Hilton Head Island Council votes to restrict dogs on Fishhall Creek beach area

The Community Services and Public Safety Committee of Hilton Head Island convened on April 21, 2025, to discuss significant amendments to the municipal code regarding animal restrictions on the beach. The meeting was led by Assistant Town Manager Sean Cohen, who presented an ordinance aimed at restricting dogs and other animals from a designated area of the beach near Fishhall Creek.

Cohen explained that the ordinance is a requirement stemming from beach renourishment permits issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services. The restriction will apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and signage will be installed to inform the public of the new regulations. The area affected by the ordinance is smaller than initially proposed, following negotiations that reduced the scope of the restriction.

During the discussion, committee members expressed concerns about the implications of the ordinance. One member noted that the language used in the ordinance could lead to confusion among residents, particularly regarding the term "animal prohibition," which includes not only dogs but also other domestic animals. This point was raised to clarify the ordinance's intent and to address community concerns about pet owners who frequently use the beach.

Another significant point of contention was the inclusion of a penalty clause that allows for the seizure of animals in violation of the ordinance. Some committee members argued that this provision could be seen as excessive and should be limited to unattended animals. After deliberation, an amendment was proposed to specify that only unattended animals could be subject to seizure, which was ultimately approved by a vote of 2 to 1.

The committee emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership, urging residents to keep their animals under control and to clean up after them to prevent further issues. The ordinance is expected to be forwarded to the town council for final approval, with construction related to the beach renourishment project anticipated to begin in June 2025, contingent upon the adoption of this ordinance.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the balance between environmental regulations and community needs, as the committee navigated the complexities of animal control on public beaches while ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements. The next steps involve finalizing the ordinance for council consideration, with ongoing discussions about community engagement and education regarding the new regulations.