April 22, 2020 -- 8:30 pm

Town Council Amends Emergency Ordinance No. 2020-01
On April 22, 2020, Seabrook Island Town Council held a meeting to consider amendments to Emergency Ordinance No. 2020-01, which was previously adopted on April 1st. In addition to several “housekeeping” items which were intended to bring the town’s ordinance into conformity with recent orders from the Governor of South Carolina, Town Council approved several amendments to the town’s current restrictions on short-term rental units. Effective immediately:

• Short-term rental guests are prohibited from "checking-in" or otherwise occupying a short-term rental unit through 11:59 pm on May 15th (previously April 30th).
• Owners and managers of all short-term rental units within the town are prohibited from accepting new reservations for stays commencing on or before May 15th (previously April 30th).
• Owners, managers and anyone else involved in the advertising of a short-term rental unit within the town are prohibited from advertising the unit’s availability through May 15th (previously April 30th).
• Where provided, any online booking calendars for such units (including Airbnb, VRBO, Homeaway, etc.) shall indicate that the unit is not available until after May 15th (previously April 30th).

The restrictions listed above apply to any dwelling unit or property that is rented, or offered for rent, to any individual or group of individuals, for temporary occupancy for a period not to exceed 28 days. As a reminder, the Governor’s Executive Order No. 2020-19 prohibits the rental of a short-term rental unit to any individual from the states of New York, New Jersey or Connecticut for a term of less than 90 days.

The short-term rental restrictions do not apply to members of the property owner's immediate family, including a parent, sibling, child, spouse, grandparent or grandchild.

More Information: View Emergency Ordinance No. 2020-01 (Amended)  |  View Town Council Meeting Video (YouTube)

Short-Term Rental Violations
In addition to the emergency restrictions on advertising and new check-ins, all rental properties operating within the town are required to have a valid town business license for 2020. The town’s code enforcement officers are actively working to identify, investigate and enforce alleged violations of the town’s ordinances. To date, the town has issued 8 ordinance summons for alleged violations. An additional 14 summons are currently pending issuance, and nearly a dozen potential violations are currently under investigation. Violations of a town ordinance can carry fines of up to $500.00 per day (plus state assessments and surcharges). Individuals who are found guilty of violating a town ordinance may also be subject to a suspension or revocation of their business license. To report a possible violation, please contact us by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at [email protected].

Governor McMaster Relaxes Restrictions on Retail Stores
On April 20th, Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order No. 2020-28, which authorized the limited reopening of the following types of retail establishments:

• Furniture and home-furnishings stores
  
• Clothing, shoe, and clothing-accessory stores
  
• Jewelry, luggage, and leather goods stores
  
• Department stores, with the exception of hardware and home-improvement stores
  
• Sporting goods stores
  
• Book, craft, and music stores
  
• Flea markets
  
• Florists and flower stores

The Governor’s order limits the maximum occupancy of any such business to the lesser of 5 people per 1,000 square feet or 20% of the establishment’s fire rated capacity.

The following types of businesses were unaffected by the Governor’s order and must remain closed for the time being: restaurants and bars; entertainment venues and facilities; recreational and athletic facilities and activities; and close contact service providers.

More Information: View Executive Order No. 2020-28

South Carolina Schools Closed for the Remainder of the Academic Year
On April 22nd, Governor Henry McMaster and State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman announced that all public schools in the state of South Carolina would remain closed for the remainder of the academic year. During a press conference on Wednesday morning, the Governor stated that he will issue an executive order next week detailing a plan to keep schools closed. Parents with children who attend private schools should contact those schools directly for more information about their operational plans for the remainder of the school year.

Seabrook Island Town Hall Closed
As a reminder, Town Hall remains closed and members of town staff are working remotely to provide “virtual services” to residents and business owners. For assistance during normal operating hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm), please contact us by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at [email protected]. The town’s Code Enforcement Officers and Beach Patrol will remain active on the island as long as it is safe for them to do so. All public meetings have been cancelled through April 30th, with the exception of emergency meetings.

