Strategic Priorities: 2026-27

The Mayor and Council of the Town of Seabrook Island recognize the value of prioritizing its strategic goals and objectives in order to articulate a shared vision for future actions to be taken by Council and to ensure the most efficient and effective use of limited public resources.

On March 10, 2026, the Mayor and Council participated in a strategic planning workshop facilitated by staff from the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC). The purpose of this workshop was to identify and rank the town’s strategic priorities for the 2026-27 term.

On March 31, 2026, Seabrook Island Town Council adopted ​Resolution 2026-02, entitled "A resolution to adopt the Town of Seabrook Island's Strategic Priorities for 2026-27." 

Below is a summary of the town's strategic priorities for 2026-27:

Critical Priorities ("Must Do" Items)

Seabrook Island Road Improvements
  • Update the estimate of probable construction costs for the Seabrook Island Road Improvement Project.
  • Identify and pursue funding sources to advance construction of planned roadway and drainage improvements.
  • Secure all required state and federal permits.
  • Coordinate planned improvements with adjacent property owners and jurisdictions, including Bohicket Marina, Freshfields, MUSC, Seabrook Island Club, Seabrook Island POA, Seafields, and the Town of Kiawah Island. 
  • Initiate contractor procurement and proceed to construction as funding and permits allow.
Bohicket Marina Redevelopment
  • Collaborate with the marina owner, adjacent property owners, and stakeholders to support the redevelopment of Bohicket Marina into a high-quality, mixed-use destination that enhances community value.
  • Amend the Development Standards Ordinance (DSO) to authorize Planned Development (PD) districts as a zoning tool.
  • Evaluate potential annexation of adjacent property to accommodate compatible development consistent with the Urban Growth Boundary and established community character.
Town Hall Expansion / Replacement
  • Address immediate operational needs for additional office and storage space.
  • Complete a facility and space needs assessment evaluating structural conditions of the existing town hall, together with an analysis of operational efficiency and long-term requirements.
  • Identify and select a preferred alternative for expansion or replacement.
  • Engage architectural and engineering services to prepare architectural designs and site plans.
  • Develop cost estimates and a funding strategy for implementation.

Significant Priorities ("Should Do" Items)

Comprehensive Plan Update
  • Review and update the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
  • Incorporate recent and anticipated amendments to zoning district classifications (e.g. Short-Term Rental Overlay District, Planned Development District)
  • Identify properties within the town limits that may be suitable for future rezoning, with recommended future land use designations in the event rezoning is pursued. 
  • Integrate recommendations from the town’s annexation policy for future land use of annexed properties. 
Building Inspection Services
  • Evaluate the costs (capital and operating) and benefits of providing building permitting, inspection, and floodplain management services in-house.
  • Assess whether in-house services or continued reliance on Charleston County would provide superior service levels, response times, and financial outcomes.
  • If transitioning in-house, develop and implement a staffing, equipment, and operations plan, including a transition schedule.
Development Standards Ordinance (DSO) Amendments
  • Conduct a comprehensive review of the DSO.
  • Reevaluate the 2022 decision to prohibit all encroachments into the 25-foot marsh setback.
  • Explore options to increase flexibility for repair, replacement, or reconstruction of nonconforming structures.
  • Consider revisions to allow limited setback encroachments for features such as erosion control structures, boardwalks, docks, patios, driveways, and walkways.
  • Update permitted uses and development standards (e.g., parking standards) to accurately reflect existing conditions.
  • Streamline the site plan review process.
Kiawah Island Municipal Complex Sewer Request
  • Resolve the pending request from the Town of Kiawah Island to the Seabrook Island Utility Commission (SIUC) for sewer service to the Kiawah Island Municipal Complex in a manner acceptable to all parties.

Moderate Priorities ("Could Do" Items)

Marshfront Management Plan (MMP) Implementation
  • Establish a Seabrook Island Marshfront Management Alliance (SIMMA) to coordinate MMP implementation efforts.
  • Develop baseline data, including mapping the critical line, inventorying structures in or near the marsh setback, and deploying water level and quality monitoring tools.
  • Update local development regulations consistent with MMP recommendations and the DSO update process (see Priority #6).
  • Strengthen coordination with regional partners, including neighboring communities, the SC Office of Resilience (SCOR), SC Sea Grant Consortium, and SC Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), to leverage funding and technical resources.
  • Establish public relations campaign to educate residents and visitors on the importance of marsh resources.
Beach Rules Ordinance
  • Review and update Chapter 32 of the Town Code to enhance protection of coastal resources and public health, safety, and welfare.
  • Design and install updated signage at beach access points and other key locations.
  • Develop and implement a public outreach campaign to communicate rule changes to residents and visitors.
Political Advocacy
  • Consider engaging a lobbyist to advocate for the town’s legislative priorities at the state and federal levels.
Comprehensive Emergency Plan (CEP) Update
  • Complete a comprehensive review and re-write of the town’s CEP.
  • Ensure the town’s CEP is aligned with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and FEMA Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Guide (CPG).
  • Revise the Incident Command System (ICS) structure to assign operational authority to professional staff.
  • Coordinate with Charleston County and regional emergency service providers to ensure alignment of plans and operations.
  • Simplify plan documents to improve usability during emergencies.
Collaboration with SIPOA & Seabrook Island Club
  • Continue strengthening relationships with SIPOA and the Seabrook Island Club.
  • Formalize roles and responsibilities through agreements or memoranda of understanding (MOUs).
  • Expand coordination through joint meetings among leadership, committees, and staff.

Contact

Joe Cronin
​Town Administrator
(843) 768-9121​
[email protected]
Town of Seabrook Island

2001 Seabrook Island Road
Seabrook Island, SC 29455
Phone: (843) 768-9121
​Email: [email protected]

Town Hall Hours:
M-F 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

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