According to the S. C. Code, what is considered a critical area?

The identification of coastal waters, tidelands, and beaches as a critical area aligns with the South Carolina Code's emphasis on protecting sensitive coastal environments. These areas are crucial for maintaining the health of marine ecosystems, protecting against erosion, and supporting biodiversity. The designation as critical areas is driven by their unique ecological characteristics and the increased vulnerability they face from human activity and climate change.

While urban developments near water sources and residential areas with high-density housing may also have environmental considerations, they do not specifically qualify as critical areas under the same criteria applied to coastal regions. Additionally, areas prone to flooding, although important for consideration in land use and planning, do not encompass the broader ecological and regulatory concerns that characterize coastal waters, tidelands, and beaches. Hence, the focus on coastal environments is fundamental to ensuring that regulations are effectively protecting these critical natural resources.