Chimney Sweep Near Me Folly Beach, SC

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - The Folly Beach City Council is appealing a court ruling that struck down parts of the city’s short-term rental ordinance and permit fee system.

During a special committee meeting Wednesday afternoon, the city council also decided to install a short-term rental moratorium that will place all new applications on hold until the city’s ongoing short-term rental study is complete.

There are some exceptions, including licenses for renewal, anyone who was offered a license from the wait list, anyone issued one for a 72-day license, and anyone who applied after the ruling.

City leaders shared that 54 applications were made since the ruling, and all will be exempt from the moratorium.

“Today was really about just what’s in the best interest for the city,” Chris Bizzell, the Folly Beach mayor, says. “Keeping the litigation of, you know, all our options open was really behind the decision. It really wasn’t about litigating the cap; this was more about what’s in the best interest for Folly Beach.”

If passed during the second reading, the moratorium will end in 2027.

“The moratorium is more about limiting our exposure going forward just so that if licenses do come in the interim while this appeal is being processed, we’re in good shape legally there,” Bizzell says.

The Aug. 14 court order stems from a challenging Folly Beach’s voter-approved cap on short-term rentals and a registration permit fee charged to operators. The cap limited short-term rentals on the island to 800, and rental operators had to pay a business license tax on top of a permit fee.

Court show a Charleston County judge ruled the rental cap was improperly enacted in 2023 through the referendum process, and the permit fee was ruled an unlawful tax under state law, thus making both portions of the ordinance “invalid” and “void.”

With the court order and appeal, an automatic 10-day stay is currently in place, meaning the judge’s ruling will not be immediately enforced. During this 10-day window, short-term rental applications can be submitted but will not be formally accepted or denied. Afterwards, the moratorium will take effect if passed.

“Today’s whole vote was about minimizing our legal exposure, making sure we have all the options available to us,” Bizzell says.

This is also an issue that has left residents divided and has caused a larger debate on balancing tourism and livability for permanent residents.

“I hope that everyone you know can realize at the end of the day we all love Folly Beach,” Bizzell says. “So if you disagree on both sides of this issue, just make sure you disagree civilly and with respect. And always remember, too, the city’s still continuing along with our short-term rental study. So that’s when we’ll start making policy decisions. Today was more about just looking at that appeal process.”

Some full-time residents want the cap to stay, alleging it protects the culture and livability of the city.

Other full-time residents and property owners want to get rid of the cap, alleging it has hurt owners, renters and residents through fees and overcomplicating the issue.

Sam Meader has lived on Folly Beach with his wife since 2012, and they both own The Rathershacks, which includes 10 short-term rentals, and they also manage another eight. He says the cap has negatively affected property values across the city.

“If the current judgment is upheld after appeal, then the cap would go away, and we hope the city would refund the illegal taxes we have been paying since 2023 to renew our STR Registrations,” Meader says. “If they don’t, then we can expect a class action suit by STR property owners for a refund of these taxes.”

He says the short-term study also should’ve been done before the cap was implemented in 2023.

“It’s too little too late now, as we have seen what the CAP has done to stagnate property values, and did little to promote affordable housing, which was one of the reasons the cap got voted in,” Meader says. “The study would be a waste of time, as it will show both of those data points that have already been proven.”

Prior to the lawsuit, the city had already budgeted for a short-term rental study to find a balanced regulatory solution. Now their goal is to complete the study to find the best way to move forward.

This ruling still allows the city to pass new rental caps or regulations in the future, as long as they follow the standard legislative process.

The appeal passed almost unanimously, with one council member voting against it.

FOLLY BEACH — A lawsuit challenging the city’s short-term rental limits could be heard by South Carolina’s highest court.

Attorneys for Elizabeth Spratt Cooper and Park Lane Partners, LLC, filed a request in the state Court of Appeals on Sept. 18 asking that the case be transferred to the S.C. Supreme Court.

The case moved out of Charleston County’s Circuit Court and into the state appellate court in August. Circuit Judge Thomas Rode ruled in favor of Cooper and Park Lane, writing that portions of the short-term rental limits enacted in 2023, like a recently-eliminated registration fee, were invalid because it amounted to an illegal tax.

Per Folly Beach’s budget, the city collected roughly $1.5 million in 2025 alone from the fees. A proposed class action lawsuit was filed Sept. 3 seeking to reimburse these fees to residents.

