Surfside Beach Weighs Commercial Rezoning, Tree Protections, and Parking Rate Changes
Surfside Beach officials are considering a series of decisions that could reshape a parcel of public land, tighten tree removal rules on private property, and alter what residents and visitors pay to park. No final votes were confirmed in the past two weeks because meeting minutes had not yet been published, but agendas show several high-stakes items moving through town bodies.
Land Rezoning Proposal
The Town Council held a second reading on June 22 for an ordinance that would rezone PIN 46101040085 from PL (Public Land) to C-1 (Highway Commercial). The agenda did not specify the exact location, but a change to highway commercial zoning would allow a wider range of businesses. No vote outcome is available because minutes have not been released.
Tree Protection and Landscaping Ordinance
On June 30, the Planning Commission convened a public hearing on a proposed new Chapter 17, Article VII. The draft ordinance would establish requirements for tree protection, landscaping, and the removal of protected trees on private property. The commission also discussed a zoning change application from 7Brew, amendments to storage facility regulations (Sections 17-201, 17-396.42, and 17-395), changes to newspaper publication practices, and updates to its own by-laws. No votes were confirmed.
Parking Committee to Weigh Rate Changes and Enforcement
The Parking Committee will meet July 13 with a packed agenda. Members are scheduled to discuss revised parking rates, changes to Chapter 9 of the town code (the parking ordinance), and revisit booting enforcement policies. Old business includes a restroom request; new business includes a fine forgiveness proposal. A public comment period is also on the schedule. No draft rate figures or ordinance language have been released.
Other Town Council Business
Alongside the rezoning, the June 22 council agenda included second readings of several other ordinances:
- Repealing and replacing bird and waterfowl regulations (Chapter 3, Article III)
- Amending decal registration requirements (Section 9-16(h))
- Exempting municipal signs from private sign regulations (Section 17-601)
A cybercrime investigation update from the mayor and Jarrett Bouchette was also listed. No details of that update were given in the agenda.
Community Garden Summer Break
The Community Garden Committee met June 29 and planned to approve May 18 minutes, discuss garden plot updates, and confirm its meeting schedule. The committee will take a July break and reconvene August 24.
Senior Center Open House Workshop
The Senior Advisory Committee will hold a workshop July 17 to plan a September 23 open house at the South Strand Senior Center. Public comments and logistics for the event will be discussed.
Coming Up
- **Parking Committee** – July 13. The committee will consider revised parking rates, code changes, booting enforcement, a restroom request, and fine forgiveness.
- **Senior Advisory Committee** – July 17. A workshop to plan the Senior Center Open House.
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.