Protect Yourself and Others
To minimize the risk of exposure and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends that individuals take the following precautions: 

• Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, use hand sanitizer, avoid of touching your face and mouth, and avoid shaking hands with others. 
• Social Distancing: Maintain at least six feet of separation between yourself and others. 
• Travel: Avoid unnecessary travel, especially to areas of high concentrations of cases of infection. 
• Limit Contact with the Sick and Elderly: Cease visits to nursing homes and other extended care facilities, except in the case of end-of-life circumstances. 
• Wear a Face Covering or Mask: The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings or masks in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (such as grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas with significant community-based transmission.

More Information
For general questions about COVID-19, please contact the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) Care Line at (855) 472-3432. Staff will be available to answer calls from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm seven days a week.

For the most reliable information about COVID-19, including what to do if you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms, residents are strongly encouraged to visit official resources, including the SCDHEC and CDC websites.

Official updates from the Town of Seabrook Island will continue to be posted on the following channels:

• Town WEBSITE: www.townofseabrookisland.org
• Town TWITTER feed: www.twitter.com/seabrookislnd87
• Town FACEBOOK page: www.facebook.com/townofseabrookisland

Property Owners with rental guests should forward this notice to their rental guests.
​

April 7, 2020 – 8:00 pm
 
Statewide “Stay at Home or Work Order” Now in Effect
Governor Henry McMaster’s “Stay at Home or Work Order,” which was issued on Monday, April 6, 2020, went into effect at 5:00 pm today. The order requires that all South Carolinians must remain at home or work unless participating in one of the following “Essential Activities”:
 

• Caring for or visiting a family member in another residence or transporting or travelling with a family member;
• Obtaining necessary supplies and services for family or household members, such as food and supplies for household consumption and use, medical supplies or medication, supplies and equipment needed to work from home, and products needed to maintain safety, sanitation, and essential maintenance of the home or residence;
• Engaging in activities essential for the health and safety of family or household members, such as seeking medical, behavioral health, or emergency services;
• Caring for pets;
• Engaging in outdoor exercise or recreational activities;
• Attending religious services conducted in churches, synagogues, or other houses of worship; and
• Travelling as required by law, to include attending any court proceedings and transporting children as required by court order or custody agreement.

 
On Tuesday, April 7th, Mayor John Gregg issued Executive Order No. 2020-04, which applied the requirements of the Governor’s statewide order to residents and visitors within the town. The Mayor’s order also authorizes the town’s Code Enforcement Officers to issue citations for alleged violations and to work with state and local law enforcement to ensure compliance with the order.
 
More Information: View Governor’s Executive Order No. 2020-21  |  View Mayor’s Executive Order No. 2020-04
 
Beach Status
Town Hall has received several phone calls and emails over the last 24 hours seeking clarification as to whether the Governor’s “Stay at Home or Work Order” prohibits people from using the beach.
 
On March 30th, Governor McMaster issued Executive Order No. 2020-16, which ordered the immediate closure of all public beach access points in the state for the duration of the State of Emergency. Because the beach access points within the Town of Seabrook Island are privately owned, they were not affected by the Governor’s executive order. To date, the Governor has not closed the state’s beaches or any private beach access points.
 
As stated above, the Governor’s “Stay at Home or Work Order” provides an exception for “outdoor exercise or recreational activities.” The Governor’s order does not define what is considered “exercise” or a “recreational activity.” Therefore, it is our understanding that individuals may continue to use the beach for typical activities such as walking, running, and riding a bike, as well as sitting or lying on the beach. Users of the beach must continue to practice “social distancing” while on the beach, and groups of more than 10 individuals shall remain prohibited at all times.
 
Occupancy Restrictions for Retail Stores
The Governor’s Executive Order No. 2020-21 requires “essential” retail stores to limit occupancy to the lesser of 5 customers for each 1,000 square feet of retail space, or 20 percent of their maximum fire rated capacity. As of this afternoon, the Harris Teeter at Freshfields has begun restricting capacity within its store to no more than 70 people at a time. Once the store has reached this capacity, shoppers will be required to line up outside and will not be allowed inside until other shoppers have left the store. In an effort to serve as many families as possible, it is recommended that shopping trips be limited to only one shopper per household.
 
