(A) Authority. The provisions are adopted pursuant to the police powers of municipalities generated by state legislation, including the State Home Rule Act, construed in accordance with provisions of the South Carolina State Constitution and the South Carolina Code of Laws, and pursuant to the authority conferred by S.C. Code Title 50, specifically §§ 50-21-30(C)(1), 50-21-80, and 50-21-190(B) thereof.
(B) Purpose. The provisions of this subchapter are adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety, welfare, and general convenience by:
(1) Ensuring that vessel owners are responsibly using the city's waterways without causing undue environmental harm, creating hazardous conditions, or leaving derelict and abandoned vessels in the waterways; and
(2) Preventing environmental harm of spilled fuel, human waste, or other pollutants that can be associated with derelict or live aboard vessels not properly pumped or maintained; and
(3) Protecting human life and navigation hazards associated with over-crowded waterways, haphazardly moored vessels, or sunken vessels, particularly near public boat landings and other crowded areas; and
(4) Protecting, preserve, restore, and enhance the city's natural waterways and marshes; and
(5) Preventing damage to public bridges and boat landings, and private docks and marinas through improperly moored or listing vessels; and
(6) Preventing wasteful tax expenditures for the cost of removing sunken and abandoned vessels.
(Ord. 22-20, passed 10-13-20; Am. Ord. 005-24, passed 3-12-24)