Council approved narrowing the automatic exemption for removing trees adjacent to structures from 10 feet to 5 feet; removals between five and ten feet will require independent arborist documentation or an insurance company letter. The decision passed 6'to'1.

Multiple residents urged stronger canopy protections and criticized mitigation rules that could allow palms to substitute for hardwoods and developers to clear-cut lots. The attending certified arborist emphasized that palms provide far less stormwater and ecological value than hardwoods.

At a Nov. 4 special meeting the Surfside Beach Town Council adopted a package of changes to its tree preservation ordinance: it kept the planning commission's either/or retention approach, approved a three-tier penalty schedule, confirmed 24" landmark status for select oaks, narrowed automatic removal exemptions near structures, and tightened mitigation wording.

The workshop identified the US 17 gateway as a priority. Discussion focused on creating activity nodes and whether to use design overlays or base zoning changes to achieve mixed-use and aesthetic goals without affecting beachfront residential areas.

The planning commission reviewed a strategic action plan and picked Nov. 17 for a first public forum with keynote Irene Tyson; commissioners stressed the master plan is a long-term effort that will require an RFQ/RFP and FY2027 budget approval.

Council approved a three-document contract package for the new courthouse and chamber building, using a modified AIA agreement with a 5% owner contingency split (80% to town, 20% to GC) and a graduated liquidated damages schedule; BEC Construction confirmed the contract is standard for its work.

Conway city administrator Adam Emer told Surfside Beach officials that Conway's 2017 master plan and a string of small, visible projects — from $6,500 alley lights to park overhauls — drove private investment and growth, and he urged Surfside to 'cater to our residents' rather than chase large-scale tourism.