Horry County, SC Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Chapter 9 of the Horry County Code declares in Section 9-3 that the county's special flood hazard areas are subject to periodic inundation causing loss of life, property damage and disruption of commerce, all of which the chapter is designed to prevent. Section 9-5 applies the chapter to every area of special flood hazard identified in FEMA's flood insurance study for the county, dated December 16, 2021, along with its accompanying maps, and it separately reaches the county's own supplemental flood zone maps, except for roads within them.

Section 9-6 requires a development permit before any development activity begins in these areas, and Section 9-7 bars locating, extending, converting or structurally altering any structure or land without full compliance with the chapter. The local floodplain administrator, appointed under Section 9-31 to be the county flood hazard reduction officer or a designee, administers the permit and certification process detailed in Section 9-33, reviewing plot plans, elevation certificates and floodway data before signing off. Where this chapter conflicts with an easement, covenant or deed restriction, Section 9-8 applies whichever restriction is more stringent.

The program covers everything from Longs and Green Sea inland to Garden City and Little River on the coast, since flood hazard areas in Horry run well beyond the immediate oceanfront.