Pressure Washing in Seabrook Island, SC

SEABROOK ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - The debate on short-term rentals continues on Seabrook Island as the special committee met with code enforcement and the property owner’s association to see how much of a burden short-term rentals are causing them.

The purpose of the committee is to study short-term rental activities and trends within the town. This could involve limiting the number of short-term rentals, limiting the ownership of multiple short-term rentals, what fees are reasonable, etc.

Seabrook Island is home to 2,345 family homes and villas and 588 of those are short-term rentals, according to the town.

Town councilman Darryl May, who’s also the chair of the committee, said they have heard over 450 comments both written and at the public forums.

He said they show how divided the island really is over whether or not to cap the number or push any more enforcement.

“There probably should be better enforcement of our rules, nuisance-type rules, on the island,” May said. “More understandable enforcement. Things of that nature.”

Town of Seabrook Island Mayor Bruce Kleinman said one of the main takeaways for him was that people are assuming what they want is the opposite of what they think the committee will do. However, he said there’s just no way of knowing that without an outcome and people need to be patient with the process.

“The process is working,” Kleinman said. “I think people in the town need to be a little patient.”

Members of the town’s code enforcement team presented their findings over the last nine months of alleged and identified violations during Wednesday’s meeting.

They found that only 7% of the identified coming from STRs. However, town administrator Joseph Cronin says some of the nuisance violations could overlap.

“There’s probably more violations that are out there,” Cronin said. “But if it’s not reported to us, it’s not observed by us, it’s obviously not going to be reflected in our data.”

Short-term rentals have 27 out of the 378 total found violations. Out of those, just over half came from vehicles parked in a yard or landscape area. The next most were overnight occupancy exceeding the permitted amount. Three violations were found for advertising a non-permitted short-term rental unit.

The team said if they discover a short-term rental has three violations, which they either admitted to or were found guilty in court, they can be suspended. Only then can the town revoke its short-term rental license.

“We felt like that was a little too lenient,” Cronin said. “...A couple incidences where we thought it may be more appropriate to be able to take more dramatic action earlier.”

He said there’s another idea.

“Three violations could be immediate revocation,” Cronin said.

May say he’s heard the argument that STRs lead to people wanting to move full-time to the island. But both he and Kleinman also understand that nuisances, like trash and noise, can be a big deterrent.

The committee has several more meetings before they take their recommendations to the town council which gives the final approval. The goal is to wrap this up by the end of June.

“Even if it isn’t what each Seabrooker hoped for, it will at least be a result that they perceive was reached in a fair way,” Kleinman said.

For the full list of code enforcement violations over the past nine months, read below.

STR Committee Information - 03-20-2023 by Live 5 News on Scribd

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Everyone who cares about southern Johns Island should be pleased that a controversial annexation was pulled from the Seabrook Island Town Council's agenda last week in the face of mounting opposition over what the annexation would help create — a new boat dock, private clubhouse, boathouse, pool house and 10 rental cottages — and the likelihood that it would add more traffic and pollution to the rural side of Charleston County's urban growth boundary.

But those same folks, particularly leaders on Kiawah and Seabrook islands and Charleston County Council, should not get complacent. Instead, they need to work together on better planning to guide development in and around where those two sea islands meet up with southern Johns Island.

It's unclear when, or if, the developer's annexation request might resurface. Even if it doesn't, there undoubtedly will be other development plans that will expose the tensions between those living on rural Johns Island and those living beyond the gates at Kiawah and Seabrook. This moment offers an important reset, one that should begin with getting all these local governments to recommit to the vision of an urban growth boundary — a line past which suburban development would not be supported through zoning, infrastructure or other local policies.

Such a recommitment wouldn't bind future councils any more than their respective comprehensive plans do, but it would send a unified message about their mutual commitment to respect the natural beauty and environmental sensitivity of the area.

It's clear that development pressures at Kiawah's and Seabrook's doorstep are increasing. A fresh series of new developments, including a senior living facility and an emergency medical facility, is cropping up. Elected officials, neighborhood leaders and county planners need to come up with a mutually agreed-upon zoning overlay for the area, one that would guide future development to ensure new uses and the size and scale of new buildings are appropriate. Such an overlay also would prevent developers from trying to play one jurisdiction against another to get the permits they seek, a tactic sometimes used in other parts of the tri-county area.

