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Myrtle Beach grants restaurants emergency signage

The City of Myrtle Beach is giving restaurants more flexibility for additional signs and tents during the coronavirus emergency.  The governor this week ordered restaurants to stop “dining in,” but allowed them to provide “take-out” and “to-go” service.  City Manager John Pedersen has signed an order allowing temporary signage and operational rules to help restaurants cope. 

Pursuant to provisions of Chapter 8 of the Myrtle Beach Code of Ordinances and the March 14 Declaration of Civil Emergency by Mayor Brenda Bethune, here are the temporary operational rules and procedures for restaurants, effective immediately. 

This order will remain in effect until modified or rescinded by a subsequent order or until City Council has approved the end of the Civil Emergency.  The temporary special operational rules and procedures for restaurants inside the City of Myrtle Beach are:

 

  1. Notwithstanding other zoning regulations governing signs, the following temporary signage is allowed:

 

    • Temporary freestanding signage not to exceed 32 square feet total, which may include banners and “A” frame signs.
    • May have up to four temporary directional signs not to exceed four (4) square feet each.
    • Temporary wall signage not to exceed 32 square feet total.
    • Balloons are prohibited.
    • Through end of Sunday, March 29, 2020, the use of restaurant “mascots” is permitted.  This provision may be extended on a week-by-week basis thereafter.

 

  1. Restaurants may have up to three temporary tents, not to exceed 300 square feet in total.

 

  1. Sign/tent placement:

 

    • Any temporary tents and/or signage may only be placed on the property in which the restaurant is located unless such property has a zero front setback.
    • Signs may not be placed in a public right of way unless the restaurant has a zero lot line.  In such cases, the restaurant may submit a site plan showing the placement of signage only (no tents) on the adjacent sidewalk.  The plan must maintain a minimum of four feet clear passage so as not to obstruct pedestrian use of the sidewalk. In such instances signage is limited to eight square feet in the public rights-of-way.  Such cases must be specifically approved by the City Manager and shall include an assumption of liability by the restaurant for any claims arising from the placement of signage in the rights-of-way.
    • Signs may not be placed in such a way to cause a sight hazard (subject to the city’s sole determination).

 

  1. Public parking spaces may be temporarily designated and/or marked for the following uses:

 

    • Curbside Pickup
    • Delivery

 

  1. The temporary rules and procedures above are subject to modification, in whole or in part, upon public notice thereof.