SC OCRM to shift wetland approvals from Beaufort to Charleston
SC OCRM to shift wetland approvals from Beaufort to Charleston
All Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) items required by the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control concerning wetland permitting and/or critical line verifications must be processed through the Charleston office effective August 6, according to a report by local lawyers and surveyors who oppose the move.
Opponents of the move make the following points:
Beaufort County requires all plats that touch salt marsh be approved by OCRM prior to recording. This will delay real estate closings in Beaufort County.
Beaufort County requires all tree and topographical surveys, site plans or plot plans with a critical line be approved by OCRM prior to submittal for any permits. This will delay building and development permits in Beaufort County.
The Charleston OCRM office is requesting that all plats and other items requiring their approval be mailed to them in Charleston. This means applicants in Beaufort County must then wait for them to be processed, reviewed, signed and then returned. And if there are any changes to made to the plats at the county level, he whole process must be done again.
According to opponents of the move, Beaufort County is the only county that requires closing plats to be signed by OCRM.
The DHEC Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (DHEC-OCRM) protects and enhances the State’s coastal resources by preserving sensitive and fragile areas while promoting responsible development in the eight coastal counties of South Carolina.
OCRM Program Goals and Objectives:
Implement the Coastal Zone Management Program to manage wetland alterations, stormwater and land disturbance activities, certify all federal and state permits and direct federal actions and all alterations of tidally influenced critical area lands, waters and beaches.
Preserve sensitive natural, historic and cultural resources through regulatory oversight and guidance.
Provide technical expertise to resolve complex coastal management issues.
Encourage low impact and alternative development to preserve water quality and environmental integrity.
OCRM offices are located in Charleston, Beaufort and Myrtle Beach.
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