Temporary Beach Rules During the 2026 SIPOA Sand Scraping Project

The Town has adopted Emergency Ordinance 2026-01 (Amended) to establish temporary beach rules while SIPOA conducts its sand scraping project.

The temporary rules are intended to help protect residents, visitors, wildlife, marine life, and sensitive shorebird and sea turtle habitats while construction vehicles are operating on the beach. The sand transfer project is expected to be completed by December 31, 2026.

All temporary beach rules go into effect on October 15, 2026
 
Beach Vehicle Use
Motor vehicles are generally not permitted on the beach, except for authorized vehicles, including those used by:

• Town, county, state, and federal agencies
• Public safety and emergency services
• Contractors providing services for the Town
• SIPOA, Seabrook Island Club, Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol, Seabrook Island Utility Commission, and St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center
• Individuals with qualifying disabilities, when using permitted small motorized vehicles or medical devices
• Properly permitted Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes
• Vehicles operating under an approved Town vehicle-use permit

Authorized vehicles must generally:

• Stay at or below 10 mph
• Operate on the wet sand, except when accessing the wet sand
• Stay out of dunes and vegetated areas
• Enter the beach only at authorized access points
• Avoid endangering or unreasonably disturbing people, wildlife, marine life, and protected habitat
• Have four-wheel drive, with limited exceptions

 
Pet Rules
A restricted beach area will extend from Boardwalk #1 to the Atlantic Ocean and northeast to Captain Sams Inlet. Pets will not be permitted in this restricted area at any time, whether leashed or unleashed.
In all other areas of the beach, pets must be kept on a leash at all times.
 
Beach Fires
Fires, open flames, and propane-fueled grills, cookers, or heating devices will not be permitted during this time.
 
Nighttime Beach Access
Public access to Seabrook Island beaches will be prohibited between sunset and sunrise.