The city of Folly Beach quickly sought to appeal Rode’s ruling and filed to do so on Aug. 21.

The ordinance that limited available short-term rental permits to 800 total was put in place through a citizen’s referendum in 2023. Voters narrowly approved the cap in a closely-watched special election.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs say that because the ongoing appeal is tied to the results of an election, the litigation belongs in the state Supreme Court, according to court filings. State judicial rules give the Supreme Court exclusive jurisdiction to hear appeals on circuit court judgments pertaining to elections and election procedure.

They also argue in their motion to transfer that the ongoing suit is “a matter of significant public interest” and that “those with property and business interests in Folly Beach have been extraordinarily vocal” since Rode’s Aug. 14 ruling.

The City of Folly Beach will hold a special meeting on Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. to discuss the municipality’s response to the request. Officials will and receive legal advice on the pros and cons of transferring the case while in executive session, City Administrator Aaron Pope wrote in a memo to council included in the agenda packet.

Also included in the agenda packet is a resolution agreeing to transfer the case to the S.C. Supreme Court, which the council will vote on Tuesday night.

Here’s what you need to know to plan a trip to Folly Beach, South Carolina.

When I moved to Charleston several years ago, finding a favorite beach was a top priority, especially as the summer heat began to set in. While I had grown up vacationing on nearby Kiawah Island, I knew I’d need a closer coastal escape, one with a decidedly younger, more laid-back atmosphere. This desire sparked my first trip out to Folly Beach—one of Charleston’s main beaches—with a lounge chair, sunscreen, and a couple of page-turning books in hand. Over the next couple of years, Folly became my go-to spot when friends were visiting from out of town. It’s a destination with everything you need for an amazing beach weekend, including shopping, seafood restaurants, relaxed bars, and the wide, sandy coastline South Carolina is famous for.

Folly Beach is technically a city on Folly Island, although its personality and attributes are more akin to your classic Southern beach town. “Folly is a funky, hippie, surfy, small barrier island that has a warm vibe and beautiful views,” Jenny Brown, founder and owner of Shaka Surf School, tells Travel + Leisure. It may be home to a variety of tourist attractions and shops, but there’s always a steady beat of originality that calls to both travelers and locals alike. “Folly Beach has traditionally been a local gem, welcoming people from all walks of life to experience the true essence of South Carolina and the genuine spirit of Charleston,” says Stephanie Dasher, the former executive director of Warrior Surf Foundation. “This authenticity gives Folly Beach its eclectic charm, setting it apart as a beach with character and a story to tell.”

Jenny Brown is the founder and owner of Shaka Surf School in Folly Beach.

Stephanie Dasher was the executive director of Warrior Surf Foundation, a nonprofit that provides surf therapy to veterans.

Ashby Gale is the owner and lead paleontologist of Charleston Fossil Adventures.

Read on to discover where to stay, what to do, and when to visit Folly Beach, according to local experts.

Where to Stay

Instead of a hotel, Brown recommends finding “a cute B&B or renting a tiny, original 1950s house.” There are several of these charming homes on Folly—and we rounded up a few of the best ones below.

With room for up to five guests, this charming home is located within walking distance of the beach as well as most of the restaurants and bars on Folly. It’s outfitted with all of the modern amenities—including a washer and dryer—and the front deck comes with Adirondack chairs and twinkling bistro lights, making it the perfect place to lounge the night away.

Blackbeard’s Folly is a recently renovated beach home composed of three separate apartments, but they can all be booked for an entire group if desired (sleeping 24 guests in total). While each apartment has a different layout, they share a picture-perfect patio and beachy bar. The best part? The patio features three outdoor showers, where you can wash any sand off before coming inside.

A converted dental office—hence the name—The Smile is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage located just half a block from Center Street. There’s plenty of room to spread out, with a kitchen, living area, and large front porch at your disposal. One recent traveler described it as “clean, close to everything, and filled with character.”

Best Things to Do

In the words of Brown, “Slow down and relax… you’re on Folly.” This is especially pertinent advice for a beach day. Folly Beach boasts six miles of wide beaches, and this map highlights beach access points (as well as ones that are ADA accessible), places to park, and public restrooms. If you require beach chairs or umbrellas during your visit, you can either buy them from a local shop or rent them from Folly Beach Chair Company. No matter your game plan for the day, be sure to brush up on what you’re allowed—and not allowed (glass containers, plastic bags)—to bring on the beach.

