Freedom of Information Act

South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) makes records and meetings of public bodies open and available to citizens, with some exceptions.

View SC Code of Laws §30-4-10 - Public Records

* Please note that Section 30-2-50 of the South Carolina Code of Laws provides that "A person or private entity shall not knowingly obtain or use personal information obtained from a state agency, a local government, or other political subdivision of the State for commercial solicitation directed to any person in this State" and "A person knowingly violating the provisions of subsection (A) is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined an amount not to exceed five hundred dollars or imprisoned for a term not to exceed one year, or both."

Records Available Online

• Flood Elevation Certificates
• Building Permits
• Site Development Plans
• Town Council Agendas and Approved Minutes
• Town Boards, Committees or Commissions Agendas and Minutes

How do I make a FOIA Request?

To submit, track and/or search public records requests use the Town's online Public Records Request Portal.

You have three options when submitting an online request.
Submit your request using only one form below.  Please do not duplicate your request. 

1. Public Information Request
   General requests for public records, not including building records requests.
2. Building Records Request
   Requests for building permits, building and site plans, and flood elevation certificates.
3. Fire Rescue Public Information Request
   Requests for fire incident reports and EMS-related information.

Submit a Public Records Request

How long will it take to get a response?

The Town has 10 business days, excluding weekends and observed holidays, to determine and respond if the information requested is publicly available under FOIA, unless the requested record is more than 24 months old, in which case the deadline is 20 business days.

How long will it take to get the records?

• The Town has 30 calendar days from the date we respond that the request will be full-filled to produce the requested records.
• When a deposit is required per the fee schedule below, the town must produce the records within 30 days of receiving the deposit.
• The deadline is 35 days for records that are more than two years old.

Fees

Per SC law, a public body may charge for searching, retrieving, redacting and copying records.

• Research/copy time 15 minutes or less - no charge.
• The hourly rate for research time is based on the salary grade of the employee performing the research:
• Salary Grades 13-18 = $22 per hour
• Salary Grades 19-23 = $35 per hour
• Salary Grades 24 and above = $51 per hour
• Copies: 10 cents per page
  • Note: If no fee is required for research/copy time (15 minutes or less), copy costs may still apply.
• If costs for searching, retrieving, redacting and copying records exceed $50, a 25 percent deposit will be required before staff begins research.

Questions?

Contact our Administration Manager, Faidra Smith at FaidraS@hiltonheadislandsc.gov or 843-341-4640.