Flood Awareness

Living in a coastal community has many benefits; promotes an active lifestyle, reduces stress, and better mental health are just a few. Coastal communities are also susceptible to the forces of nature from flooding, high winds, and earthquakes. The Town of Kiawah Island is a participating member of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which affords business owners and residents of our island reasonable flood insurance rates. The Town is also a participating member of the Community Rating System, an incentivized program to help reduce the overall costs of flood insurance premiums. All business owners and residents of Kiawah Island are encouraged to purchase a flood insurance policy that will aid in protecting their investment and ensure expedient recovery after a storm event. If you need assistance in finding an NFIP insurance provider you can go to https://www.floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance-provider, or call NFIP at 877-336-2627.

Prevention

NO DUMPING OR LITTERING
Do not dump or throw anything into the ditches, streams, or lagoons. Dumping in Kiawah’s waterways and impoundments violates the Town’s Municipal Code, Section 15-213. A single plastic garbage bag can clog a spillway gate and cause a chain reaction backup, flooding a large area. Even grass clippings and shrubbery trimmings can accumulate, plugging storm drains and gates.

CLEAR DEBRIS
If your property is adjacent to a ditch, stream, or lagoon, please do your part to keep the banks clear of debris. If you see unauthorized dumping anywhere near ditches, streams, or lagoons, contact Town Hall at (843) 768-9166.

GET A PERMIT
Always check with Town Hall, KICA, and the Architectural Review Board before you build on, alter, remodel, re-grade, or fill on your property. Permits are required to ensure you comply with all applicable ordinances and regulations. If you have any questions regarding permits, please call the Town’s Building Services department at  (843) 768-9166. If you see a building or land alterations at a site without a permit sign posted, report it to the Town (843) 768-9166.