Larger-scale projects within the beachfront critical areas, including but not limited to, beach renourishment projects, new oceanfront fishing piers, habitable structures seaward of the baseline, ocean outfalls, and pilot projects, require a Major Beachfront Critical Area Permit from 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.

Applying for a Major Beachfront Critical Area Permit

SCDES BCM recommends pre-application meetings for all major beachfront activities. These meetings provide an opportunity for applicants to coordinate with SCDES BCM and federal and state resource agencies to discuss proposed activities, timeframes, additional requirements and any cultural or species concerns within the project area. Applicants may request a pre-application meeting via ePermitting. For major activities, the Critical Area Permit application process includes submitting a complete permit application form, project narrative, professional stamped and signed drawings, and other supporting documents. Major activities go out on SCDES BCM’s public notice for 30 days, and these projects frequently involve interagency review. Within 15 days of the public notice start date, the applicant is required to publish notice at least once in both a newspaper of general statewide circulation and a newspaper of local circulation in the county of the proposed activity. The application fee for major activities is $1,000 ($250 if the applicant is a state or local government). 

Please visit ePermitting and select the “BCM Critical Area Activities” form to apply online. 

Contact

SCDES BCM staff are available to assist property owners. If you suspect authorization may be required for your beachfront activity, or if you have questions related to authorization requirements, please contact SCDES BCM’s Beachfront Management Section at (843) 953-0200, or visit the Project Manager Finder Application to find contact information for SCDES BCM project managers by geographic area.