FAQ

Arts & Cultural Events

How can artists submit to be considered by the Kiawah Island Arts and Cultural Events Council?

Artists can submit proposals and samples to Keely Laughlin at klaughlin@kiawahisland.org, Stephanie Braswell Edgerton at sbraswell@kiawahisland.org or by calling 843-768-9166. The Arts Council holds their planning session every February to determine the content of the next season.

When are Kiawah Island Arts Council events held?

The Kiawah Island Arts Council season typically runs from September to June with the majority of events being held January through March. For more information call 843-768-9166.

How do I obtain tickets to Kiawah Island Arts Council Events?

All events are open to the public. Tickets are available here on a come first serve basis. Ticket release dates are two weeks prior to the event date. Kiawah property owners have a 3 day lead time prior to the public release date for Arts Council events. Cultural Events tickets release to everyone on the same date. Tickets are limited at 10 per household for paid events and 2 per household for complimentary events, except for complimentary events held at Holy Spirit where the limit is 4 per household. Returned tickets may be made available for redistribution online at 9 a.m. two days prior to the event. For more information call 843-768-9166.

Automobiles and Boats

Where can I register my vehicle?

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).

How do I register my boat?

To register your boat, you will need the boat’s title and notarized bill of sale. Take this information to the Boat Titling and Registration Division of the SC Department of Natural Resources, 217 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, 843-953-9301, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where do residents obtain or renew automobile gate pass decal?

Residents obtain and renew automobile gate pass decal through the Kiawah Island Community Association at 843-768-9194.

Beach

How do I contact the beach patrol?

During daylight hours Beach Patrol can be contacted directly by phone at 843-518-2880 or through Town Hall at 843-768-9166. For after hours contact  KICA Security Gate 843-768-5566.

What does the tag on my beach chairs mean?

It is against our Ordinance to leave beach supplies, and equipment on the beach overnight. If material are found the Beach Patrol will tag the equipment and after a set period of time will remove it from the beach and place it in storage at Town Hall. Materials can be retrieved by contacting Code Enforcement at  843-768-9166 or Beach Patrol 843-518-2880.

Can I drive my vehicle on the beach?

No, the Town doesn’t allow anyone except authorized vehicles on the beach.

Why isn’t glass allowed on beach?

As a safety precaution glass is prohibited on the beach, to prevent accidents from broken glass buried in the sand.

Business Licenses

What is the deadline for obtaining a business license yearly?

February 28th is the final day to obtain a business license to avoid penalties of 5% per month.

How do I get a newly issued business license?

First time business license applicants can contact the business license department at Town Hall at 843-768-9166. Application can be submitted online, mailed, faxed or handled on a walk in basis. Thereafter an automatic renewal application is sent prior to the year.  

How long is a business license issued for?

The license is good for the current year, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. An automatic yearly renewal is mailed out prior to the start of the new year. 

What is the information required to obtain a business license?

Provide the general business information (name of business, address, etc.) on the provided application along with the gross receipts earned on Kiawah for the prior year.  The application also requires either a tax ID number or social security number for applicant or business, and the state business license number. 

Dog Laws

What are the pet regulations on the beach, when can I let my dog off-leash and where?

Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round, however, there are seasonal leash restraint rules. Fines apply.
• Critical Habitat Area: Dogs are prohibited in the designated critical habitat areas.
• Seasonal Dog Leash Area: From the Critical Habitat Area west of Beachwalker County Park to the eastern boundary of the Beach Club.
March 16 – October 31 Dogs must be leashed at all times.
November 1 – March 15 Dogs are allowed to be off-leash.
• Dog Use Area: Dogs are allowed off-leash year-round in the designated “dog use area” located between the eastern boundary of the Beach Club and the Ocean Course pedestrian access provided they are under control. Off-leash stipulations: The owner must remain with their pet and have in their possession a leash. Pets must be leashed if requested by another beachgoer or by Beach Patrol.

Pet Restraint Map

Fishing

Do I need a fishing license?

Saltwater fishing licenses are required for all recreational fishing.