The mutual interests of everyone became clear during this recent annexation controversy, as the mayor of Kiawah Island took the unusual step of sending a letter to Seabrook's mayor and council urging them to reject the annexation and respect the urban growth boundary, which Mayor John Labriola noted "serves as a guide to direct appropriate urban and suburban development while preserving and cherishing the rural charm of the Sea Islands that we all hold dear."

Given what we've seen this summer, the existing urban growth boundary line may not continue to be enough on its own, and we believe a joint planning effort could help pin down the following: to what extent commercial development in the greater Freshfields area should be allowed to inch its way north on Betsy Kerrison; whether the towns should annex any more of Johns Island; whether any upzoning in the area might be appropriate; and how new building would affect the net traffic and drainage needs around Kiawah and Seabrook. While residents live only on Kiawah or Seabrook or in the unincorporated area, they have a stake in the answers to all those questions. This area deserves a new zoning overlay and conservation goals that offer a shared vision of how the southern part of Johns Island will — and will not — change.

Regional planning needs to take place on a large scale — such as our greater metro area from Seabrook to Awendaw to Summerville and Moncks Corner — but it's also necessary on a smaller scale, especially in those places such as southern Johns Island where multiple local governmental jurisdictions meet.

Decades ago, the city of Charleston and Charleston County came up with the urban growth boundary across Johns Island and other areas where the suburbs ended to ensure their zoning and other policies worked together to protect rural areas that residents wanted to remain rural. Kiawah and Seabrook were once seen as too distant to bring into the conversation about that line. That's not the case any more.

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SEABROOK ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - The potential for a new yacht club and several docks on Seabrook Island is concerning Sea Islanders and environmental advocates.

Town of Seabrook leaders discussed those plans Wednesday, which would include the annexation of a portion of Charleston County into Seabrook island.

The town’s planning commission voted 4-1 to recommend moving forward with the annexation to the town council.

The nearly 18-acre site, called the “Andell Tract,” sits between Bohicket Marina and Betsy Kerrison Parkway on Johns Island.

the plan includes a private Yacht Club and amenities such as a boat house, pool house and detached hotel containing 10 two-story cottages, according to town documents.

It also has public spaces including a boardwalk, pathways and a community crabbing dock.

Dana Beach, the founder of the Coastal Conservation League, said his two main concerns about the proposal are the environmental impacts on the water, and the crossing of Charleston County’s Urban Growth Boundary.

He said if The Town of Seabrook annexes this portion of Charleston County into their town for development, it could set a precedent for other local municipalities to do the same.

“The town may say ‘this is only a 20-acre parcel that in itself isn’t a big deal,” Beach said. “That’s what Charleston could say if it wanted to coming down from the north, that’s what Kiawah could say as it comes in from the East, even Folly Beach could say that.”

Robby Maynor, the Communities and Transportation Program Director for Coastal Conservation League echoed Beach’s point while addressing the planning commission at Wednesday’s meeting.

“There is an ongoing effort for collaboration between the municipalities on the sea islands to reaffirm that growth boundary to help strike a balance between development and preservation, this annexation would be a step in the wrong direction,” Maynor said.

The majority of the 544 written comments and 10 in person comments were against the development, although some community members spoke in its’ favor.

“I believe a Yacht Club is an amenity that fits perfectly within our diverse group of people,” Seabrook resident, Jackie Helline, said.

Mike Shuler, the Owner and Managing Partner for Bohicket Marina Investors, said he respectfully disagrees with the fear that this annexation may set a precedent for other municipalities to cross Charleston County’s Urban Growth boundary.

“What we are annexing is part of Seabrook’s comprehensive plan. Whether it crosses an Urban Growth Boundary, in my opinion, isn’t relevant here,” Shuler said. “Not to mention, further expansion beyond the property we are contemplating here is not possible because of conservation easements that are in place.”

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

June 6, 2023 0 Comments Beach Tips, Best Beaches in The World, Boating, Destinations

Charleston South Carolina is known for its coastal Southern charm and historical architecture but did you know the beaches near Charleston, South Carolina are worth a visit as well?

