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Seabrook Island Rules & Policies

Everything You Need to Know Before Your Stay

Seabrook Island is a beautiful, protected, and family-friendly community. To ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone—guests, neighbors, wildlife, and the environment—please review the key rules and guidelines before your arrival.

Below is a quick overview of the most important information. For the full official rules, download the Seabrook Island Short-Term Rental Information Packet (2025–26) issued by the Town of Seabrook Island.

[Download the Information Packet →]

Top 10 Things to Know Before You Arrive

1. Parking Rules Are Strict

  • New rule: 1 vehicle per bedroom (min 2, max 4) overnight
  • Park only in designated spaces
  • No parking on roads, landscaped areas, fire lanes, or sidewalks

2. Occupancy Limits Apply

  • Overnight limit = 2 guests per bedroom + 2 additional people
  • Children under 2 are not counted

3. Speed Limits Are Enforced

  • Behind SIPOA Gate: 25 mph
  • Outside SIPOA Gate: 35 mph
  • Full stops are required at every stop sign

4. Bicycles & LSVs

  • Bikes must ride single file
  • No bikes on boardwalks
  • LSVs must be DMV-registered, licensed, and driven by a licensed adult

5. Beach Parking

  • Guests must use designated beach access lots
  • No parking in villa lots or SIPOA Community Center lot

6. Beach Rules

  • No walking on the dunes
  • No glass, fires (without permit), grills, fireworks, or overnight equipment
  • No swimming at Captain Sams Inlet during dolphin activity or 2 hrs before/after low tide

7. Pets on the Beach

  • Red Zone: No pets—ever
  • Yellow Zone: Leashed at all times
  • Green Zone:

    • April–Sept: Off-leash before 10 am & after 5 pm
    • Oct–March: Off-leash anytime
  • Pet waste must be picked up

8. Wildlife Awareness

  • Alligators are common—never approach or feed them
  • Stay away from lagoon edges
  • Keep pets out of water
  • Follow guidelines for protecting sea turtles, dolphins, and shorebirds

9. Trash & Recycling

  • Must be stored in wildlife-proof containers
  • Roll out no earlier than noon the day before pickup
  • Remove cans by end of pickup day
  • Do not leave trash or recycling outside bins

10. Noise & Community Courtesy

  • Keep noise to a minimum
  • Respect neighbors and shared spaces
  • No commercial activity at your rental

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I park more cars than the limit?

    No. Seabrook Island enforces 1 vehicle per bedroom (minimum 2) and a maximum vehicle count based on the property’s permit. Extra vehicles may be turned away at the gate.

  • Can we leave beach chairs or tents out overnight?

    No. All items must be removed daily. Overnight storage on the beach is prohibited.

  • Are dogs allowed on the beach?

    Yes, but rules vary by zone and season. See the “Pets on the Beach” section above for details.

  • Can we build a beach fire?

    Only with a SIPOA-issued permit and only above the high-water mark. Fires must be extinguished by 10pm during turtle nesting season.

  • Can we use drones?

    Only FAA-certified remote pilots with registered aircraft may launch or land drones on Seabrook Island.

  • Are bikes or golf carts allowed on the boardwalks?

    No bicycles, e-bikes, or LSVs may be taken on boardwalks. Only Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes are allowed on roads and bike paths.

  • Is swimming allowed in Captain Sams Inlet?

    Swimming is prohibited 2 hours before and after low tide and anytime dolphins are present.

  • What should I do if I see wildlife (alligators, turtles, dolphins) up close?

    Keep your distance and never feed, disturb, or approach wildlife. Report turtle issues to SCDNR; observe dolphins from a safe distance.

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