Where do I obtain a fishing license?

• Seacoast Sports and Outfitters 843-768-8486 (Freshfields Village)
• Bohicket Marina 843-768-1280
• Online at the Department of Natural Resources  843-762-5000
• Many area tackle shops and local Wal-Mart stores.

Where can I fish?

• Fishing Location Map

Garbage

What should I do if my trash is not collected on its scheduled day?

Contact Town Hall at 843-768-9166 or contact Brian Gottshalk at bgottshalk@kiawahisland.org.

Where can I take additional recycling and trash?

The Town has two Public Recycling Centers located on the island. They are located on Kestral Court (off of Sora Rail Rd.) and behind Town Hall 4475 Betsy Kerrison Parkway.

What can be recycled and do I have to separate the material?

Paper, Glass, Aluminum, Steel and any plastic material that contains the recycling symbol. All materials may be mixed together as single stream, all in one container.

If I have a question about my solid waste bill, who do I contact?

Contact the Finance Clerk at 843-768-5109

Where do I pay the solid waste disposal bill?

A self-addressed envelope is provided as an attachment to the bill with the proper address to process the payments through the town’s lockbox payment center.  Payments can also be accepted as a walk-in customer at Town Hall.  The account number should accompany the payment for proper application to your account.  

How often will I be billed for solid waste disposal?

Billing invoices are produced only once yearly in July.  Payment is due by August 30 to avoid penalties.

How do I request to change a specific service?

 For more information contact the Finance Clerk at 843-768-5109.

How do I set up initial solid waste disposal service?

A copy of the closing papers from the closing attorney is required to change ownership.  The trash disposal service stays with the property and ownership and correct billing information is obtained using information from the closing attorney.  

See More

Getting Here

Where do I fly into to access Kiawah Island?

• Charleston International Airport is approximately a 45-minute drive from Kiawah Island.
• Charleston Executive Airport on Johns Island is approximately a 20-minute drive from Kiawah Island.

Medical

Where is the nearest hospital?

• Bon Secours/St. Francis Xavier Hospital (West Ashley)
  2095 Henry Tecklenburg Drive Charleston, SC 29414
  Phone: 843-402-1000
• Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) (Downtown)
  169 Ashley Avenue Charleston, SC 29425
  Phone: 843-792-2300
• Roper Hospital (Downtown)
  316 Calhoun Street Charleston, SC 29401
  Phone: 843-724-2000
• East Cooper Regional Medical Center (Mount Pleasant)
  1200 Johnnie Dodds Blvd Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
  Phone: 843-881-0100
• Trident Medical Center (Summerville)
  9330 Medical Plaza Drive Charleston, SC 29406
  Phone: 843-797-7000
• Mount Pleasant Hospital (Roper St. Francis)(Mount Pleasant)
  3500 North Highway 17 Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
  Phone: 843-606-7000

Medical Centers

• The Kiawah Seabrook Medical and Urgent Care (Freshfields) Dr. Lynn Feldman & Dr. Brian McMahon
  345 Freshfields Drive
• Kiawah Island Family Medicine(East Beach)Dr. Michael R. Book
  5480 Sea Forest Drive

Post Office

Where is the Post Office?

The Johns Island  Post Office  is  located  at 2860 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455

Mailing services are also offered in Freshfields Village in the Post & Computer Center Computer Store Address: 130 Gardners Cir, Johns Island, SC 29455. Phone:843-768-2626.

Religion

Where are the closest places of worship?

Baptist

• First Baptist Church of Johns Island:
  3483 Maybank Highway Johns Island, SC 29455
  Phone: 843-559-0367
• Citadel Square Baptist Church (Downtown)
  328 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29403
  Phone: 843-577-3707

Mosques

• Islamic Center of Charleston (Downtown)
  1117 King Street Charleston, SC 29403
  Phone: 843-958-9585

Episcopal

• Church of Our Savior
  4416 Bohicket Road Johns Island, SC 29455
  Phone: 843-768-2046
• St. John’s Episcopal
  3673 Maybank Highway Johns Island, SC 29455
  Phone: 843-559-9560

