Gov. McMaster asks DHEC for more time for new state beach property rules

Newly proposed beach lines, which dictate what can and cannot be built along the shoreline, has left property owners reeling over a short public comment period.

Friday afternoon South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster released a statement requesting that the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control extend the public comment period, giving property owners more time to understand the significance of the lines.

“South Carolina boasts a $28 billion tourism industry, driven in large part by the lure of our pristine coastline,” the statement reads. “The 30 day public comment period is inadequate for a decision that may dramatically and negatively impact our state’s economy. Property owners and businesses along the coast must be provided sufficient time to analyze, research and prepare thorough submissions in response to this proposal.”

McMaster states that the General Assembly needs to revisit the topic before DHEC approves the newly set lines.

The lines, which are separated between the setback line and the baseline, determine how structures can be repaired if they are damaged, and how close to the ocean that structures can be built.

Within the setback line, the more landward of the two lines, houses as well as “associated infrastructure” including decks, gazebos and other public access structures can be built. If a home is damaged within the setback line it can be repaired up to the size of the original house. Up to 5,000-square-feet of new heated space can also be rebuilt in the setback area.

In the baseline, the more seaward line, wooden walkways, small wooden decks, fishing piers, golf courses, normal landscaping and structures must be authorized by the special permit. If a home is damaged, the special permit must also be received to rebuild the home to its original size.

However, due to legislation passed in 2016, this is the last time that the baseline will move seaward. The line will be able to move more inland, but the movement will limit what owners can build on their property.

“When the General Assembly enacted [the legislation] in 2016, there was no way for them to predict the dramatic beach and coastal damage that would follow from Hurricanes Matthew and Irma,” the statement reads.

Currently the public comment period runs until Nov. 6. Comments can be submitted on the DHEC website or sent in writing to DHEC-OCRM, Attn: Barbara Nealle, 1362 McMillan Avenue, Suite 400 in Charleston.

This story was originally published October 27, 2017 at 4:43 PM with the headline "Gov. McMaster asks DHEC for more time for new state beach property rules."