Weather for the Following Location: South Carolina on Map

North Myrtle Beach Council Proposes New Outdoor Display Regulations

Outdoor merchandise displays in North Myrtle Beach with clear pathways

Country Living Amish Store

Country Living Amish Store is a family-owned retail business that offers a wide range of traditional Amish and country-style products, including handcrafted furniture, homemade foods, handcrafted crafts, and clothing. Established over two decades ago, the store was founded with the goal of providing authentic Amish goods directly from local Amish communities. Over the years, it has built a reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and preserving traditional ways of life. The store emphasizes supporting local artisans and preserving Amish heritage while offering customers a unique shopping experience rooted in history and authenticity. Today, it remains a beloved destination for those seeking genuine Amish products and a taste of traditional American country living.

News Summary

The North Myrtle Beach City Council has proposed new regulations for outdoor merchandise displays in response to business closures. The changes aim to tackle concerns over abandoned items left by closed businesses, like the Country Living Amish Store. Under new proposals, displays would need to be limited in size and location to maintain clear pathways. This initiative reflects the city’s commitment to a functional and attractive environment, promoting local businesses while ensuring proper management of outdoor merchandise displays.

North Myrtle Beach – The North Myrtle Beach City Council convened on August 4 to discuss new regulations regarding outdoor merchandise displays following a spate of business closures. The council’s objective is to address concerns over unsightly and abandoned merchandise that has been left behind by closed storefronts, notably the large amount of items left by the recently shuttered Country Living Amish Store.

Suzanne Pritchard, Assistant Director of Planning, emphasized the necessity for the city to manage outdoor merchandise effectively. Currently, existing zoning laws allow certain outdoor items like hammocks to be exempt from restrictions, leading to problematic situations when businesses close down. In response, the council is proposing to amend these regulations to ensure that outdoor merchandise is better controlled in the future.

Proposed Changes to Ordinance

The city council is considering a proposal that would remove the exemption for hammocks and similar outdoor merchandise from the current zoning ordinance. Under the new proposals, outdoor displays would be permitted only in designated areas under a permanent building overhang or porch. This change aims to maintain clear pedestrian pathways while still allowing businesses to showcase some merchandise outdoors.

Moreover, the proposed regulations stipulate that outdoor merchandise displays should not exceed 20% of the building’s linear frontage that faces the main highway. Additionally, these displays must not extend more than 10 feet from the main structure. The guidelines aim to strike a balance between promoting local businesses and ensuring the aesthetic and functional integrity of public walkways.

Impact of Changes

These proposed amendments would specifically apply to new businesses or those that have closed and are planning to reopen. This targeted approach aims to mitigate potential issues before they arise and provide a more structured system for outdoor displays in the future.

Next Steps

The council has scheduled the first reading of the proposed ordinance for its next meeting on August 18. This marks a crucial step in the legislative process, as the input from council members and the public will be taken into consideration before any final decisions are made.

Election Commission Appointments

In addition to the discussions regarding outdoor merchandise, the city council also appointed three new members to the city’s election commission. This move was made in light of the upcoming local elections, highlighting the importance of having experienced individuals in place to manage the electoral process effectively.

Context

The need for revised regulations follows a pattern identified in the area, where outdoor merchandise often becomes abandoned and leads to clutter in public spaces. The existing zoning laws have not sufficiently covered the issues arising from closed businesses, prompting the city council to take action. The proposed ordinance changes reflect the city’s commitment to maintaining an attractive and functional environment for residents and visitors alike, while also supporting local businesses.

With the first reading of the proposed ordinance approaching, it is evident that the North Myrtle Beach City Council is taking proactive steps to address these challenges, ensuring the community remains a vibrant and welcoming destination for all.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

New Golf Cart Regulations in Conway Transform Community Rides
North Myrtle Beach Considers New Regulations for Outdoor Displays
Pato O’Ward Responds to IndyCar Imagery in Controversial Announcement
Conway Approves New Golf Cart Ordinance
Duke Energy Allocates $200,000 in Grants for South Carolina Seniors
Myrtle Beach Becomes Most Searched Beach in the U.S.
Closure of Solé Italian Restaurant in Myrtle Beach
Bistro B Opens as New Dining and Recreational Spot in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach to Host Black’s Tire & Auto Service Charity Golf Tournament
North Myrtle Beach Proposes New Restrictions on Outdoor Merchandise Displays

Additional Resources

STAFF HERE 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.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!
Advertising Opportunity:

Stay Connected

More Updates

Interior view of Net Par Shallotte showcasing high-tech golf simulators and social areas.

New Indoor Golf Facility Opens in Shallotte

Shallotte, December 3, 2025 News Summary Net Par Shallotte, a new indoor golf facility, is set to open in early 2024, bringing state-of-the-art golfing technology and

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Sign Up Now and get your local business listed!