A Critical Area Line (CAL) is the boundary between the upland and the Tidelands/ Coastal Waters critical area, and any activities seaward of the CAL may require a critical area permit. CALs are determined by SCDES BCM staff upon request and may be valid for up to 5 years from the date the CAL is certified by SCDES BCM staff.
SCDES requires a current, Department-certified CAL for the following activities:
- Erosion control structure (ECS) within the Tidelands critical area
- Recreational docks over 900 linear feet
- Living shorelines if they are located at the marsh/upland interface
- Boat ramps
- Stormwater permits on lots adjacent to the Tidelands
- Septic permits on lots adjacent to the Tidelands
- Port activities; and
- Public infrastructure projects (e.g., SCDOT roadway projects)
Local governments can require a certified CAL for a variety of activities including erosion control structures, construction with buffers and setbacks, planning, subdivisions, and real estate transactions. CAL establishment and/or review can additionally be requested for general interest.
Submitting a Critical Area Line Request
- Please visit ePermitting to submit a CAL request using the BCM Critical Area Activities application form. An ePermitting account will be necessary to apply for all critical area activities, including CALs. 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. The applicant will have the ability to request a CAL independently or request a CAL in conjunction with another BCM activity, such as an erosion control structure.
- There is no administrative fee for a critical area line request.
- The application requires the following information
- The applicant MUST be the property owner. If the applicant has an authorized agent, enter the authorized agent information under the “Additional Contacts” section of the form.
- Purpose for the CAL request.
- Any gate codes for accessing the Site.
- Representative photographs of flagging (if flagging completed by a survey company).
- In order for SCDES BCM to certify the CAL, northings and eastings (NAD83 (2011) SC State Plane 3900, International Feet) for each survey point along the CAL will be required for certification. The northings and eastings must be shown on a point table on the survey. Additionally, submission of a CAD file or Esri shapefile is strongly suggested.
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.