FOIA Inquiries

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Inquiries

Public Notice

SC law provides that it is a crime to knowingly obtain or use personal information from a public body for commercial solicitation.

How to Request Public Records

Written Inquiries for any department should be sent to the public information officer (PIO) by U.S. Mail:
PIO FOIA
210 U.S. Highway 17 South
Surfside Beach, SC 29575-6097

It can also be dropped off in person at town hall, or emailed to the PIO. (No form is required, except for Police Department inquiries, as explained further on.) Notice: The requestor is responsible for ensuring the request is received by the town. Faxed inquiries are not accepted.

Surfside Beach Police Department (SBPD) requires a specific form: SBPD FOIA Form (PDF). Email it to the PIO.

Inquires should be specific about information being requested, i.e. subject matter, time frames, particular department or departments, etc.

For questions, email us or call 843-913-6359.

Records Available

Pursuant to FOIA §30-4-30(d) and §30-4-50(A)(8), the following records are available for public inspection during regular business hours and are available 24/7 on the town's website at the respective links.

Response Times to Acknowledge Your Request Pursuant to FOIA

  • Ten business days when the record is less than 24 months old
  • Twenty business days when the record is more than 24 months old
  • The response will include the option for you to be told the approximate cost for filing the request, and whether a deposit is required (see Fees)

Delivery Times Pursuant to FOIA

  • Records less than 24 months old, delivery within 30 calendar days from the acknowledgment date or from receipt of 25% deposit, if required
  • Records over 24 months old, delivery within 35 calendar days from the acknowledgment date or from receipt of deposit, if required

Fees

  • A deposit of not more than 25% of the reasonably anticipated cost for reproduction of the records may be required. The actual balance due is payable upon delivery of the documents
  • Copy rates per page:
    • Black and White Copy - 20 cents
    • Color Copy - 81 cents
  • Scanning documents to create an electronic file when one does not exist - 5 cents each page
  • The fee for the search, retrieval, or redaction of records shall not exceed the prorated hourly salary of the lowest paid employee who, in the reasonable discretion of the custodian of the records, has the necessary skill and training to perform the request.

Freedom of Information Act Code (FOIA)

South Carolina Code §30-4-30 stipulates that the public has a right to inspect and/or copy public documents. View the code.