North Myrtle Beach Council updates zoning regulations and parking flexibility for local businesses

The City of North Myrtle Beach held a regular council meeting on February 3, 2025, addressing several key issues impacting local governance and community development. The meeting began with discussions surrounding the recent settlement related to Airbnb taxes, where council members expressed concerns about the allocation of the $2 million settlement funds. While the exact use of these funds remains undecided, officials assured that they would conduct due diligence before making any commitments.

The council then moved on to the second reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 20 of the land development regulations. This amendment introduces a sketch plan step for major subdivisions and common residential developments. Council members highlighted the importance of this step in preventing issues like clear-cutting and ensuring that developers consider environmental factors, such as preserving trees, early in the planning process.

Following this, the council discussed an amendment to Chapter 23 of the zoning code, which aims to allow homeowners to build ramps or lifts in their front or rear yards, encroaching up to 50% into required setbacks. This change is intended to streamline the process for residents needing accessibility modifications, reducing the burden of obtaining variances from the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Another significant topic was the reinstatement of a 10-foot landscape buffer requirement along key commercial corridors, which had inadvertently been removed from the ordinance in 2009. This amendment aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of commercial developments and ensure consistent enforcement of landscaping standards.

The council also considered a proposal to allow a fee-in-lieu of parking for businesses in the Windy Hill District, similar to an existing option in the Ocean Drive area. This measure is designed to facilitate property improvements in areas where on-site parking is limited, thereby encouraging investment in local businesses.

Lastly, the council addressed an amendment to the vehicles for hire ordinance, which seeks to regulate the maximum charges for nonconsensual immobilization devices. This amendment aims to clarify and limit the fees associated with vehicle immobilization, ensuring fairness for residents and visitors alike.

The meeting concluded with unanimous votes on several ordinances, reflecting a collaborative effort among council members to enhance community standards and support local development initiatives. The council plans to continue evaluating the implications of these changes and their potential impact on the North Myrtle Beach community.