North Myrtle Beach Moves to Restrict Building in Flood Zones

The city council for the vulnerable coastal city of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has approved new ordinances that aim to encourage construction practices that will minimize flooding damage.

Local news outlets reported that the ordinances, adopted Monday, will restrict building in the floodplain, and will bar the construction of flood barriers that would divert floodwaters or increase flooding hazards to other areas. That could mean that any structures built in flood-prone areas could not have seawalls or berms around them and must be elevated and meet other requirements.

“Wherever possible, the natural characteristics of floodplains and their associated wetlands and water bodies should be preserved and enhanced,” the ordinance reads. “Decisions to alter floodplains, especially floodways and stream channels, should be the result of careful planning processes that evaluate resource conditions and human needs.”

Violators could be fined up to $500 or imprisoned for as much as 30 days or both. Each day in violation of the ordinance will be considered a separate offense.