SULLIVAN’S ISLAND, S.C. – Town leaders are exploring potential amendments to the Sullivan’s Island ordinance governing erosion control structures, such as fill, bulkheads, and seawalls, particularly in RC-1 and RC-2 Recreation and Conservation Area Districts. Currently, these structures require town and agency approval and are prohibited in certain marsh and back-beach areas.
Concerns Over Tidal Flooding Drive Review
Planning and Zoning Director Charles Drayton said the idea to revisit the ordinance arose in May 2024 after residents reported tidal flooding impacting their properties. “We’re looking for ways to address that in an environmentally friendly fashion,” Drayton said.
The proposed changes align with the town’s Sea Level Adaptation and Resilience Plan, designed to provide community-wide recommendations for protecting the island from future flood events. The plan emphasizes natural buffer areas to absorb rising tides before they reach homes.
Adjustments to Fill Height Considered
Currently, the ordinance limits property owners to adding one foot of fill. Drayton noted that projections indicate seven feet, four inches of elevation would be needed to protect homes from sea-level rise over the next 50 years. “Consideration for allowing greater fill on some of these low-lying lots that are more susceptible to tidal flooding so that they would be able to build their building pad at seven and a half feet,” he said.
Residents Voice Urgency
Resident Eric Dodson expressed appreciation for the town’s planning efforts but stressed that adaptation alone is insufficient. “What we need to do is defend against it. That adaptation…takes years to basically start to take hold when we’re under constant attack right now. And we need to do this today,” Dodson said. He noted that storms frequently inundate homes, causing thousands of dollars in damage.
Dodson shared his frustration with past permit denials for protective measures. “We’re trying to replace our revetment with a bulkhead because it’s stronger, more resilient, and the revetment is currently not working in maintaining the ability for our property not to continue to wash into the marsh,” he said.
Next Steps
The resilience plan will be presented to the Sullivan’s Island Town Council for preliminary review on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Any proposed ordinance changes will return to council for a final reading in September.
The discussion highlights the tension between environmental regulations and immediate property protection as coastal communities contend with rising sea levels and more frequent flooding.
