Environmental Rules in Beaufort County, SC (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Beaufort County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Beaufort County requires new development and redevelopment in the unincorporated county to meet numeric stormwater quality targets: at least an 80 percent reduction in total suspended solids, 30 percent reduction in total nitrogen, and 60 percent reduction in bacteria load, on top of volume control, under its stormwater management ordinance.
Beaufort County Stormwater Management Standards
Significant RestrictionsBeaufort County Code of Ordinances § 99-202(b)(18)
The stormwater management practices of approved plans shall provide volume control and at least an 80 percent reduction in total suspended solids loads, 30 percent reduction of total nitrogen load, and 60 percent reduction in bacteria load.
Erosion Control
Before any clearing, grading or construction touches a natural resource area in unincorporated Beaufort County, the Community Development Code requires a conspicuous four-foot barrier around the resource protection zone, plus a silt fence wherever wetlands or river buffers are involved, both inspected and approved on-site by the Director before work starts.
Beaufort County Construction Erosion Barrier Rule
Some RestrictionsBeaufort County Community Development Code § 5.11.20.F
Resource Protection Barrier. Prior to commencing construction, clearing or any site alterations, a conspicuous four-foot-high barrier to prevent encroachment by people and vehicles shall be erected around the resource protection zone that shall require on-site approval by the Director or designee. No building materials, dirt, debris, oils, paints, or any other materials, equipment or vehicles s...
Flood Zones
Beaufort County requires a development or building permit before any development activity begins in a mapped special flood hazard area, under Code of Ordinances § 78-32. The flood damage prevention article applies to the FEMA Flood Insurance Study dated March 23, 2021 and its accompanying maps for every unincorporated flood hazard area under § 78-31.
Beaufort County Floodplain Development Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsBeaufort County Code of Ordinances § 78-32
A development permit or building permit shall be required in conformance with this article prior to the commencement of any development activities.
Boat Dock Permits
Beaufort County limits private docks to 300 feet in total length, requires 20 feet of clearance from side property lines, and caps walkway width at four feet. Docks on navigable water need Army Corps and state OCRM permits before construction.
Beaufort County Private Dock Standards
Significant RestrictionsBeaufort County Community Development Code § 4.2.190
2.Not Adversely Interfere with Navigation.a.Docks shall not interfere or adversely impact navigation.b.The length of a dock shall not exceed 300 feet in total length, inclusive of pier-heads, floats, boatlifts, ramps, mooring, pilings and other associated structures.c.If two or more owners of adjoining lots agree to create a community dock, in-lieu of individual private docks, a bonus of one fo...
Flood Elevation Requirements
Beaufort County Code of Ordinances Sec. 78-67 requires new construction and substantial improvements in special flood hazard areas to have the lowest floor elevated no lower than the base flood elevation, prohibits basements entirely, and lets nonresidential buildings floodproof instead of elevate. A registered engineer or architect must certify compliance before occupancy.
Beaufort County Base Flood Elevation Standard
Some RestrictionsBeaufort County Code of Ordinances § 78-67
(a)Requirements. In all areas of special flood hazard where base flood elevation data has been provided, as set forth in section 78-31, the following are required:(1)Residential construction. New construction or substantial improvement of any residential structure, including manufactured homes, shall have the lowest floor elevated no lower than the required base flood elevation (BFE). No baseme...
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