Get ready to explore some of the most stunning beaches near Charleston, SC! The beautiful coastlines and pristine shores are perfect for a relaxing vacation or a fun-filled day trip. With so many Charleston SC beaches to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one to visit.

To help you find the perfect beach for your next adventure, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Charleston SC beaches, complete with details on their unique features, distance from downtown Charleston, and available activities. So, grab your sunscreen, pack a towel, and let’s dive into the mesmerizing world of Charleston SC beaches!

Table of Contents

1. Folly Beach: The Eclectic Beach Community

How far is Charleston from Folly Beach?

Located just 12 miles and a 30-minute drive from downtown Charleston, Folly Beach is the closest beach town to the city. This eclectic beach community is popular among surfers, college students, and vacationers alike.

With approximately six miles of shoreline, Folly Beach offers a wide range of activities and attractions. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach, hunt for seashells, or watch a breathtaking sunset from the fishing pier.

Folly Beach is an oceanfront community known as the “Edge of America” and is home to the East Coast’s second-largest fishing pier and some of the best waves on the South Carolina coast.

Serious surfers will love “The Washout,” a stretch of coast known for its exceptional waves. After a day of riding the waves, unwind at one of the many colorful and funky restaurants and bars along Center Street, such as Taco Boy and Rita’s Seaside Grille.

2. Sullivan’s Island Beach: The Charming Barrier Island

How far is Charleston from Sullivan’s Island Beach?

Sullivan’s Island Beach is a popular beach, only 9 miles and about an hour and a 20-minute drive from downtown Charleston, making it a convenient option for a beach getaway.

This 3-mile-long barrier island boasts a charming and laid-back atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

The private beachfront community on the northern tip of Sullivan’s Island is the least commercialized of the area’s beaches and is home to the unique Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse. Free parking is available along the streets leading up to the bridge.

Sullivan’s Island is also rich in history, with a Revolutionary War fort and the iconic lighthouse adding to its appeal. And if you’re feeling peckish after a day on the white sand beaches, indulge in a delicious burger at Poe’s Tavern on Middle Street.

3. Isle of Palms Beach: A Family-Friendly Paradise

How far is Charleston from Isle of Palms Beach?

Isle of Palms Beach is 17 miles and a 40-minute drive from downtown Charleston.

This relaxing beach community is located just 12 miles from downtown Charleston and offers 6 miles of pristine coastline.

Isle of Palms is the perfect spot for a family vacation, with public restrooms, available parking, and plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops nearby.

The island also features a county park, a fishing pier, and a sand volleyball court, ensuring that there is no shortage of fun activities for the whole family. Paddle the intercoastal waterway from Isle of Palms, where you may encounter dolphins and explore the hidden coves and marshes.

4. Kiawah Island Beach: A Tranquil Retreat

How far is Charleston from Kiawah Island Beach?

Kiawah Island Beach is 28 miles and a 50-minute drive from downtown Charleston.

Kiawah Island is one of the least developed and natural beaches in the area, boasting 10 miles of white sand beaches and preserved maritime forests and marshes.

The tranquil atmosphere and stunning scenery make it an ideal spot for those looking to escape the crowds and reconnect with nature.

The only public beach access on Kiawah Island is located at the county park, Beachwalker Park, which is well worth the visit. If you’re looking to stay on the island, consider renting a house or villa or booking a stay at the Sanctuary, the kiawah island itself’s luxurious oceanfront hotel.

5. Seabrook Island Beach: An Exclusive Getaway

How far is Charleston from Seabrook Island Beach?

Seabrook Island Beach is 25 miles and a 45-minute drive from downtown Charleston.

Seabrook Island is a private beachfront community just thirty minutes from downtown Charleston.

This exclusive island, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Edisto River, boasts nearly four miles of the widest beaches in South Carolina.

As an Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary, Seabrook Island is home to a variety of wildlife, including foxes, bobcats, deer, sea turtles, and bottlenose dolphins.

Access to the private island that’s nearly 4 miles of unspoiled beaches is private to residents and rental guests only, so be sure to book your stay in advance.

