Myrtle Beach Suing Hotels for Risking City’s Flood Insurance Coverage

The city of Myrtle Beach is suing 11 hotels to make them remove their swimming pool enclosures.

The Sun News of Myrtle Beach reported the federal suit filed last week contends the enclosures violate federal rules, risking the city’s coverage in the National Flood Insurance Program.

Pools have been enclosed by glass and other structures in Myrtle Beach for decades, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency raised concerns three years ago. The agency worries the enclosures could be swept away during storms, damaging other structures or hurting people.

Federal law now prohibits communities in the National Flood Insurance Program from allowing pool enclosures in the flood plain. Myrtle Beach changed its ordinances last April to reflect the new law.