Important Dates
Public Safety Committee - January 18 | 11:30 a.m.
Ways and Means - January 23 | 3:00 p.m.
CERT - January 25 | 3:00 p.m.
BZA - January 30 | 1:00 p.m.
Christmas Tree Collection - curbside, every Thursday until January 26
NEW TOKI
Podcast Episode Now Available
We are excited to announce the release of a new episode of Sharing With The Community: A Podcast from the Town of Kiawah Island. This episode is available on all major podcast platforms for streaming. This podcast will offer a unique perspective on relevant topics in our community. 

In this episode, we had the opportunity to interview Russell Berner, the Town's newly elected Council Member. Mr. Berner shared his background, motivation for running for council, and top priorities as a council member. Take advantage of this informative and engaging episode!

Click here for immediate access and to stream all TOKI podcast episodes. Happy Streaming! 
Last Call: Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals Vacancy
The Town of Kiawah has an opening on the Planning Commission and an opening on the Board of Zoning Appeals. All interested persons should complete the application for appointment form and submit it to the Town Clerk, Petra Reynolds, at preynolds@kiawahisland.org. Submitted forms may be accompanied by a resume or CV. The deadline for submission is today, January 13, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

Planning Commission: The Town of Kiawah Island Planning Commission consists of seven members appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the Town Council. The Commission reviews subdivision plats and makes recommendations to the Council on rezoning cases, and prepares and periodically revises plans and programs for the development of the Town. The Commission also makes recommendations to Town Council on such issues as zoning ordinances, regulations for the subdivision or development of land, and other matters related to the development. Members serve a four-year term. 

Board of Zoning Appeals: The Town of Kiawah Island Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) consists of seven members who are also appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the Town Council. The Board hears and decides appeals for a variance from the requirements of the zoning ordinance when strict application of the ordinance would result in unnecessary hardship. The Board also makes decisions regarding the permitting of uses by special exception subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Town’s Zoning Ordinance. This Board also hears and decides appeals where it is alleged there, is an error in order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an administrative official in the enforcement of the Town’s Zoning Ordinance. Members serve a three-year term.

Please contact John Taylor, Jr., Planning Manager, at jtaylor@kiawahisland.org or 843-768-9979 if there are any questions regarding the roles of these boards.
Town Council Update 1/10/23
The following is a summary of announcements from January 10, 2023, Town Council meeting. Meeting materials are available here. Watch the meeting here.

The FBI Gives Recognition
The Federal Bureau of Investigation recognizes the Town’s Public Safety Department, Barrier Island Ocean Rescue, and the Kiawah Island Golf Resort Safety and Security Division.

Approval of Marsh Management Plan - Public Hearing and First Reading
Town Council approved the first reading, with the condition of adding an extra paragraph explaining the intentions of the committee for the second reading.

Approval of the 2023 Meeting Schedule

Executive Session
Town Council entered Executive Session pursuant to Section 30-4-70 (a)(1) of the South Carolina Code to conduct an annual review of the Town Attorney.

Appointments
  • Town Council appointed Councilman John Moffit as Mayor Tempore.
  • Town Council re-appointed Dorota Schubert as Town Finance Director.
  • Town Council re-appointed Petra Reynolds as Town Clerk.
  • Town Council re-appointed Joe Wilson as Town Attorney.

2023 Committee Appointments
  • Arts and Cultural Events Council
  • Audit Committee
  • Public Safety Committee
  • SATAX Committee
First Deer Survey of 2023
Town Biologists are conducting a spotlight survey on January 18 - 19 to determine the white-tailed deer density on Kiawah Island. During the survey, as these counts are made, you may see lights shining across yards and golf courses. These surveys are done twice yearly and allow biologists to track deer population trends over time. Click here to view previous survey data on the Town of Kiawah Island website.
Business License Renewal Notice
The business license renewal period begins Wednesday, February 1, 2023. To avoid penalties, all business licenses must be renewed by Sunday, April 30, 2023. Licenses must be renewed using the Town's online service portal.
Kiawah Bridge Tidal Station Down for Maintenance
The Town’s water level monitoring station at the Kiawah River Bridge is currently down for maintenance to correct a communications issue with the data logger. Water level data is still being collected during this time period but cannot be viewed in real-time. The station should be back online soon. Once available, real-time data can be viewed here.
BZA Public Hearings
This is a notification to area property owners and interested parties that a BZA meeting will be held Monday, January 30, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., in Council Chambers, Kiawah Municipal Center, 4475 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, Kiawah Island, SC 29455. This hearing is open to the public. Click here to access the meeting agenda.

