Seawalls permitted under new IOP ordinance different from controversial structure already standing

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) – A new temporary emergency ordinance now in effect on the Isle of Palms will allow for some residents to build erosion control structures, but they will look different than the one already standing outside of one home.

As News 2 previously reported, Rom Reddy found himself at the center of a legal dispute because of the new seawall he installed to protect his Isle of Palms home.

“The state and city have done a disgraceful job protecting this beach. There’s been no renourishment on this beach since 2011 and homeowners have a right to protect their property on their property, outside of the state setback lines,” Reddy said.

IOP City Council passed a temporary emergency ordinance on Tuesday night to permit residents from the 100 to 900 block of Ocean Boulevard to install seawalls or revetments, outside of state’s jurisdiction, but under several conditions.

The structures must be within 20 feet of the maximum build line.

“Our engineers have said that the further back from the ocean you get, the safer it is to put a hard structure. Nobody wants a hard structure, but if you’re going to do one, get it as far off the ocean as possible,” explained IOP City Councilman Blair Hahn.

Councilman Hahn said the placement of Reddy’s wall is part of the reason it differs from the permitted structures since its further than 20 feet. He also said it is much larger than what leaders would agree to and its on hard sand.

“Anytime you put a hard structure on the beach it stops the water, obviously, where it is but it transfers that force, that hydraulic force to the edges. And so, you have more erosion on either side of the seawall. That’s problem number one,” Hahn said. “Problem number two is the beach is the public’s and the public cannot walk on the beach at high tide if there’s a seawall that’s out in the water.”

Meanwhile, Reddy said he believes the ordinance is a disgrace and violates the Fifth Amendment.

“Someone sitting up there should not tell a private property owner ‘I am going to let you protect the foundation of your home, but not your pool, not your yard, and by my actions, I’m going to convert your pool and yard to public beach.’ It’s just wrong. It’s against the law, it’s against the constitution,” Reddy shared.

According to Councilman Hahn, only about 10-12 homes will qualify for a seawall or revetment under the emergency ordinance, which will last for 60 days.