Planning Commission

Meetings

  • 6 p.m.
  • 1st Tuesday of every month
  • Dick M. Johnson Civic Center
    829 Pine Drive
    Surfside Beach, SC

The public is invited to attend all meetings and time is allotted for public comments at every meeting.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

  • Sammy Truett, Chairman
    Term: May 14, 2019 to May 14, 2023
  • Mary Ellen Abrams
    Term: January 28, 2020 to January 28, 2024
  • Melodye Lane Laveglia
    Term: May 14, 2019 to May 14, 2023
  • Dusty McCracken
    Term: September 28, 2021 to September 28, 2025
  • Michael Pesce
    Term: May 14, 2019 to May 14, 2023
  • Alex Samsel
    Term: January 11, 2022 to January 11, 2026
  • Scott Von Buseck
    Term: June 25, 2019 to June 25, 2023

Overview

The Planning Commission is a statutory committee consisting of a group of town residents appointed by Town Council to serve as an advisory commission for the council on a broad range of planning issues to ensure that all plans, goals, and development regulations are promoting orderly and coordinated growth and development within the town. The commission plays a valuable role in shaping the town's future by recommending regulations and changes involving zoning and subdivision activity.

The Commission is comprised of seven members. Chairman and Vice-Chairman are elected from the membership.

If you are interested in serving on this commission, you may submit an application (PDF) at any time.

For more information about this commission, email the Planning, Building and Zoning Department or call them at 843-913-6341.

Term: 4 years

Duties: The planning and zoning commission shall have all the powers, duties and responsibilities set forth in South Carolina Act number 487 of 1967. See the complete Planning Commission By-Laws (PDF). The planning and zoning commission shall have the power to:

  • Prepare and revise periodically a comprehensive plan and program for development of its jurisdiction as provided in Act 487 of 1967;
  • Prepare and recommend for adoption by the town council as a means for implementing the plan and program for the following:
  • Zoning ordinances or resolutions and maps and appropriate revisions for its jurisdiction,
  • Regulations for the subdivision of land and appropriate revisions within its jurisdiction, and administer the regulations that may be adopted as provided in Act number 467 of 1967;
  • Prepare and recommend an official map and appropriate revisions showing the exact location of existing or proposed public street, highway and utility rights-of-way and public building sites, together with regulations to control the erection of buildings or other structures or changes in land use within such rights-of-way, building sites or open spaces within its political jurisdiction or a specified portion thereof, as set forth in Act number 467 of 1967.
  • Prepare and recommend a capital program for its jurisdiction based on the comprehensive plan and the capital improvements necessary to implement the plan. Such a capital program shall include an annual capital budget based on estimates of the cost of proposed projects and the means of financing them. The commission shall submit the capital program, including the capitol budget, to the governing authority or authorities as directed.
  • Establish principles and policies for guiding action in the development of the area;
  • Prepare and recommend to the town council for adoption ordinances promoting orderly development in accordance with the comprehensive plan;
  • Determine whether specific proposed developments conform to the principles and requirements of the comprehensive plan for the growth and improvement of the area;
  • Review and recommend to the town council any needed changes in the zoning ordinance and the map of the town;
  • Prepare and recommend for adoption subdivision regulations and to administer such regulations;
  • Keep the town council and the general public informed and advised as to these matters.

Qualifications: No member of the planning commission shall be the holder of an elected public office in the town. New members are required to complete six hours of state-mandated training within the first year (some exemptions apply) and then three hours of education are required annually. Training costs are paid by the town.

See the Surfside Beach Comprehensive Plan, 2013 to 2022 (PDF)