To help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our state, the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) has engaged in proactive measures to help safeguard the health and safety of our workplace and our customers.
The majority of OCRM employees are currently working remotely or on alternative work schedules. While the availability of in-office staff is limited during this time, many of OCRM’s services can be conducted via phone or email, or through various web-based platforms.
OCRM staff has the capacity to work remotely while maintaining the majority of our business functions. Staff will continue to process permit applications and other requests as efficiently as possible. However, we ask for your patience as we navigate through these alternative work conditions.
Please contact our office at 843-953-0200 if you have questions regarding OCRM matters. Staff contact information can also be found here.
Additional recommendations for doing business with OCRM during this event are outlined below:
Applying for a Critical Area Permit or Authorization
We encourage all OCRM applicants to use the Department’s electronic permitting system, ePermitting, in order to accommodate requests as efficiently as possible.
ePermitting is a database system with online user access. It is one system that manages permitting and compliance, as well as fees. It allows authorized users to submit applications and other required documentation electronically, from any device.
For more information on ePermitting, including tutorials, please visit: https://www.scdhec.gov/ePermitting.
To access the ePermitting portal to submit a request, please visit: https://epermweb.dhec.sc.gov/ncore/login.
Submitting a Coastal Zone Consistency Certification
Applicants submitting a project for Coastal Zone Consistency review should continue to provide information electronically to the CZC Project Coordinator via the following email address: martinhd@dhec.sc.gov.
Additional information on the CZC process, including forms, can be found here.
Publication of Public Notices
Public notices for activities in the Coastal Zone will continue to be processed during this time, however, please recognize that we may experience some delays due to this event.
Applications submitted through the ePermitting system will allow for a more efficient public notice process. Fees can be paid through this platform which will allow staff to complete the administrative process in a timely manner.
Applications that are submitted by mail or other delivery service may have a delay in notice timelines due to the limited in-office staff available to process application documents and associated fees.
OCRM public notices can be viewed here.
Conducting Site Visits
Projects requiring a site assessment for permit review and decision may be delayed during this time. In an effort to provide protection for both our customers and staff, site assessments will be conducted to the maximum extent practicable through web-based platforms, virtual meetings and other technology. If a field visit is necessary, staff will communicate with the applicant to determine if such arrangements can be conducted in a manner that will maximize protective measures.