Applying for a Minor Critical Area Permit

1. Please visit ePermitting to apply online via the BCM Critical Area Activities form. An ePermitting account will be necessary to apply for all critical area activities. The applicant will need to find an existing site in ePermitting, or create a new site for the parcel, to access the BCM Critical Area Activities application form. If you need assistance with the application process or would like to discuss your proposed project before applying, use the BCM Project Manager Finder App to locate the Critical Area Permitting Project Manager for your region.  
2. A non-refundable administrative application fee of $250 is required for minor permit activities ($150 for docks with walkways less than 100 ft in length). This fee may be paid electronically via the ePermitting platform or by check payable to SCDES BCM.
3. The application will require the following information regarding the project and the property involved:

• The names, addresses, telephone numbers, and emails of the landowners and authorized agents
• The dimensions, specifications, and purpose of the project
• The names and complete mailing addresses and emails of all adjoining property owners
• A detailed description of the location of the project

4. An Affidavit of Ownership or Control form must be completed, signed and notarized and include one of the following: 1) legal description and/or copy of the certified plat of the property or 2) a certified copy of the deed, lease, easement, or other instrument under which the applicant claims title, or permission from the owner of the property to carry out the proposed activity.
5. Applications must be accompanied by drawings that are produced, stamped and signed by one of the following professional groups: registered land surveyors, registered professional engineers or registered landscape architects. These individuals must be licensed in the state of South Carolina. SCDES BCM will not accept hand drawings or other drawings not meeting these criteria. Applications with drawings judged to be inexact and unprofessional will not be placed on public notice and will be returned to the applicant. Click here for more information on the drawing requirements.
6. A location map showing the location of the proposed activity is required.
7. Applicants or their agents are required to run a one-day public notice in a local newspaper once the application is placed on public notice through SCDES BCM. The subsequent affidavit of publication should then be submitted to SCDES BCM. The notice must run within fifteen days of SCDES BCM's public notice. Affidavits of publication outside of this window will be returned, a new ad will need to be placed in the appropriate newspaper, and a new affidavit of publication will need to be submitted.

Once a complete application has been submitted, SCDES BCM will run a 15-calendar day public notice for minor critical area permits. For information on amending a permit, see the Permit Amendments page. 

Contact

SCDES BCM staff are available to assist property owners. If you suspect authorization may be required for your activity, or if you have questions related to authorization requirements, please contact SCDES BCM’s Critical Area Permitting Section at (843) 953-0200, or visit the Project Manager Finder Application to find contact information for project managers by geographic area.