Despite resident pleas, Myrtle Beach rejects gas station buffer request

Across Myrtle Beach, more than two dozen gas stations are available to service motorists in South Carolina’s most popular tourist city.

But all 32 of them are within 500 feet of residential properties, sparking concerns among those living nearby about ill effects from petroleum byproducts and safety hazards related to possible explosions.

Under current city code, gas station pump islands must be at least 17 feet away from any property line.

Yet city leaders made it clear Tuesday they’re not ready to adjust zoning laws to require at least a 500-foot buffer.

“I think there may be some opportunity to do something with gas stations. I don’t know that this is the right answer. I think it’s kind of a knee-jerk reaction to a problem,” City Councilman John Krajc said ahead of a 7-1 vote to reject the creation of the new buffer zone.

The resident-driven push to limit the proximity of gas stations is just the latest example of how challenging it’s becoming to balance Myrtle Beach’s continued growth.

“Setting aside the dangers of a fuel spill or fire, 17 feet is woefully inadequate to protect residents,” said Geoffrey Kay, a city resident who petitioned for the zoning change.

Moving forward with the 500-foot requirement would set the city up for legal challenges that gave officials pause.

City Attorney William Bryan said there are currently 30 undeveloped residential lots that would be ineligible for home construction with a 500-foot buffer.

Additionally, the 32 stations already in operation would be barred from expanding or making other site changes.

“Certainly, there is (legal) exposure,” Bryan said at the Tuesday council meeting. “

Though one of the 20 most widely used chemicals in America, benzene is a carcinogen known to cause cancer with heavy exposure. By volume, the percentage of benezene allowed in gasoline is between .62 and 1.3 percent, according to federal Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.

Kenneth May, Myrtle Beach’s planning director, said advancements in technology and government regulations make gas stations safer than they’ve ever been.

“The standards of new gas stations compared to the standards old gas stations were under, it’s a whole other different ballgame right now,” he said.

Council members said they were prepared to have a broader conversation about revisiting the city’s gas station zoning laws, but not at the risk of lawsuits.

This story was originally published February 25, 2022 at 11:00 AM.