High-speed chase attorney in Folly Beach, SC

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — A South Carolina appeals court has upheld Folly Beach’s limit on short-term rental licenses, allowing the city to keep its cap of 800 vacation rental permits.

City leaders say the cap was approved by voters in 2023 with the goal of maintaining a balance between tourism and full-time residents on the island.

The decision comes after some property owners challenged the policy in court, arguing the cap prevented them from renting their homes short-term. However, the court sided with the city, ruling the policy regulates business licenses rather than zoning. That distinction was central to the legal challenge.

Mayor Chris Bizzell said the ruling reinforces the city’s approach to managing growth while protecting the community.

“The tourism numbers are basically the same,” Bizzell said. “What I have seen is we have a lot of people moving in that are now long-term residents, as opposed to looking at the community as an investment, which is great to have new families moving onto the island.”

The cap was created amid concerns that a growing number of homes were being used as vacation rentals instead of primary residences. At one point, nearly half of the homes on the island were operating as short-term rentals.

City leaders say the goal was to place guardrails around that growth and preserve Folly Beach’s residential character while still allowing tourism.

Bizzell said from the city’s perspective, the policy has not hurt the overall economy.

“Our hospitality tax numbers and our accommodations taxes are at or above historic levels,” he said.

Still, some local business owners say they are concerned about how limiting vacation rentals could affect spending on the island.

Perry Freeman, president of Perry Hospitality, said visitors staying in short-term rentals often spend several days dining, shopping, and supporting local businesses.

“It’s not necessarily just a cap on the rentals — it’s a cap on tourists,” Freeman said, explaining that visitors staying on the island typically spend money every day during their trip.

Freeman said he believes there are fewer people staying on the island compared to previous years, something he says businesses are starting to feel.

“You see less people out there’s definitely been an impact on our business,” he said.

While the court decision keeps the cap in place for now, the legal fight may not be over.

The property owners who filed the lawsuit say they may ask the court for a rehearing and could ultimately try to take the case to the South Carolina Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, city leaders say they plan to continue reviewing the policy as part of long-term strategic planning to ensure it maintains the balance between tourism and residents that voters supported.

FOLLY BEACH — Two owners of several island properties lost their court appeal that sought to declare the local short-term rental cap illegal by arguing it was a change in zoning laws that deprived them of renting a new property.

Folly East Indian Co., which has five short-term rental licenses for properties along Folly Beach Road, filed suit and sought an injunction in January 2023 to stop enforcement of the cap that limits island short-term rental licenses to 800.

The landlord and real estate development company, owned by Folly Beach residents Richard D. Brendel and Michael J. Riffert, argued that the new limit changed the zoning of properties by not allowing owners to rent them.

The city has long maintained the referendum, which was written by a citizen and voted into law by 53 percent of island residents in 2023, was a business license change, not a zoning one. The S.C. Supreme Court previously ruled that zoning provisions cannot be enacted by the referendum process.

The lawsuit stemmed from the plaintiffs’ inability to rent one property in particular. Prior to the moratorium the city permitted them to build a house they intended to operate as an income-producing short-term rental. Because of pandemic-related delays, construction took longer than expected and the owners missed their window to get a short-term license before the cap was enacted.

The plaintiffs argued the cap took away their vested rights, which by state law protects a property owner from changes in zoning ordinances for two years and would have grandfathered in their ability to rent the property.

A Charleston County court disagreed. In an April 2024 ruling, Circuit Judge Paul Burch affirmed the referendum is not a zoning ordinance. As such, it does not infringe on property rights because it is a modification of business licenses.

A business license is not a vested right, the judge said.

The following month, Folly East Indian Co. filed an appeal with the S.C. Court of Appeals, which on Feb. 18 sided with the lower court.

The court’s unpublished opinion, which means it has no precedential value, said the ordinance “at issue only amended City’s business regulations to impose a cap on the number of issued short-term rental business licenses” and that it “did not amend City’s zoning ordinance, did not rezone any properties … and did not determine where any specific activities may occur.”

Island wide, rentals are still legal in every district and every residential unit is allowed to become a rental. The referendum solely regulates how many can get a business license to operate as such.

The plaintiffs argued the cap deprives them of the “economically viable use” of their property, “infringes upon its vested rights, and will interfere with Plaintiff’s reasonable, investment-backed expectations.”

Since the referendum was enacted limiting the coveted permits, homeowners who bought properties to rent short-term for income or as a way to pay for a beach home are now unable to do that. There’s no revenue to supplement mortgages, some involving multi-million-dollar purchases with high interest rates. Many have struggled to sell off their homes since.

The 800-unit cap applies exclusively to second homes, not primary residences. At the time of the vote, there were 1,125 rental properties on Folly Beach, which accounted for 43 percent of its housing stock. About 200 entries remain on the waiting list and, as of October, no one has made it off the waitlist.

