Code Enforcement

The town's Code Enforcement Officers are responsible for identifying, investigating and enforcing violations of the town's Code of Ordinances and ​Development Standards Ordinance (DSO).

The town's Code Enforcement Officers strive to educate the public about the town's ordinances and, in most instances, will work with individuals and businesses to bring about compliance when a violation is observed. In instances when compliance isn’t achieved, or when a violation poses a threat to public health, safety or property, then additional enforcement methods may be employed.

​Code Enforcement Officers have been empowered by the Mayor and Town Council to issue an ordinance summons. Any individual or business receiving an ordinance summons must appear in the town's Municipal Court to respond to the charge. If a violation is found to have occurred, the Municipal Judge may impose fines of up to $500.00, imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or both, for each occurrence. Each day a violation continues to exist shall be considered a separate offense. 

​By law, Code Enforcement Officers have the same powers and duties as a constable. In fulfilling their duties, Code Enforcement Officers have the power to:

• Receive and investigate public complaints;
• Observe potential violations in the field;
• Provide notification to responsible parties, which may include the issuance of verbal and/or written warnings;
• Work with individuals and businesses on methods and time frames for abating code violations;
• Issue stop-work orders on active construction projects; and
• Issue an ordinance summons.

Code Enforcement Officers do not have the authority to:

• Perform a custodial arrest;
• Enforce traffic laws;
• Enforce violations of state or federal laws;
• Enforce violations of the South Carolina Building Codes; or
• Perform building inspections.

Below are examples of the most common types of violations which may be enforced by the town's Code Enforcement Officers:

• Undertaking construction activities without a required permit;
• Engaging in business activities without a required license;
• Placement of illegal signs;
• Property maintenance issues;
• Public nuisances;
• Removal of illegally parked/stopped vehicles;
• Violations of the town's Beach Rules;
• Violations of the town's ​Development Standards Ordinance; and
• Any other violation of the town's Code of Ordinances

More Information

Code of Ordinances
Development Standards Ordinance
​Beach Patrol

Click to report a violation

Contact

Tyler Newman
Chief Code Enforcement Officer
(843) 768-9121​
[email protected]

Mike Williams
Code Enforcement Officer
(843) 768-9121
[email protected]

​​Seabrook Island Beach Patrol /
​Barrier Island Ocean Rescue
(843) 718-6083
[email protected]