Seabrook Island Town Hall Closed
As a reminder, Town Hall remains closed and members of town staff are working remotely to provide “virtual services” to residents and business owners. For assistance during normal operating hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm), please contact us by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at [email protected]. The town’s Code Enforcement Officers and Beach Patrol will remain active on the island as long as it is safe for them to do so. All public meetings have been cancelled through April 30th, with the exception of emergency meetings.
 
Protect Yourself and Others
To minimize the risk of exposure and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends that individuals take the following precautions: 
 

• Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, use hand sanitizer, avoid of touching your face and mouth, and avoid shaking hands with others. 
• Social Distancing: Maintain at least six feet of separation between yourself and others. 
• Travel: Avoid unnecessary travel, especially to areas of high concentrations of cases of infection. 
• Limit Contact with the Sick and Elderly: Cease visits to nursing homes and other extended care facilities, except in the case of end-of-life circumstances. 

 
More Information
For general questions about COVID-19, please contact the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) Care Line at (855) 472-3432. Staff will be available to answer calls from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm seven days a week.
 
For the most reliable information about COVID-19, including what to do if you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms, residents are strongly encouraged to visit official resources, including the SCDHEC and CDC websites.
 
Official updates from the Town of Seabrook Island will continue to be posted on the following channels:
 

• Town WEBSITE: www.townofseabrookisland.org
• Town TWITTER feed: www.twitter.com/seabrookislnd87
• Town FACEBOOK page: www.facebook.com/townofseabrookisland

 
Property Owners with rental guests should forward this notice to their rental guests.

April 6, 2020 -- 7:00 pm
 
Governor Issues “Home or Work” Order
On April 6, 2020, Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order No. 2020-21, which implemented a mandatory “Home or Work Order” for the State of South Carolina. The order, which will take effect at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, April 7th, requires that all South Carolinians must remain at home or work unless participating in one of the following “Essential Activities”:

• Caring for or visiting a family member in another residence or transporting or travelling with a family member, provided that such activity is conducted with appropriate consideration of, and adherence to, guidance issued by state and federal public health and safety officials, to include the CDC, with regard to “social distancing.”
• Obtaining necessary supplies and services for family or household members, such as food and supplies for household consumption and use, medical supplies or medication, supplies and equipment needed to work from home, and products needed to maintain safety, sanitation, and essential maintenance of the home or residence. Preference should be given to online ordering, home delivery, and curbside pick-up and delivery options and services wherever possible as opposed to in-store shopping.
• Engaging in activities essential for the health and safety of family or household members, such as seeking medical, behavioral health, or emergency services.
• Caring for pets, provided that such activity is conducted with appropriate consideration of, and adherence to, guidance issued by state and federal public health and safety officials, to include the CDC, with regard to “social distancing.”
• Engaging in outdoor exercise or recreational activities, provided that a minimum distance of six (6) feet is maintained during such activities between all persons who are not occupants of the same Residence.
• Attending religious services conducted in churches, synagogues, or other houses of worship.
• Travelling as required by law, to include attending any court proceedings and transporting children as required by court order or custody agreement.

 
The new order does not mandate the closure of any additional businesses beyond those which have already been closed by previous orders. The order also requires that all retail stores which are allowed to remain open must allow the lesser of 5 customers for each 1,000 square feet of retail space, or 20 percent of their maximum fire rated capacity, inside at any one time. Violations of the Governor’s order are considered a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, are subject to a fine of not more than one hundred dollars or imprisonment for not more than thirty days.
 
More Information: View Governor’s Executive Order No. 2020-21

Additional Restrictions on Short-Term Rentals
On April 1, 2020, Seabrook Island Town Council adopted Emergency Ordinance 2020-01, which prohibited the acceptance of all new short-term rental reservations for a lease term of 28 days or less between April 2nd and April 30th. The ordinance also prohibited all new check-ins between April 5th and April 30th. Under the ordinance, owners and managers of rental units could continue to accept reservations for a lease term of more than 28 days (such as monthly rentals) and guests could continue to check-in to such units.
 