Bijan Ghom with Saxton & Stump, who represented the plaintiffs, told The Post and Courier the opinion didn’t offer much analysis or directly address “several legal arguments” made on behalf of the plaintiffs.

“Since the Court did not select this matter for oral argument, it is even more difficult to read between the tea leaves, so to speak,” he said. “In any event, my client intends to file a petition for rehearing this week. If that is denied, we plan to petition the Supreme Court for review.”

Ghom noted there is another case at the trial level that also challenges the short-term cap from another legal argument.

“So, all in all, we are still hopeful we will prevail,” he said.

The city had no additional comment.

Mayor Chris Bizzell previously told The Post and Courier fine-tuning the referendum is part of the city’s 2026 strategic plan.

“I think the biggest thing that's happening is a couple of people have asked us to maybe look at the different proposals that were in the initial short-term rental language that was proposed by (previous) Mayor (Tim) Goodwin, and then go back through that, discuss why or why not we adopted some of those provisions,” Bizzell said.

Spring officially begins on March 20. It signals a time of renewal, growth, and warmer weather following winter.

After enduring back-to-back winter storms in late January and early February that brought snow, ice, and record-breaking cold to South Carolina, residents are eagerly anticipating a break from freezing temperatures.

The arrival of spring offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and rejuvenate in the milder climate.

For South Carolina students, Spring Break provides a well-earned vacation from school.

Greenville County Schools will be closed from March 16-20, allowing students and families to plan early-spring getaways.

Anderson County Schools have scheduled their break between March 30 and April 3, covering all districts.

Meanwhile, Spartanburg County Schools Districts 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 will have their Spring Break from April 6-10.

District 3's Spring Break will begin earlier, running from April 5-11.

These varying schedules allow families in different counties and districts to plan vacations or local activities tailored to their break dates.

Many visit nearby beaches to soak up the sun and enjoy coastal activities.

These popular destinations offer a range of attractions, from sandy shores and water sports to shopping and dining experiences.

South Carolina's beaches

Among South Carolina's beaches are Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, Folly Beach, Edisto Beach, and Hunting Island State Park.

Other options include Pawleys Island and Kiawah Island.

Visitors can explore local wildlife, enjoy the beach, or relax in less-crowded settings.

Each beach offers a variety of experiences, catering to both adventure seekers and those seeking relaxation.

The following is a brief rundown of the best Spring Break beaches in South Carolina.

Popular beaches to visit in South Carolina

Horry County is recognized as the heart of the Grand Strand.

Myrtle Beach

According to the Horry County Official Website, local beaches include Myrtle Beach, a bustling hub with the 1.2-mile Oceanfront Boardwalk, SkyWheel, Broadway at the Beach, and Ripley's Aquarium.

North Myrtle Beach is known for a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, with wide beaches, salt marsh views, and Barefoot Landing for shopping and dining.

Surfside Beach is known as a quiet, family-oriented community with a "small town" feel compared to the main hub.

Beaufort County

Beaufort County is primarily known for its rich antebellum history, Gullah culture, and coastal Lowcountry charm.

According to Beaufort County offical website, local beaches include Hilton Head Island, which is well-known for its golf courses, pristine, sandy beaches, and luxury ecotourism.

Hunting Island State Park is also a popular beach, known for its iconic 19th-century lighthouse, five miles of natural beach, and ocean-side forests.

Charleston County

Charleston County features popular coastal destinations known for their distinct, laid-back, or family-friendly atmospheres.

According to VisitFolly, local beaches include Folly Beach, known as a lively, bohemian-style beach close to Charleston, suitable for surfing, fishing, and a more relaxed, "less crowded" vibe compared to Myrtle Beach.

Another popular location is the Isle of Palms, which offers a beautiful beach, plenty of water sports, restaurants, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Colleton County

Colleton County is known for the ACE Basin, one of the East Coast's largest undeveloped estuaries, a hub for ecotourism, birding, and fishing.

Located along I-95, it is also famous for the historic town of Walterboro, the South Carolina Artisans Center, and the interactive Bee City Zoo.

According to Colleton County's official website, local shorelines include Edisto Beach, ideal for a quiet, low-key, family-oriented getaway.

Georgetown County

Georgetown County is renowned as the heart of "South Carolina's Hammock Coast," featuring a mix of rich colonial history, picturesque, uncrowded beaches like Pawleys Island, and deep-rooted Southern charm.

According to Georgetown Cournty offical website, local beaches include Pawleys Island, a tranquil option with a rustic, old-fashioned feel and great shelling

What makes South Carolina's beaches stand out?

According to TripAdvisor, South Carolina's beaches are the top choice for a high-energy Spring Break due to their diverse offerings.

With miles of sandy beaches, amusement parks, vibrant nightlife, and numerous family-friendly attractions, they cater to a wide range of interests.

Additionally, the area is ideal for family-oriented getaways, offering ecotourism, birding, fishing, surfing, shopping, and dining.

With your Spring Break dates in hand, it's time to plan the perfect family getaway.

