General Permits were established to expedite the permit review process for permit applications that meet regulatory requirements, with minimal environmental impact. The general permit allows for individuals requesting an activity that meets all the regulatory requirements for such construction, without any additional considerations, an expedited review and thus a more rapid turn-around for construction. 

General Permits for Activities in the Tideland Critical Area: 

• GP-94-001: Special Events
• GP-96-001: Directional boring for utilities
• GP-00-02: Mariculture
• GP-84-264: Soil Borings
• GP-03-001: Docks - authorizes the following additions to existing, grandfathered, or previously permitted private docks, both single and joint use: catwalks 3’ wide to existing boatlifts, roofs on existing pierheads, handrails, utilities, benches, storage boxes, sinks, and mooring piles. 
• GP-2022-SWI (Available to State Agencies, County Governments and Local Municipalities only): authorizes activities for the re-establishment, improvement or maintenance of existing maintained and non-maintained public stormwater conveyance systems
• GP-25-DR - allows for the reconstruction of previously permitted private recreational use docks (including joint and community use docks not defined as a marina) that are generally intact and functional.
• GP-25-ECS - allows for the reconstruction of previously permitted private erosion control structures (non-oceanfront erosion control structures) that are generally intact and functional.
   

Applying for a General Permit 

1. Please visit ePermitting to apply online. All critical area activities (other than permit amendments, transfers, and extensions) should be applied for using the BCM Critical Area Activities form.
2. A non-refundable administrative application fee is required for select general permits. The fee is $100 for the dock general permit (GP-04-001) and $250 for the reconstruction general permits (GP-25-DR & GP-25-ECS). All other general permits have no fee. Fees can be paid via the ePermitting portal or by check made payable to SCDES BCM.
3. You must notify all adjoining property owners and the local governing body by certified mail of the proposed project. The original certified mail receipts must be submitted to BCM as part of the General Permit application package.
4. You must run a public notice in a newspaper published in the county where the proposed activity is taking place. Proof of publication (notarized affidavit from the newspaper with notice attached) must be forwarded to BCM before processing can be completed on the application. It is advised that both notice periods on the certified mailing and the newspaper notice run at the time the application is submitted to BCM to ensure an efficient review. The permit cannot be issued until the comment period has expired.
5. Computer-generated drawings depicting the location and activity must be submitted. Drawings must depict all relevant information needed for BCM to act accordingly as directed by current regulations.
6. The applicant must receive a Construction Placard from BCM upon issuance of the General Permit before work can commence. 
7. GP-25-DR and GP-25-ECS are valid for 18 months. For all other General Permits, work must be performed within one year of permit issuance or authorization is void.
8. The permittee must comply with all special conditions of the individual authorization for General Permit(s). The applicant should ensure all required information has been furnished. The permit will not be issued until all provisions have been fulfilled. The applicant’s signature on the information page denotes acceptance and compliance with all permit provisions.