BCM Gears up for Annual Beachfront Structural Inventory

Thursday, Mar 5, 2026

Earlier this month, staff at the Bureau of Coastal Management participated in training to prepare for BCM’s annual Beachfront Structural Inventory field work. This field effort occurs every spring and assists BCM in maintaining an inventory of habitable structures, pools and erosion control structures located within the state’s beachfront jurisdiction. The Beachfront Structural Inventory is part of SCDES BCM’s Emergency Operations Program.

A person with long hair sits at a table, looking at a smartphone displaying a messaging app. In front of them are two tall cups, one orange and one clear. Other people are seated at tables in the background. — Photo Credit: **Haley Schanne**, SCDES BCM. Critical Area Permitting Project Manager **Grace Hall** reviews the Esri Survey123 app during Beachfront Structural Inventory Training, Feb. 2026.

After a disaster, such as a significant storm event or period of significant erosion along the ocean shoreline, inventory data is used as a baseline to conduct damage assessment of beachfront structures. The inventory also ensures that any work authorized as maintenance and repair does not exceed the original dimensions of the structure or include materials that were not originally present in the structure.

A group of people standing on a beach are examining handheld devices. The ocean is in the background. The individuals are dressed in winter clothing, including hats and jackets. — Photo Credit: **Haley Schanne**, SCDES BCM From left: **Ethan Hillman** (Critical Area Permitting Project Manager), **Maddie Rich** (Coastal Zone Consistency Project Manager), **Sara Barbagallo** (Coastal Zone Consistency Project Manager), and **Eloise MacLean** (Coastal Compliance Project Manager), utilize tools and equipment to conduct structural inventory training, Feb 2026.

During training, staff brushed up on BCM’s role in emergency operations, as well as refamiliarized themselves with the various tools and equipment used in completing the Beachfront Structural Inventory. These tools include GIS parcel-level maps of beachfront properties, sophisticated Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) devices and agency cell phones for capturing photos.

A group of people walking along a sandy beach near wooden houses on stilts. The area is bordered by a wooden fence and grassy dunes. The sky is clear, and the sea is visible in the background. — Photo Credit: **Haley Schanne,** SCDES BCM From left: **Josh Gold** (Compliance Project Manager), **Joe Young** (Critical Area Permitting Project Manager), and **Brad Jaynes** (Critical Area Line Manager, Team Lead) participate in beachfront structural inventory training, Feb 2026.

Residents along South Carolina’s beaches may notice SCDES BCM employees completing field work along the beachfront over the next few months, including taking photos and crossing sand dunes. If you have any questions, feel free to ask our staff in the field, or contact the Bureau of Coastal Management at (843) 953-0200. To learn more about the State’s Beachfront Jurisdiction, please visit des.sc.gov/beachfront.

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