Treasure Island City Commissioners are urging residents making hurricane-related home repairs to submit their permit applications by May 31 in order to qualify for a waiver on permit fees.

Barb Adams, a longtime Treasure Island resident, is finally preparing to move back into her storm-damaged home next week after nearly eight months in temporary housing. Since Hurricane Helene struck, she and her husband have spent over $100,000 on major repairs.

“Everything we had saved has gone into staying in our home,” Adams told Bay News 9. “If we had to sell, we’d take a big financial loss—and we couldn’t afford to buy anywhere close to the community where we’ve built our lives.”

Adams, who serves as board president of the Isle of Palms Civic Association and works as a local realtor with Coastal Properties Group International and Forbes Global, has been a vocal advocate at city meetings, encouraging commissioners to help residents recover and rebuild.

“What’s scary is this all ends May 31, and many people still haven’t returned—they’re living with family or in other communities,” she said.

In addition to the upcoming deadline, city commissioners are considering expanding permit fee waivers for residents facing extensive damage. The proposed waivers would apply to those required to relocate, demolish and rebuild, or elevate their homes to meet FEMA regulations.

Treasure Island Public Information Officer Jason Beisel acknowledged the steep costs many homeowners face. “We know rebuilding or elevating a home is expensive, and the city wants to offer some level of financial relief,” he said.

Beisel noted that the commission will hold a special workshop on Tuesday, May 13, to discuss potential reductions. “Not all fees will be waived, but a portion might be,” he said.

Currently, permit fees for rebuilding or elevating homes are calculated at $11 per $1,000 of construction costs. If approved during the workshop, the proposal will advance to a formal vote at a future commission meeting.

Waivers would be limited to residents who owned the property at the time of the hurricanes—excluding developers who later purchased damaged homes. If passed, the waiver program would likely remain in effect through September 2025.

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(Image credit: Spectrum News/Eddie Jackson)

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