applicant.
Please visit ePermitting and select the “BCM Critical Area Activities” form to apply online.