Presbyterian

• Johns Island Presbyterian
  2550 Bohicket Road Johns Island, SC 29455
  Phone: 843-559-9380
• First Scots Presbyterian (Downtown)
  53 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401
  Phone: 843-722-8882

Methodist

• Bethany United Methodist
  1853 Maybank Highway James Island, SC 29412
  Phone: 843-795-3527

Christian

• Central Christian Church
  1740 Jervey Street West Ashley, SC 29407
  Phone: 843-556-4201
• James Island Christian Church
  12 Sawgrass Road James Island, SC 29412
  Phone: 843-795-9449

Non-Denominational

• Ashley Heights Church of Christ
  2605 South Oakridge Circle Charleston Heights, SC 29420
  Phone: 843-553-4970

Christian Science

• First Church of Christian Scientists (Downtown)
  137 Moultrie Street Charleston, SC 29403
  Phone: 843-723-3217

Catholic

• Catholic Holy Spirit Catholic
  3871 Betsy Kerrison Parkway Johns Island, SC 
29455
  Phone: 843-768-9039

Synagogues

• Beth Elohim Reform (Downtown)
  69 Wentworth Street Charleston, SC 
29401
  Phone: 843-723-7324
• B’rith Shalom Beth Israel (Downtown)
  182 Rutledge Avenue Charleston, SC 29403
  Phone: 843-577-6599

Renters

How many overnight guests are allowed in my rental unit/house?

Our Rental Ordinance uses the following formula to determine overnight occupancy; 2 persons per bedroom with an additional 2 per home.  Example for a four bedroom home would be 10 persons.

For Residents

Where can I order newspapers?

• Charleston Post & Courier: 843-577-1111
• New York Times: Can be read at the Sandcastle Library or picked up at East Beach. No delivery is currently available on Kiawah Island.
• USA Today: 843-849-7060
• Wall Street Journal: 1-800-Journal

Where can I get Island telephone directories?

• Kiawah Seabrook Exchange Club Directory: Contact Frank Farfone at 843-768-1105.
• Charleston Visitor’s Center, located in Town Hall: contact Jan Fox at 843-768-5116.

Where can I do my banking?

• Bank of America: 125 Hedgerow Ln., Freshfields Village 843-559-4800.
  ATM: 1822 Bohicket Rd, Johns Island
  ATM: 1756 River Rd, Johns Island
• BB&T: 340 Freshfields Dr 843-768-924
• Wells Fargo: 100 Village Green Lane, Freshfields Village 843-768-8248
• Southcoast Community Bank: 2753 Maybank Highway, Johns Island 843-559-5029

Schools

What are the closest schools?

• Ashley Hall School (Exclusively for girls)
  172 Rutledge Avenue 
Charleston, SC 29403
  Phone: 843-722-4088 (K-12)
• Bishop England High School:
  363 Seven Farms Drive 
Charleston, SC 29492
  Phone: 843-849-9599 (9-12)
• Charleston Collegiate School
:
  2024 Academy Drive
 Johns Island, SC 29455
  Phone: 843-559-5506 (K-12)
• The Citadel:
  171 Moultrie Street Charleston, SC 29409
  Phone: 843-953-5000
• College Of Charleston:
  66 George Street Charleston, SC 29424
  Phone: 843-953-5670
• Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
  171 Ashley Avenue Charleston, SC 29425
  Phone: 843-792-2300

Short-Term Rentals

If you’re renting your property for less than 30 consecutive days, you need an annual rental business license for each property prior to advertising or renting and the property must pass inspection for conformance to building codes. A property that is rented for 14 days or less in total during a calendar year is not considered a short-term rental. Any property rented on a long-term lease basis (30 days or longer) must have a standard business license instead of an STR license.  You can read more about the process of renting or about the rental presence on the island by visiting the short-term rental section section of our website.

Town of Kiawah Government

What are the office hours for Town Hall?

8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday thru Friday

When are Town Council meetings held?

Town Council meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month.

See full list of Town meeting schedules

What is a CAFR and what does it tell me?

