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Committee weighs allowing large wind-driven beach shades; beach patrol urges limits on season, size and tethering
Summary
Council members discussed whether to allow wind-driven shade structures (Shibumi/Bello/Savela) off-season; Lieutenant Mueller of beach patrol warned they can expand footprint when they rotate in wind and recommended rules on season, size and tethering before any allowance.
A committee member raised a question about whether the county should permit large wind-driven shade structures made by manufacturers such as Shibumi and Bello during the off-season. The presenters said other East Coast municipalities have allowed the devices on a trial or offseason basis and asked the committee if Horry County wanted to consider the same.
Lieutenant Mueller of beach patrol summarized enforcement and safety concerns: these structures take up large areas, can present tethering or trip hazards, and because they rotate with changing winds "it slowly takes up more and more" beach space. Mueller urged that, if the county considers allowing them, the ordinance should include "time constraints... size and how it needs to be tethered."
Committee members asked staff to gather information, including how nearby jurisdictions regulate the devices, and to return with recommendations at a future meeting. No ordinance change or vote occurred; the body tasked David Jordan and other staff to research the topic and report back.