For Dasher, taking a surf lesson is a “must-try activity” for anyone “seeking memorable experiences on Folly Beach.” She recommends Isla Surf School, but you can also check out Carolina Salt Surf Lessons or Shaka Surf School to learn (or improve) your surfing technique and etiquette.

The tallest lighthouse in South Carolina may only be accessible by boat, but you can get a good view of it from Folly Beach. As a way to get your steps in and explore more of the island, Ashby Gale, owner and lead paleontologist of Charleston Fossil Adventures, suggests walking to “the ‘east end’ of the island to watch the sun (or moon) rise next to the Morris Island Lighthouse.” To get even closer, you can embark on the Morris Island Lighthouse Tour, which provides guests with a better understanding of coastal wildlife, ecology, and the history of the lighthouse.

Folly Beach is one of the best places around Charleston to look for shark teeth, an activity that can be fun for the whole family. It’s also one that requires patience and a sharp eye, so it’s often better to go with a guide. “If you don’t find shark teeth when you visit, please consider booking an adventure with one of Charleston Fossil Adventures’ paleontologists to guarantee you go home with pockets full of fossils,” says Gale. “We have adventures that leave by boat directly from Folly and other boat locations within a 30-minute drive.”

Best Restaurants

Charleston’s impressive culinary scene extends out to Folly Beach, where you’ll find the Jack of Cups Saloon. “Jack of Cups has so many options and [a] changing menu,” says Brown, who also notes there’s a “fun porch out back.” While the menu itself is evolving, the restaurant describes its offerings as “unexpected dishes, often inspired by Asian and Indian flavors.”

Following a long day in the sun, there’s nowhere better than Chico Feo to grab a cold drink and some tacos. Gale gives it points for its “small, intimate setting, simple yet tasty menu, and off-the-beaten-path [location].” The casual outdoor picnic tables are also ideal for gathering with a group of friends to listen to live music, poetry readings, or even comedy routines, which are often part of the Chico Feo Soapbox Nights held every Monday.

While Italian food might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you envision a meal at the beach, Alfredo’s On Folly may prove you wrong. “Alfredo’s On Folly [has] homemade pasta, epic sauces, and a great hometown vibe,” says Brown. After a full day of swimming, biking, or surfing, you’ll be more than ready for a chicken parm panini or spaghetti topped with beef ragu.

For a pre-beach-day breakfast, Gale recommends Lost Dog Cafe. With a menu that consists of hearty favorites like biscuits and sausage gravy, breakfast burritos, French toast, pancakes, and huevos rancheros, the restaurant basically guarantees you won’t leave hungry. As a bonus, you’re more than welcome to bring your dog along for the experience.

Best Shopping

Browsing Bert’s Market, a destination Dasher describes as a “community convenience store that never sleeps,” is a Folly Beach experience every visitor needs to have at least once. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Bert’s is technically the only grocery store on the island, but it’s a lot more than that. Along with your typical groceries, you’ll also find household goods, wine, fishing supplies, a hot food bar, and a full-service deli. “Bert’s is renowned for its friendly service and the opportunity to savor a signature Turkey Crunch wrap—don’t forget the turkey bacon,” says Dasher.

Center Street, the area’s main hub, is lined with a variety of kitschy shops you can pop into for beach towels, tank tops, and all manner of Folly Beach memorabilia. As you stroll down the street, keep an eye out for Mr. John’s Beach Store, Beachwear & Gifts, Islander, and Palms. You can also turn onto East Avenue, where you’ll find Folly Sol, a local artisan boutique and gallery.

Folly Beach is a true surf town—and there are a couple of stores to frequent if you’re looking to improve your skills on a board. McKevlin’s Surf Shop and Ocean Surf Shop are both located on Center Street, and each offers bodyboard and surfboard rentals—the latter has paddle boards, too—as well as expert advice on wave conditions and what you need to know before getting out in the Folly surf.