Double-check your itinerary, book your accommodations early to secure the best spots, and ensure your car is ready for the journey.

Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, there's something for everyone.

Travis Jacque Rose is the trending news reporter for the Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at trose@gannett.com

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FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCBD) – Construction crews are set to begin underground work on the east side of Folly Beach.

The broke ground this spring and is still in the early stages. However, the city wants residents and visitors to know there will be temporary water and utility service impacts from July 21-25 on 8th Street E and the first block of East Cooper Avenue. Officials told News 2 the main roadway on the island has been prone to flooding for years.

“Center Street has been flooding on a regular basis for quite some time. It’s a pretty big impact for visitors and the businesses,” Eric Lutz, public works director of Folly Beach, said. “When it happens during the summertime, we’ll have a big rainstorm and high tide that will mess things up, especially near the traffic light.”

Officials said the project has been in the works for nearly 15 years, but this particular version started five years ago. The project will have larger stormwater pipes running down both sides of Center Street and on the east side of the island as well as new inlets. In line with the city’s green infrastructure plan, six rain gardens and 39 permeable parking spots will be added.

“That’ll be done with impervious material. It’s like the pavers that will let the water infiltrate into the ground, which actually takes away the amount of water that will go in the pipe,” Lutz said. “It increases the capacity of what we can handle out here. That will be up and down Center Street and a couple side streets as well.”

The project is funded by the South Carolina Infrastructure Improvement Program (SCIIP). Officials expect there to be some inconveniences such as different traffic patterns, pedestrian walkways, and business access. However, Lutz said it will be well worth it once complete.

“It should be huge. We should see a big difference because you won’t have that critical flooding down there at that intersection. That gets really bad right now sometimes, hopefully this will minimize to make it ankle deep instead of knee deep,” said Lutz.

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) — DJ Rich is projected to win the Folly Beach City Council special election.

“I’m excited to get back on and help share my knowledge and history with everybody and then make sure that you know we keep moving forward responsibly,” Rich said. “It was a great day. Saw a lot of people, a lot of positive comments. So yeah, we’re just we’re excited, ready to go to work.”

This special election brought in a total of 855 votes; residents making their voices heard on who they want to represent their community.

“Many people think that Folly Beach is just as, you know, it’s a one-issue town on the short-term rentals and so much more than that, too. It’s beach re-nourishment,” Folly Beach resident Nick Thomas said. “It’s our parks. It’s our infrastructure. And he’s so experienced. He brings that to the table. He wasn’t about one issue and that’s really what’s going to make the difference to help Folly grow.”

One resident explained why it’s important to come out and vote.

“Democracy is not a spectator sport. I mean, you can’t complain about your local government if you don’t participate,” Folly Beach resident Larry Powers said. “I am always making my policy to know who my elected officials are and help people with their campaigns here, go to council meetings. I mean, you’ve got to participate in the process because otherwise you don’t have a right to complain.”

With 499 votes, Rich is ahead of John McFarland, who received 355 votes, in a contest for the seat vacated by Chris Bizzell’s promotion to mayor.

Rich, a Folly Beach native, says his history and experience can help lead the way to make sure Folly Beach progresses responsibly. He is the owner of Planet Follywood and says he has a unique perspective to bring to the council in representing the community.

“He has just put so much faith and dedication into this community,” resident Jill Sneed said.

“Feel that the DJ will give us consideration and a voice in our concerns,” another resident, Jeannette Perna, said.

As Rich celebrated with the community, he shared his vision for what he hopes to see for Folly Beach.

“Addressing our parks, making sure they’re up to date, and they’re adequate for all the age range of children, increasing our community events. We have senior citizens’ yoga and things like that. Make sure we’re hitting all our demographics, so everybody feels represented and has something to do,” Rich said.

Below are the unofficial election results:

Residents say the fact that Rich is a small local business owner gives him a unique perspective on the council.

“Being a business owner on Center Street every day, we see things quicker if something’s a problem, we can address it faster. We’re right here, so we’re in direct contact with people all the time with residents. You know, they can get to me and talk to me about any problem they’re having,” Rich said.

Other key issues included improving pedestrian safety and sidewalks, beach renourishment, and flood mitigation. In this special election, the big-ticket item was indeed short-term rentals.

“We’ve been so divided with the short-term rentals. And I think we need a compromise and I think he’s a good person that can maybe help us get that,” Sneed said.

Overall, with Rich’s experience and community involvement, residents say they trust him to hold this council seat.

“He brings that Folly touch to it to help keep Folly funky. And it’s a very important part for us to continue to grow as that community that everyone knows,” Sneed added.

Rich will serve until November 2027. The county council is scheduled to officially certify the official results Thursday, with a swear-in ceremony planned for sometime next week.

“It’s important to be a community member. I think that was shown a lot tonight. You know, you have to be a part of the community and then the community’s been here for me for a long time,” Rich said. “I love this place, I love the people in it. It’s just a great place. We all come together. We can do great things.” Rich said.