A CAFR is a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report that gives a detailed explanation of what financially happened for that year. You may view the Town’s annual CAFR reports  on the Finance Departments page or in the Archives.

What revenue does the Town receive to provide for operation of the Town?

The Town’s main revenue comes from Business License, Building Permits, Local Option Sales Tax, Accommodation Taxes, Franchise Fees, and Hospitality Tax to name a few.

Do I as an owner pay property taxes to the Town?

No, the property taxes you pay to Charleston County do not include any taxes for the Town. The Town does not impose ad valorem tax.

When is the town’s year end?

June 30 of each year

How do I join the Town’s Code Red emergency alert system?

Here

How do I submit a Freedom of Information request?

Using the form on the FOIA page, specify the information you want to attain and any other information requested by the form. The form requesting the information shall be emailed, mailed by regular mail, or delivered to the Town Clerk.

The due date for verification of the request is 15 days from the date requested, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. Once the request is verified, the Town will determine an estimate as to the cost to research and copy the requested information.

A request under Freedom of Information will be sent to the Town Attorney or Town Administrator for verification and before final completion to ensure it is in compliance with all aspects of the Freedom of Information Act.

How can I enquire about Board/Committee vacancies?

Contact the Town Clerk at 843-768-9166 or clerk@kiawahisland.org for a list of any vacancies.

What holidays does the Town of Kiawah Island observe?

New Year’s Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

Who do I contact with a general accounts payable question?

Finance Clerk at 843-768-5109 or Dorota Szubert (Treasurer) at 843-768-5104

How long does it take for in invoice to be processed?

It usually takes about two weeks after an invoice is received by the Finance Department to be completed and payment mailed to the vendor. 

Can an invoice be processed as a walk-in customer?

No, there is a process in place and checks are ordered through and mailed from the bank. 

What types of payments are payable to the court?

Money orders, cashiers checks, cash or credit card payments are acceptable forms of payment. 

Where are court payments mailed if I will not be attending court?

Court payments are payable to The Town of Kiawah Island and mailed to 4475 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, Kiawah Island, SC 29455.

Where is Court Chambers located on Kiawah Island?

Municipal Court Chambers are located at the Kiawah Island Town Hall at 4475 Betsy Kerrison Parkway.  

Utilities

How do I arrange for utility services?

Contact these providers directly for new service, or questions about existing service:

• Electric: Berkeley Electric Co-Operative: 843-559-2458 .
• Gas: Berkeley Propane: 843-761-8200
• Water/Sewer: Kiawah Island Utilities – 843-768-0641
• Comcast: 843-554-4100
• DIRECTV 800-480-0872
• Dish Network: 843-769-6960
• AT&T U-verse: 843-780-2355

Voting

Where can I register to vote?

Charleston County Board of Voter Registration: 843-744-8683

What is Kiawah Island’s voting precinct number?

Kiawah Island’s voting precinct number is 1.

Where do I vote on Kiawah Island?

Voting is held at the Sandcastle Community Center at 1 Shipwatch Rd, Kiawah Island, SC 29455 Phone: 843-768-3875

How can I vote Absentee?

Qualified voters may vote absentee in person or by mail. Click here for procedures for voting by absentee ballot 

When are Town Council elections held?

Town Council elections are held every 2 years on the 1st Tuesday in December.

Weather

What happens to local bridges in high winds?

The Charleston County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) works closely with law enforcement officers to receive updates on wind speeds on the various bridges throughout the County during an emergency. The public is warned that no matter what the measured sustained wind speeds, there could be unexpected and dangerous wind gusts of higher speeds.
High span bridges (35 feet high or higher) in Charleston County:
• Arthur Ravenel, Jr.Bridge
• Don Holt Bridge
• Cosgrove Bridge (the “North Bridge”)
• Isle of Palms Connector
• James Island Connector
• Limehouse Bridge
• McKinley Washington Bridge (the “Edisto Bridge”)
• Stono Bridge
• Wando River Bridge
• Wappoo Bridge
• Westmoreland Bridge

At 25 mph, draw bridges are locked down to boat traffic:
Draw bridges and swing bridges (bridges that can be mechanically opened to allow for tall boat traffic to pass through from the water) will be locked down to boat traffic when sustained winds reach 25 mph or greater.

