Socastee, SC

Horry County requires all swimming pools to comply with the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) Section 305 as adopted by South Carolina. Barriers must be at least 48 inches tall, and gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Barriers and gates are inspected at the final pool inspection.

Horry County (the unincorporated areas surrounding Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, Surfside Beach, and other municipalities) is one of the largest short-term-rental markets in South Carolina. Operators of transient accommodations in unincorporated Horry County must obtain an annual County Business License from the Horry County Treasurer's Business License & Hospitality Office (1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526; 843-915-5620; BLHospitality@horrycountysc.gov), register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue for Sales/Accommodations Tax under S.C. Code Title 12, Chapter 36, and collect and remit Horry County's 3% Hospitality Fee on transient accommodations in unincorporated areas. Each incorporated city (Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach) has its own separate STR rules; this entry addresses unincorporated Horry County only.

Horry County is an NFIP participating coastal community regulated by Chapter 9 (Flood Damage Prevention and Control) of the County Code, with a comprehensive revision adopted by County Council in summer 2021. Construction in mapped FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas along the Atlantic coast and county waterways must meet elevation, anchoring, and Elevation Certificate requirements. Coastal V/VE zones, AE zones, and unnumbered A zones each carry distinct building standards.