On Friday, April 3, 2020, Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order No. 2020-19, which established additional restrictions on short-term rental units and other types of lodging across the state. The order, which was effective immediately, prohibits owners and managers of all types of lodging (including short-term rental units) from “making or accepting new reservations or bookings from or for individuals residing in or travelling from any country, state, municipality, or other geographic area subject to or identified in a CDC travel advisory or other CDC notice as a location with extensive community transmission of COVID-19, to include the Tri-State Area (consisting of the States of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut).” The Governor’s order applies to any such reservation or booking for a rental term of less than 90 days and will remain in place for the duration of the state of emergency.
 
On Monday, April 6th, Mayor John Gregg issued Executive Order No. 2020-03 to prohibit owners and managers of all types of lodging (including short-term rental units) from making or accepting new reservations or bookings for a lease term of less than 90 days for individuals residing in or travelling from any location included in the Governor’s order.
 
The town’s prohibition on the acceptance of all new reservations until April 30th remains unchanged. Owners and managers of rental properties within the town may continue to accept new reservations and check-ins for lease terms longer than 28 days; however, new reservations for individuals residing in or traveling from areas with extensive community transmission of COVID-19, including the States of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and countries with a “Level 3 Travel Notice” (China, Iran and most European Countries) are prohibited unless the term of the lease is for 90 days or more.
 
More Information: View Governor’s Executive Order No. 2020-19   |   View Mayor’s Executive Order No. 2020-03
 
Governor Orders Closure of Additional Businesses
On Friday, April 3rd, the Governor also issued Executive Order No. 2020-18, which expanded the list of “non-essential” businesses which must be closed to the public. Effective Monday, April 6th, at 5:00 pm, the following types of retail establishments must be closed:

• Furniture and home-furnishings stores
• Clothing, shoe, and clothing-accessory stores
• Jewelry, luggage, and leather goods stores
• Department stores, with the exception of hardware and home-improvement stores
• Sporting goods stores
• Book, craft, and music stores
• Flea markets
• Florists and flower stores

 
The Governor’s order does not prohibit the continued operation of retail stores for the limited purpose of fulfilling online or telephone orders or providing alternate means of purchasing or delivering products or services—to include curbside purchase, pickup, or delivery and home or off-site delivery—provided that such options or measures can be implemented in a manner that facilitates and maintains effective “social distancing” and is consistent with any applicable guidance issued by state and federal public health and safety officials.
 
More Information: View Governor’s Executive Order No. 2020-18
 
Seabrook Island Town Hall Closed
As a reminder, Town Hall remains closed and members of town staff are working remotely to provide “virtual services” to residents and business owners. For assistance during normal operating hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm), please contact us by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at [email protected]. The town’s Code Enforcement Officers and Beach Patrol will remain active on the island as long as it is safe for them to do so. All public meetings have been cancelled through April 30th, with the exception of emergency meetings.
 
Protect Yourself and Others
To minimize the risk of exposure and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends that individuals take the following precautions: 

• Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, use hand sanitizer, avoid of touching your face and mouth, and avoid shaking hands with others. 
• Social Distancing: Maintain at least six feet of separation between yourself and others. 
• Travel: Avoid unnecessary travel, especially to areas of high concentrations of cases of infection. 
• Limit Contact with the Sick and Elderly: Cease visits to nursing homes and other extended care facilities, except in the case of end-of-life circumstances. 

 
More Information
For general questions about COVID-19, please contact the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) Care Line at (855) 472-3432. Staff will be available to answer calls from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm seven days a week.
 
For the most reliable information about COVID-19, including what to do if you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms, residents are strongly encouraged to visit official resources, including the SCDHEC and CDC websites.
 
Official updates from the Town of Seabrook Island will continue to be posted on the following channels:

• Town WEBSITE: www.townofseabrookisland.org
• Town TWITTER feed: www.twitter.com/seabrookislnd87
• Town FACEBOOK page: www.facebook.com/townofseabrookisland

 
Property Owners with rental guests should forward this notice to their rental guests.

