n the western side of Isle of Palms, the farthest end of Ocean Boulevard nearest Breach Inlet, stands a recently built concrete slab that has been described as a seawall, an erosion control structure and an erosion control device. It sits on private property, but its presence on the beach raises questions of whether it is in violation of state and local law. Officials with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s (DHEC) Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) must determine if the device is contributing to further erosion and if the structure’s exact location matches up to current setback requirements for private coastal property. “This structure violates an IOP city IslandVibes.com 3 NEWS Continued on Page 5 Beach structure under investigation for illegal erosion control By L. C. Leach III O Custom Insurance Protection Home | Auto | Boat | Business | Flood | More Meet Greer Narowski! You have worked hard for what you own... let us help you protect your most valuable assets with affordable and comprehensive coverage that meets your needs. Visit us online at insuranceandbrokeragehouse.com or call us at 843-816-8780 WE MAKE FINDING THE PERFECT PROPERTY A SEAMLESS PROCESS. Krista M. Swingle REALTOR® Brand Name Real Estate Charleston, SC Krista@PalmBIvdRealty.com Hugh Swingle IV Property Manager In Charge (843) 474-1200 PalmBlvdVacationRentals.com Responsive Results Driven Hands On ordinance,” said Steven Traynum, president of Coastal Science & Engineering in Columbia, and coastal engineer consultant for IOP. “It was built landward of the setback line, which IOP city regulations do not allow. I don’t see any way for the property owner to get around these violations.” Mayor Phillip Pounds and city Councilman Blair Hahn added that while jurisdiction in this matter now rests solely with OCRM, the act of a private property resident building the structure is the most pressing concern. “The property owner is claiming a constitutional right to build the structure – that he is protecting his property rights, and that these rights are more important than the public right to the beach,” Hahn said. “The Coastal Conservation League (CCL) is aware of the situation as well and will be involved.” OCRM first became aware of the issue on Oct. 4, 2023. Staff conPhoto Provided.
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