The DHEC Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management protects and enhances the State's coastal resources by preserving sensitive and fragile areas while promoting responsible development in the eight coastal counties of South Carolina.

OCRM Program Goals and Objectives:

  • Implement the Coastal Zone Management Plan to manage wetland alterations, stormwater and land disturbance activities, certify all federal and state permits and direct federal actions and all alterations of tidally influenced critical area lands, waters and beaches.
  • Preserve sensitive natural, historic and cultural resources through regulatory oversight and guidance.
  • Provide technical expertise to resolve complex coastal management issues.
  • Encourage low impact and alternative development to preserve water quality and environmental integrity.

OCRM offices are located in Charleston, Beaufort and Myrtle Beach.

 

The Coastal Zone (tan) is comprised of coastal waters and submerged bottoms seaward to the state's jurisdictional line as well as the lands and waters of the eight coastal counties. The Critical Area (red) is defined as all tidelands, coastal waters, beaches and oceanfront sand dune systems.