April 1, 2020 -- 8:00 pm
 
Town Council Adopts Emergency Ordinance 2020-01
Seabrook Island Town Council held an Emergency Meeting on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at 2:00 pm. During the meeting, members of Town Council voted unanimously to adopt Emergency Ordinance 2020-01, with amendments. As adopted, Emergency Ordinance 2020-01 contained the following provisions:
 

• The Mayor’s Executive Order Nos. 2020-01 and 2020-02 were adopted by reference;
• Certain types of “non-essential” business activities were restricted, consistent with the Governor’s Executive Order No. 2020-17, which was issued on March 31st;
• New “check-ins” at short-term rental units were prohibited beginning at 12:01 am on Sunday, April 5th, and ending at 11:59 pm on Thursday, April 30th;
• Existing rentals were prohibited from being extended or renewed beyond their current expiration date, unless the stay commenced on or before March 15th and the rental guest has continuously occupied the same rental unit since that date;
• Owners and managers of short-term rental units in the town were prohibited from accepting new reservations for stays commencing between April 2nd and April 30th, and from advertising a unit as being available for rent during the same time period;
• The Town Administrator was authorized to grant a “reasonable accommodation” from the temporary short-term rental restrictions for caregivers providing care to residents with an illness or disability, and for property owners who are unable to use their property within the town due to construction, renovation or repair on their property;
• The restrictions on short-term rentals do not apply to members of the property owner’s immediate family. (Immediate family includes: parents; siblings; children by blood, adoption, or marriage; spouses; grandparents and grandchildren);
• All scheduled meetings of the Town Council and various boards, commissions and committees of the town were officially cancelled through April 30th;
• Town Council amended its rules to allow members to participate in and vote in meetings by electronic means without the requirement that a quorum of Council be physically present;
• All temporary use permits for events and activities taking place between April 1st and May 31st were repealed and the Zoning Administrator was prohibited from issuing new temporary use permits for events and activities scheduled to take place during the same time period;
• Penalties of up to $500.00 (plus court fees) were authorized for each violation; and
• Suspension and revocation of business licenses was authorized for owners and managers of rental properties who are found guilty of violating the restrictions on short-term rental units.

 
The provisions of Emergency Ordinance 2020-01 were effective immediately and will expire automatically on May 31, 2020. 

More Information:  Emergency Ordinance 2020-01  |  Meeting Video   |   Meeting Audio
 
Seabrook Island Town Hall Closed
As a reminder, Town Hall remains closed and members of town staff are working remotely to provide “virtual services” to residents and business owners. For assistance during normal operating hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm), please contact us by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at [email protected]. The town’s Code Enforcement Officers and Beach Patrol will remain active on the island as long as it is safe for them to do so. All public meetings have been cancelled through April 30th, with the exception of emergency meetings.
 
Seabrook Island Road Bike Pathway Re-Opened
Town Hall may be closed, but we are happy to report that the bike path along Seabrook Island Road has was re-opened to traffic earlier today. The crosswalk located across the street from the entrance to Bohicket Marina remains closed pending concrete repairs; however, pedestrians and cyclists may once again use the entire length of the pathway between Town Hall and Freshfields… provided you maintain proper social distancing, of course.
 
Protect Yourself and Others
To minimize the risk of exposure and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends that individuals take the following precautions: 

• Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, use hand sanitizer, avoid of touching your face and mouth, and avoid shaking hands with others. 
• Social Distancing: Maintain at least six feet of separation between yourself and others. 
• Travel: Avoid unnecessary travel, especially to areas of high concentrations of cases of infection. 
• Limit Contact with the Sick and Elderly: Cease visits to nursing homes and other extended care facilities, except in the case of end-of-life circumstances. 

More Information
For general questions about COVID-19, please contact the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) Care Line at (855) 472-3432. Staff will be available to answer calls from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm seven days a week.

For the most reliable information about COVID-19, including what to do if you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms, residents are strongly encouraged to visit official resources, including the SCDHEC and CDC websites.

Official updates from the Town of Seabrook Island will continue to be posted on the following channels:

• Town WEBSITE: www.townofseabrookisland.org
• Town TWITTER feed: www.twitter.com/seabrookislnd87
• Town FACEBOOK page: www.facebook.com/townofseabrookisland

Property Owners with rental guests should forward this notice to their rental guests.

The the bike path along Seabrook Island Road was re-opened to traffic on Wednesday, April 1st. The crosswalk located across the street from the entrance to Bohicket Marina will remain closed for a few more days pending concrete repairs; however, pedestrians and cyclists may once again use the entire length of the pathway between Town Hall and Freshfields… provided you maintain proper social distancing, of course!