South Carolina Space Grant Consortium

Abstract The Isle of Palms, SC, like many communities located within the coastal zone, is currently facing tremendous growth pressures that make it difficult for coastal planners and managers to simultaneously protect the public beach and private property. The island is classified as a stable barrier island; however, the northern end of the island is highly susceptible to episodic erosion because of tidal inlet interactions. These events have been the driving force behind beachfront management on the Isle of Palms. Recently, the local government has changed the way it manages the beachfront due to the threat of “takings”; lawsuits. The city's current management structure does an adequate job of balancing private rights and public interest; however, the city still needs to improve its management structure if it is to continue protecting the public beach. Keywords: beachfront managementerosion controltakings