At least one week prior to BZA meetings, information on each application, including documents submitted by the applicant, will be available online at https://www.kiawahisland.org/meetings-minutes/board-of-zoning-appeals/

Inquiries should be directed to the Planning Department at jtaylor@kiawahisland.org or by phone 843-768-9979.

Public Comments 
If anyone interested in submitting public comments about any case should email their comments referencing the case number and TMS number or address to Ms. Petra Reynolds, Town Clerk, at preynolds@kiawahisland.org. The BZA public hearing will be live-streamed (for viewing only) on the Town’s YouTube Channel.

The Town of Kiawah Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) will hear comments on the following cases at the upcoming meetings:

1)     Case #BZA22-000008
166 Marsh Hawk Lane | TMS# 207-03-00-023
Variance request to reduce the required 30’ rear setback for approximately 54 square feet encroachment for a proposed screen porch enclosure.

2)     Case #BZA22-000009
366 Helena Court | TMS# 265-16-00-183
Variance request for the encroachment of the required 25’ rear setback for approximately 56 square feet encroachment for an existing gazebo.

3)     Case #BZA22-000010
518 Ruddy Turnstone Drive | TMS# 207-04-00-070
Variance request for the reduction of the required 30’ rear and 30’ side setback for approximately 167 square feet encroachment for a proposed new single-family residence.

4)     Case #BZA22-000011
876 Kiawah Island Parkway | TMS# 207-00-00-009
Variance request to modify an existing dock (Mingo Point) to extend beyond the maximum extension of a dock structure into a river, stream, or channel. 
Charleston's Museum Mile Month
For the entire month of January, visit 13 historic sites for only $35/adult (ages 12 and up) or $10/child (ages 1 - 12). With the Museum Mile Month pass, you can spend an entire month learning about Charleston’s rich history and culture while visiting sites in the order that best fits your schedule. The sites include:

  • Eight historic museums
  • Five historic houses

To purchase tickets, please visit the Visitor Center at Town Hall.
The Island Connection - Call for Columnists
The Island Connection is currently in search of columnists for the following topics:

  • Nature
  • Wildlife
  • Golf
  • Senior Recreational Activities (local)

If interested, please email the Editor, Zach Giroux, at zachgiroux6@gmail.com
Development Resources Page
The Town of Kiawah Island created the development resources page to provide complete and accurate information regarding the Town’s development agreements and correct misinformation about planned growth on the island. 

If you have a question related to the Town of Kiawah’s development agreements not addressed in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), please email Stephanie Monroe Tillerson, Town Administrator, at stillerson@kiawahisland.org

Click here to access the development resources page.
Julian Gargiulo
Sunday, January 29, 2023
Seabrook Island Club | 7:30 p.m.
TICKET RELEASE: KIAWAH 1/16 PUBLIC 1/19 AT 9 AM
Cost: $15 (tickets required)

Julian Gargiulo is a dynamic classical pianist who renders the compositions of renowned masters with extraordinary passion and precision, and fills the concert hall with his personal brand of charm, humor and charisma. He has performed in the United States, Italy, France, Germany, Russia and Australia, meeting always both public and critical acclaim. By invitation, Mr. Gargiulo has performed three seasons at Weill Hall at Carnegie Recital Hall, one of which was recorded by RAI-International Television. more
Tom Rush with Special Guest Matt Nakoa
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
West Beach Conf. | 7:30 p.m.
TICKET RELEASE: KIAWAH 1/16 PUBLIC 1/19 AT 9 AM
Cost: $15 (tickets required)

Now celebrating five decades of touring, Tom has been thrilling audiences here and abroad with hits like No Regrets, Circle Game, Remember Song, Urge for Going and Merrimack County. Tom Rush’s impact on the American music scene has been profound. He helped shape the folk revival in the ’60s, the folk-rock movement of the ‘70s, and then the renaissance of the ’80s and ’90s, his music having left its stamp on generations of artists. more


Click here to access TOKI's Events page and view the season planner.
If you are a Kiawah Island resident who has not received your 2022-2023 early access code, please email your Kiawah mailing address to rfoster@kiawahisland.org to register.
Previously Mentioned
(843) 768-9166