Background on Previously Proposed Updates to Coastal Dock Regulations  

In an ongoing effort to update and modernize regulations, SCDES reviewed current dock regulations and identified potential opportunities for regulatory changes. As South Carolina's population grows, the state’s coastal communities have seen a significant increase in private docks. This high volume of docks has contributed to challenges with navigation, shoreline access and impacts to the Tidelands and Coastal Water critical areas.

In early 2025, SCDES convened the South Carolina Dock Stakeholder Workgroup to provide input on existing regulatory standards related to private recreational use docks in the Tidelands and Coastal Water critical areas. The Workgroup provided its recommendations and key findings in its final report released in February 2026.

Based in part on stakeholder input, SCDES previously proposed changes to R.30-1.D(50), R.30-12.A(2) and R.30-2.H. The previously proposed changes are available online: Notice of Proposed Regulations

For additional clarification, under this process any proposed changes:

• would only be effective within the Tidelands and Coastal Waters critical areas of the coastal zone (which are within the state’s eight coastal counties)
• continue to allow docks damaged during a storm event to be reconstructed or repaired to their previously permitted or grandfathered size, configuration and location
• continue to allow property owners to keep and maintain existing, previously permitted or grandfathered structures
• continue to permit new dock construction

Public Engagement Opportunities

SCDES is committed to further engagement with stakeholders through a series of public information sessions. These sessions will be held in coastal communities. Dates and locations will be posted on this website and shared with those who have asked to be notified.  

South Carolina Regulatory Update Process 

SCDES develops regulatory changes in accordance with the South Carolina Administrative Procedures Act, S.C. Code Ann. Section 1-23-10 et seq. This process begins with publication of a drafting notice in the State Register, followed by development and publication of the proposed regulation, including an opportunity for public comment and, if requested, a public hearing. After considering comments and any required assessment reports, the agency submits the regulation to the General Assembly for review. The regulation is then reviewed by the appropriate House and Senate committees, which may approve, disapprove, request changes, or take no action. If approved, or if no disapproval occurs within the statutory review period, the regulation becomes effective upon publication in the State Register.  

While the agency pauses efforts, the planned public hearing on Oct. 27, 2026, at the Administrative Law Court is canceled. The state’s current dock regulations remain in effect.