6. Edisto Island Beach: A Pristine Escape

How far is Charleston from Edisto Island Beach?

Edisto Island Beach is 45 miles and a 1-hour drive from downtown Charleston.

Edisto Beach is one of the few non-commercialized beaches left in South Carolina. The 4.5 miles of pristine beach are usually less crowded than other beaches in the area, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Visitors can enjoy swimming, hunting for shells and sharks’ teeth, or fishing at Edisto Beach State Park. After a day of outdoor adventure, dine on sumptuous seafood at Waterfront Restaurant or savor tasty tacos at McConkey’s Jungle Shack.

7. Bulls Island: A Wild and Untouched Paradise

How far is Charleston from Bulls Island?

Bulls Island is 45 minutes away from downtown Charleston and is only accessible by ferry.

This untouched barrier island offers a truly unique and wild beach experience. A guided paddling tour is the perfect way to explore the island’s diverse ecosystem, observe the abundant birdlife, and perhaps even spot a playful dolphin.

Bulls Island is home to the awe-inspiring Boneyard Beach, where a forest is being reclaimed by the sea. You can also track foxes, bobcats, and deer as you wander through the island’s untouched island landscape.

8. Morris Island: A Picturesque Island Retreat

How far is Charleston from Morris Island?

Morris Island is just minutes from Charleston and is only accessible by boat.

Hunt for shells and fossils near the candy cane-striped lighthouse on this uninhabited island. Visitors can choose from several tour options, with boat tours including a 55-foot power catamaran for the more adventurous traveler.

Photography enthusiasts can capture stunning views of the lighthouse from the shores of Folly Beach. Morris Island offers a peaceful and secluded escape from the bustling city life of Charleston.

9. Pawleys Island: A Serene Barrier Island

How far is Charleston from Pawleys Island?

Pawleys Island is a bit further from Charleston compared to other beaches but is still worth the drive.

This coastal barrier island offers a slow-paced atmosphere and packs a lot into its four-mile stretch. Explore the salt marsh that separates the island from the mainland in a canoe or kayak, or settle in for a day at the public beach, with shelling, fishing, and crabbing opportunities. This is one of South Carolina’s great family friendly beaches near charleston sc.

Sign up for surfing lessons near Pawleys Island Pier and ride some of the best waves in the area.

10. Capers Island: An Undeveloped Gem

How far is Charleston from Capers Island?

Capers Island is located a short distance from Charleston and is only accessible by chartered, boat ride or kayak.

This undeveloped island is home to a diverse ecosystem and offers unique experiences for nature lovers. Walk along the beach and discover tide pools, hike the island to see gators and deer in their natural habitat, or paddle along the shores to observe jellyfish and crabs. This might be your new favorite best beach!

With its untouched beauty, pristine beaches and serene atmosphere, Capers Island is the perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.

The best Charleston SC beaches offer a wide variety of experiences and activities for all types of travelers. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly getaway, a tranquil retreat, or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, the beaches near Charleston have something for everyone.

So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to explore the beautiful Charleston SC beaches and create unforgettable memories!

Do you have any other Charleston SC beaches we missed you think we should add to the list?

There are plenty of good reasons to make the trip to Charleston, South Carolina: Historic homes make for colorful photo ops, the restaurant scene is fresh and inventive, and locally owned stores and boutiques make for unparalleled shopping. Some of the Holy City's greatest assets, though, aren't actually within the city limits. Pack the sunscreen and load the car because the scenic beaches near Charleston are a gem. You won't find ultra-crowded beaches, just a quiet spot to relax and soak up the sunshine. The smooth sand, cool water, and near-perfect weather will make you think you've found pure bliss. Here, find our guide to the sun-drenched beaches that are just a quick drive from the Charleston Peninsula. They're worth the detour.

1. Kiawah Island

While the 23-mile drive from the peninsula out to Kiawah Island takes about 40 minutes on a good day, the pristine stretch of sand at Kiawah's public Beachwalker Park is well worth it. It's quiet, especially for a public park, fronts the ocean, and also offers views of the Kiawah River. Beach chair and umbrella rentals are available seasonally, and dogs are welcome, as long as they're on a leash. Explore Kiawah Island's private beaches by renting a house or villa on the island or booking a stay at the Sanctuary, the island's luxurious oceanfront hotel.

