Seabrook Island
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Zoning Permits

The town's ​Development Standards Ordinance (DSO) requires the issuance of a zoning permit by the Zoning Administrator prior to the commencement of any development activities, including signs and temporary uses. ​The purpose of a zoning permit is to ensure that any proposed use and/or structure complies with all applicable zoning requirements of the DSO. In reviewing and approving a zoning permit request, ​the Zoning Administrator may attach reasonable conditions in order to ensure compliance with the provisions of the DSO.

Zoning permit applications for multi-family and commercial projects must also be reviewed and approved by the town's Planning Commission, pursuant to Article 14 of the DSO. 

​​In instances when a building permit is required, the issuance of a town zoning permit will entitle the holder to apply for and obtain a building permit from the Charleston County Building Inspection Services Department. Pursuant to an agreement between the town and Charleston County, the county's Building Inspection Services Department is responsible for administering and enforcing all permitting and inspection services within the town.

A zoning permit will expire if no building permit has been issued within six months from the date upon which the zoning permit was issued. When a building permit is not required, a zoning permit will expire if development has not commenced within six months from the date of issuance.

Submittal Requirements

​All permit applications must be submitted using the appropriate application form:
  • Zoning Permit Application
  • Sign Permit Application
  • ​Temporary Use Permit Application
Application forms may be submitted in person at Seabrook Island Town Hall during regular business hours, by email to Lynda Stearns, License & Permit Specialist, at lstearns@townofseabrookisland.org or by mail to: Town of Seabrook Island, 2001 Seabrook Island Road, Seabrook Island, SC 29455.

​Properties which are subject to the covenants and restrictions of any property owners' association and/or regime must submit a letter of approval from their respective association and/or regime with their permit application.

Applications for new construction, additions, major renovations (50% or more of fair market value) or changes to the height, dimension or footprint of any existing structure, must include at least one paper copy and one digital file (on CD or USB) of the following supplemental information:
  • Survey: A survey which illustrates the existing site conditions;
  • Site Plan: A detailed site plan showing the location and dimensions of all proposed improvements and/or modifications including, where appropriate, landscaping and tree removal plans; and
  • Architectural Renderings: A set of detailed architectural renderings showing the front, side and rear elevations (with measurements) of any new structures and/or modifications.
  • Critical Line Certification: In instances where the property is subject to a marsh critical line and/or beachfront jurisdictional line, the location of the line must have been certified by SCDHEC-OCRM within the last five years;

Variances, Special Exceptions & Appeals

The town's Board of Zoning Appeals has three specific powers, duties and responsibilities under state and local law:
  • Variances: ​To hear and decide appeals for variances from the requirements of the zoning ordinance when strict application of the provisions of the ordinance would result in unnecessary hardship. State law outlines four criteria which must be met in order to qualify for a variance, and it is incumbent upon the applicant to demonstrate how the request satisfies each of the four criteria; 
  • Special Exceptions: To permit uses by special exception when designated within the zoning ordinance; and
  • ​Appeals: To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is an error in an order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative official in the enforcement of the zoning ordinance.
For assistance in filing an application for variance, special exception or an appeal, please contact Joe Cronin, Zoning Administrator, by email at jcronin@townofseabrookisland.org or by phone at (843) 768-9121.

Permit Fees

  • Permit Fee Schedule (PDF)

More Information

Permit Fee Schedule
​Development Standards Ordinance
Town Zoning Map

Forms

Zoning Permit Application
Sign Permit Application
​Temporary Use Permit Application
​Variance Application

Contact

Joe Cronin
​Town Administrator
(843) 768-9121​
jcronin@townofseabrookisland.org
Picture
Town of Seabrook Island

2001 Seabrook Island Road
Seabrook Island, SC 29455
Phone: (843) 768-9121
​Email: info@townofseabrookisland.org

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

Privacy Policy
  • COVID-19
    • COVID-19 Updates
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Emergency Restrictions
    • SCDHEC (Link)
    • Accelerate SC (Link)
    • CDC (Link)
    • Coronavirus.gov (Link)
  • About
    • History >
      • Early History
      • Resort & Club History
      • Town History
    • Awards & Accolades
    • Community Calendar
    • Photo Gallery
    • Visitor Info
  • Government
    • Introduction
    • Mayor >
      • John Gregg
    • Town Council >
      • Skip Crane
      • Jeri Finke
      • Patricia Fox
      • Barry Goldstein
    • Town Boards >
      • ATAX Advisory Committee
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
      • DSO Advisory Committee
      • Planning Commission
      • Public Safety Committee
      • Utility Commission
      • Ways & Means Committee
    • Ordinances >
      • Code of Ordinances
      • Development Standards Ordinance
    • Public Records >
      • Financial Records
      • Records Requests
    • Strategic Priorities >
      • 2019-20 Priorities
    • Volunteer >
      • Apply to Serve on a Town Board
  • Meetings
    • Agendas & Minutes >
      • Town Council
      • ATAX Advisory Committee
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
      • DSO Advisory Committee
      • Planning Commission
      • Public Safety Committee
      • Utility Commission
      • Ways & Means Committee
    • Public Hearings >
      • Variance #171
      • Variance #172
    • Public Comments >
      • None at this Time
  • Services
    • Beach Services >
      • Beach Management
      • Beach Patrol
      • Beach Rules
    • Code Enforcement
    • Floodplain Mgmt.
    • Emergency Preparedness >
      • Emergency Plan
      • Emergency Resources
      • Emergency Contacts
      • Emergency Contractor Lists
      • Disaster Recovery Council
      • Sign Up for Code Red
    • Mosquito Control
    • Municipal Court
    • Licenses & Permits >
      • Business Licenses
      • Building Permits
      • Zoning Permits
    • Planning & Zoning >
      • Comprehensive Plan
      • Subdivision Plats
    • Public Safety >
      • Law Enforcement
      • Fire Service
      • Emergency Medical
      • AirMedCare Network
    • Utilities >
      • SIUC Website
    • Wildlife >
      • Dolphin Education Program
    • Bids & Proposals
    • Job Openings
  • News
    • Announcements
    • Emergency Notices
    • Local News >
      • Tidelines Blog
      • The Seabrooker
      • Island Connection
    • Social Media >
      • Facebook Page
      • Twitter Feed
      • YouTube Channel
  • Links
    • Bohicket Marina
    • Camp St. Christopher
    • Charleston County
    • Explore Charleston
    • Seabrook Island Club
    • Seabrook Island POA
    • Utility Commission
  • Contact
    • Contact Town Hall
    • Staff Directory