Weddings

How do I get permission to have a wedding on the beach?

Call the Code Enforcement Office at Town Hall at  843-768-9166. We require no permits or fees.  A brief description of the wedding party, date, location on beach and amount of guest are required. No fires or glass products are allowed on the beach.

Wildlife

Are there armadillos on Kiawah Island?

Not yet. Armadillos are expanding their range into our area and will likely be found on Kiawah Island in the near future. Armadillos can cause minor landscape damage by digging and rooting in landscape beds.

Are there cougars (mountain lions, panthers) on Kiawah Island?

No. There has never been a confirmed sighting of a cougar on Kiawah Island. We receive quite a few reports of cougars each year, but none of these reports have ever been verified with photography, tracks, or scat.  Most likely, observers are seeing large bobcats or coyotes. In addition, most of these sightings occur at night when it is very difficult to judge size and details of the animal in question. The nearest free-ranging population of cougars is in the Florida Everglades.

I saw an alligator out of the water, what should I do?

Alligators bask almost daily on the edges of ponds to regulate their body temperature.  It is not necessary to report these types of alligator encounters.  If an alligator is seen in a roadway, driveway, or bike path, please call KICA Security 843-768-5566. 

How do I report an aggressive alligator?

If you encounter an alligator that you believe is aggressive, please call Town Hall 843-768-9166 during normal business hours or call KICA Security at all other times 843-768-5566. Biologists will investigate all reports and determine whether or not the alligator fits the definition of a “nuisance” alligator.  If it does, it will be removed in accordance with SCDNR protocols.  An alligator that is sunning along a pond edge in a yard is not a nuisance alligator.  

How many alligators live on Kiawah Island?

Town Biologists, in conjunction with KICA Lakes staff, conduct annual alligator surveys. Based on these surveys, we estimate there are 600-700 alligators on Kiawah Island and that the population is fairly stable.

How many deer live on Kiawah Island?

Town Biologists conduct biannual spotlight surveys for deer. Based on these surveys, we estimate there are 400-500 deer on Kiawah Island and that the population is stable around 50 deer per square mile.

I found an injured bird, what should I do?

Injured birds on land should be reported to Town Hall 843-768-9166 during normal business hours or to Night Heron Park 843-768-6001.

I saw dead fish floating in a pond, what should I do?

If you see dead fish in a pond, please report it to the KICA Lakes Department 843-768-2315 on weekdays from 7am-3pm.  At all other times, please call KICA Security 843-768-5566.

I saw a raccoon out during the day, is it rabid?

Not likely.  Raccoons are considered nocturnal but will move about during daylight hours if food is scarce.  Many times, raccoons seen during daylight hours are females that are out foraging to feed their growing offspring.  They need to eat a lot to offset the demands of nursing and raising young.  Raccoons certainly do get sick, mainly from canine distemper, and these animals are typically very lethargic, have a crusty nose and eyes, and are in very poor body condition.  These animals should be reported to KICA Security 843-768-5566.

There is an abandoned fawn in my yard, what should I do?

Nothing. The fawn is not abandoned but has been intentionally left in that spot by the doe.  Fawns will lie quietly for hours until the doe returns to allow them to nurse.  Fawns are scent-free during their first few weeks of life which allows them to remain relatively safe from predators if they lie still.  The doe stays away to keep her scent and movements from drawing the attention of predators.  If you encounter a fawn, do not approach or touch it.  Any interaction with humans greatly increases the chance of the fawn being killed or injured.

Are bobcats a threat to people?

No.  Bobcats on Kiawah Island are very visible and at times seem to show little concern for the presence of people.  Despite this, they do not pose a real threat to humans.  There are occasional reports of bobcat-human incidents but these almost always involve special circumstances, i.e. a turkey hunter hiding at the base of a tree making turkey calls or a person intervening in an altercation between a bobcat and domestic pet.