North Myrtle Beach, August 19, 2025
Country Living Amish Store
Country Living Amish Store is a family-owned retail business that specializes in authentic Amish-made products, including furniture, home decor, and handcrafted goods. Established in the early 2000s, the store was founded to bring traditional Amish craftsmanship to a wider audience, emphasizing quality and sustainability. Over the years, it has grown from a small local shop to a well-known destination for those seeking rustic and Amish-style merchandise. The store prides itself on supporting Amish artisans and maintaining the integrity of traditional crafting methods. With a dedication to customer satisfaction and authentic products, Country Living Amish Store has become a trusted name in the rural and suburban communities they serve.
News Summary
The North Myrtle Beach City Council has approved new regulations for outdoor merchandise displays to reduce clutter from closed businesses. The ordinance restricts displays to 20% of a building’s frontage and 10 feet out from the structure. This aims to maintain community aesthetics while allowing businesses to showcase their products. Exemptions for certain items will be reconsidered, and existing businesses are likely to face no immediate impact. This measure is part of the city’s initiative for a more appealing commercial environment.
North Myrtle Beach has enacted new regulations concerning outdoor merchandise displays aimed at addressing issues related to clutter from closed businesses. On Monday, August 18, the North Myrtle Beach City Council approved both the first and second readings of an ordinance that will govern how businesses display merchandise outside their premises. This legislation stems from concerns raised by various local businesses, particularly following the closure of the Country Living Amish Store, which left a significant amount of unsightly merchandise in its yard.
The newly approved ordinance stipulates that outdoor merchandise displays must not exceed 20 percent of the building’s linear frontage facing the main highway, and these displays cannot extend more than 10 feet from the building itself. In this way, the ordinance aims to maintain an aesthetic appeal for the community while still allowing businesses to showcase their products.
Rationale Behind the Ordinance
Mayor Pro Tem Jay Baldwin highlighted the necessity of regulating these displays to prevent a proliferation of clutter that can arise when businesses close. Currently, some outdoor merchandise types, like hammocks and various outdoor items, are exempt from restrictions in existing zoning laws. However, city officials are advocating for the removal of these exemptions, emphasizing the importance of consistency in maintaining community aesthetics.
Ordinance Details
Among the changes introduced by the ordinance is a clause that allows outdoor displays beneath permanent building overhangs, provided pedestrian pathways remain unobstructed. This provision aims to balance the needs of local businesses with public safety and aesthetics.
City officials, including Assistant Director of Planning Suzanne Pritchard, have stressed the importance of keeping a balance between accommodating beach-related outdoor items and maintaining visual coherence in the community. Mayor Marilyn Hatley also expressed her support for the proposed changes, noting the significance of proper landscaping maintenance in commercial areas.
Impact on Businesses
The ordinance, if finalized, will primarily affect new businesses or those that have been closed but plan to reopen. Existing establishments are unlikely to be impacted by these new regulations. This move is part of a broader strategy by the city council to promote a more unified and attractive commercial landscape in North Myrtle Beach.
Election Commission Appointments
In addition to discussing the ordinance, the council appointed three new members to the city’s election commission: Kathy Dukes, Scott Slater, and Truman Williams. The decision to fill these vacancies was deemed necessary in light of the upcoming city elections, ensuring a well-functioning electoral process going forward.
Conclusion
The North Myrtle Beach City Council’s endorsement of this ordinance marks a significant step toward regulating outdoor merchandise displays in a manner that seeks to balance business interests, aesthetic considerations, and community safety. The council’s actions indicate a commitment to maintaining the unique charm and attractiveness of the area while responding to the concerns of local businesses.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of the new outdoor merchandise display ordinance?
The main purpose is to regulate outdoor displays to prevent clutter from closed businesses and to maintain community aesthetics.
When were the first and second readings of the ordinance approved?
The first and second readings were approved on August 18.
What are the key regulations outlined in the ordinance?
Displays must not exceed 20 percent of the building’s linear frontage facing the main highway and cannot extend more than 10 feet from the building.
How will the ordinance affect existing businesses?
The ordinance is primarily expected to impact new businesses or those planning to reopen, rather than existing ones.
Are there any exemptions under the current zoning laws?
Currently, certain outdoor merchandise items, like hammocks, are exempt from restrictions. The city officials propose to remove these exemptions.
What other council actions were taken during the meeting?
The council appointed three new members to the city’s election commission to prepare for upcoming city elections.
Key Features of the Ordinance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Height Limitation | Outdoor displays cannot exceed 20% of building’s linear frontage. |
| Extension Limit | Displays cannot extend more than 10 feet from the building. |
| Exemptions | Proposed removal of current exemptions on certain outdoor items. |
| Public Pathway | Displays must not obstruct pedestrian pathways. |
| Effect on Existing Businesses | Primarily impacts new businesses or those planning to reopen. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
WagBar Opening in Myrtle Beach as New Dog-Friendly Destination
Chris Gotterup Wins Big at the Scottish Open Golf Tournament
Myrtle Beach Restaurants Shine in Yelp’s Top 100 List
Golf Showdown: Gotterup Triumphs at the Scottish Open
Black’s Tire Service Hosts Charity Golf Tournament
Myrtle Beach High School Sanctioned Over Athlete Eligibility Violations
Myrtle Beach High School Faces Fine for Athletic Violations
Conway’s Culinary Renaissance: A Dining Destination Emerges
Myrtle Beach Leads in Carolina Squat Truck Ban Enforcement
Charity Golf Tournaments in Myrtle Beach
Additional Resources
- WMBF News: North Myrtle Beach Council Approves Changes to Outdoor Display Rules
- Horry News: North Myrtle Beach Council Looks to Clean Up Business Yards
- WMBF News: City Council Looks to Clean Up Business Yards in North Myrtle
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News Article
- Newsweek: North & South Carolina Wildfire Map
- Wikipedia: North Myrtle Beach
- Google Search: North Myrtle Beach news
- Google Scholar: North Myrtle Beach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Myrtle Beach
- Google News: North Myrtle Beach
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