2. Folly Beach

Just 12 miles from downtown, the "Edge of America" is the grooviest of Charleston's nearby beaches. It's a popular hangout for surfers, who frequent "The Washout," a stretch of coast known for having the area's best waves. Center Street, the bohemian beach town's colorful main thoroughfare, is lined with surf and souvenir shops and good eats, like Taco Boy and Rita's Seaside Grille, and is just steps away from Folly's 1,045-foot fishing pier.

3. Isle of Palms

The oceanfront county park on this barrier island has picnic tables, a sand volleyball court, and a playground for the littlest beach bums, making it a great place to take the whole family. Venture a little farther down the beach, beyond the park, to discover a number of fun beachfront bars and eateries, like family-friendly Coconut Joe's Beach Grill and The Windjammer, a classic dive bar and music venue that's as salty as they come. Paddle the intercoastal waterway from Isle of Palms where you may encounter dolphins and get up close to coves and marshes.

4. Seabrook Island

Though the island's nearly 4 miles of unspoiled beaches are private to residents and rental guests only (book your stay here), Seabrook is still worth a stop if you're already making the trip out to Kiawah's Beachwalker Park, which is just a few miles away. An Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary, Seabrook is home to a variety of wildlife, including foxes, bobcats, deer, sea turtles, and bottlenose dolphins. Head to Bohicket Marina for a sunset stroll by the river, then plop down at an outdoor table at the Salty Dog Cafe for water views, East Coast peel-and-eat shrimp, and a cold beer or two.

5. Sullivan's Island

When it comes to old-school cottages, small town charm, and a spotless beach to boot, you won't find a dreamier destination than Sullivan's Island. While neighboring Isle of Palms has a lively resort feel, 3.3-square-mile Sullivan's tends to fly under the radar–and the locals like it that way. Be sure to stop by Poe's Tavern on Middle Street for a killer burger before you head back toward town. Flip-flops and salty hair are always welcome on the front porch.

6. Bulls Island

Accessible only by ferry, this barrier island is 45 minutes away from downtown Charleston and feels far away from the comforts of civilization. A good way to see the birds of this untouched island, and perhaps a playful dolphin if you're lucky, is on a guided paddling tour. Comb the beach for shells, walk Boneyard Beach where a forest is being recalled by the sea, or track foxes, bobcat, and deer.

7. Edisto Island

About 60 miles from Charleston, Edisto Beach's unspoiled coastline makes it worth the drive. Stay beachside for a dreamy vacation, or take a day trip from Charleston. One of four oceanfront state parks in South Carolina, palmetto-lined Edisto Beach State Park provides the picture-perfect backdrop for swimming, hunting for shells and sharks' teeth, fishing, or strolling. After a day on the island's trails, savor some seafood at the Waterfront Restaurant or the tacos at McConkey's Jungle Shack.

8. Morris Island

Hunt for shells and fossils near the candy cane–striped lighthouse on this uninhabited island just minutes from Charleston. Accessible only by boat, visitors can opt for several tour options, including riding out on a 55-foot power catamaran that's for the more adventurous traveler. For photography buffs, view the lighthouse from the shores of Folly Beach.

9. Pawleys Island

It takes a bit longer to reach from Charleston than some of the other beaches, but the slower pace on Pawleys Island is instantly soothing. This barrier island packs a lot into its four-mile stretch. Set off in a canoe or kayak to explore the salt marsh that separates this island from the mainland, or settle in for a day at the beach. There's shelling, fishing, and crabbing to be done. Sign up for surfing lessons—some of the best waves are near Pawleys Island Pier.

10. Capers Island

Similar to Bulls Island, Capers Island has its own forest of forgotten sea-bleached trees covering the shoreline. At low tide, you may see feeding dolphins and water birds like egrets and herons searching for a meal. Discover tide pools as you walk the beach, hike the island to see gators and deer in their natural habitat, or paddle along the shores and see jellyfish and crabs. Reach this undeveloped island by chartered boat, or take a kayak tour to learn about the area's ecosystem.

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