Best Time to Visit

Summer is, unsurprisingly, one of the most popular times to visit Folly Beach—as it’s the best time of the year for swimming in the ocean. The off-season months, however, contain their own brand of magic. “Spring and fall are great… with smaller crowds,” says Brown. And, according to Gale, if you visit from October through March, you may have a better chance of finding a unique souvenir to take home with you. “Nor’easters and high winds often pull more sand off our beaches, uncovering more fossil material than we see during the summer months,” he explains.

How to Get There

Charleston International Airport (CHS) is about 20 miles from Folly Beach, but the exact time it takes to arrive on the island heavily depends on traffic. “There is only one road on and off the island,” says Gale, referring to Folly Road, the major thoroughfare you’ll take through James Island, which turns into Folly Beach Road and eventually into Center Street. “Plan your arrival carefully, as holidays and weekends frequently see traffic gridlocked 3 miles from the beach.”

How to Get Around

While you can drive to and around Folly Beach, parking can sometimes be difficult, particularly on the weekends. If you’re staying overnight, Dasher recommends biking and walking. “These unhurried methods allow visitors to be fully present, savoring the moment and absorbing the vibrant atmosphere while reducing the likelihood of missing noteworthy details and encounters,” she says. Visitors can also opt to rent a golf cart from Folly Beach Golf Carts; just make sure to understand the rules and regulations before driving one around the island.

FOLLY BEACH, SC (WCIV) — As summer winds down on Folly Beach, some businesses are closing out the season with record-breaking profits while others are reporting low numbers, with major road construction on Center Street blamed for a noticeable drop in foot and vehicle traffic.

At Pinky’s on Folly Beach, general manager Jeff Caudill said the season delivered strong results. “We broke our sales records from previous years, over a million dollars in revenue between the two properties,” Caudill said.

Caudill also pointed to a shift in consumer behavior compared with recent years. “I think people are starting to feel a little bit more free and not spending money again," he said.

READ MORE | Folly Beach short-term rental owners file proposed class-action over permit fees

Other businesses along Center Street said the construction created challenges, particularly for local customers trying to get to the area. DJ Rich, owner of Follywood Bar, said, “For all of us on Center Street, it's been a little bit of a down here with the construction. It was harder for a lot of our locals to get out here, but we still made it through at the end of the year.”

Rich said his bar is built around year-round residents rather than relying on a seasonal tourism spike. “We're a neighborhood dive bar. You know, we don't get a huge spike in the summer and drop off in the winter. We stay pretty even all year because we're a locals place for the most part,” he said.

Rich said that focus on locals is intentional and central to the business’s identity. “This community means a lot to us. So when we opened, we said we wanted to be a community-driven place. We didn't want to be a touristy spot and then we could close in the winter. You know, we wanted to be here year-round. We're a part of the community,” he said.

Other business owners along Center Street said they expect customer traffic to decline as tourists head home after the summer season.

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) — People from near and far spent Labor Day soaking in what many consider summer’s last hurrah at Folly Beach.

Beachgoers described their summer in a single word, calling it eventful, life-changing, surprising and hot.

High school seniors Lilyana Sturm and Talia White, of Summerville, started the day early to mark a milestone with a sunrise.

“They wanted to have senior sunrise cause it’s usually at the beach, and so we had our whole friend group, and it was really sweet, and we were up really early. We came at like six in the morning,” Sturm and White said.

Tom Davis and Alice Johnson-Davis traveled from Nashville to spend the holiday at Folly Beach with family.

“We decided to come here too because my daughter and I had been here about 15 years ago and stayed at the Tides and had a great time,” Davis and Johnson-Davis said.

Eight-year-olds Sawyer Hill and Josie Jordan said their day included a chilly treat. “We both got acai bowls today,” they said.

Kiley Shiegh, Amy Ding and Angela Liu, of Greenville, said they planned to head to brunch before returning to the beach.

“We’re about to head to brunch and then we’re going to just chill at the beach and tan and swim,” they said.

Kaysen School and 12-year-old Ryder Diaz said they planned to be cautious in the water because of wind conditions. “Hopefully have fun. The wind is really strong, so we’re trying to stay away from the current, stay away from the waves, stay away from the sharks,” they said.

Daniel Hall, a freshman at Trident Technical College, said he is preparing for the start of his college journey but focused Monday on staying in the present.

“Just like have fun and not really try to stress about school and like that. Just kind of live,” Hall said.

Nick Young and his son spent the day fishing, catching mostly pompano.

Autumn does not officially begin until Sept. 22.

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