The Town of Seabrook Island, SC - Pam Harrington Exclusives

The Town of Seabrook Island is a sea island jewel located off the southeastern US Atlantic Ocean coast. Just 23 miles south of historic Charleston SC, Seabrook Island offers residents and guests a unique coastal experience.

As of 2023, the average age of homebuyers on Seabrook Island is 56 years old. This is a decrease from 65 years of age. The island is 94% built out and there are only 168 undeveloped land parcels left.

The Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) predicts the island will be built-out in 5-7 years. Currently, 67 homes are under construction. As of February 2023, 25 new construction projects have been approved, but not yet started.

Early History of Seabrook Island

The early history of Seabrook Island offers evidence the island was home to native Americans. The Bohicket, Stono and Kiawah tribes thrived on an abundance of native flora and fauna. The waters surrounding the island teemed with oysters, crab, shrimp, and fish.

The British sent explorers to the Americas and the Stono Tribe ceded lands including Seabrook Island to the crown. The creeks and surrounding Bohicket river proved to be desirable for navigating goods and also hiding ships from marauders.

His revolutionary methods of farming solidified cotton as the main crop on Johns Island. And, it was used primarily for resources, rather than being farmed.

The island fell to the ownership of William Gregg, who made his fortune in textiles. The island again found itself occupied by enemy forces during the Civil War. The Union Army staged a campaign at Privateer Creek.

Following the war, Seabrook Island came under the ownership of William Andell. Under Andell’s ownership, the long-standing tradition of conservation and stewardship began.

Once again, the island sold. This time, New Yorker Victor Morawetz acquired a large portion of the island. He generously donated the island to the Episcopal Church in 1951. The church sold all but 230 acres to the Seabrook Development Corporation in 1970. The development of Seabrook Island evolved over the past 50 years culminating in the balanced, sustainable, luxury lifestyle currently enjoyed by island residents.

Town of Seabrook Beach Management

Seabrook Island is a special island. Community residents and town officials share a common mission to preserve the unspoiled character of the beaches.

The Town of Seabrook Island, the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA), the Seabrook Island Club, and Camp St. Christopher collaborated on the Comprehensive Beach Management Plan.

This plan's most recent updates occurred in 2019. This plan, approved by the Seabrook Island Town Council ordinance, is part of the South Carolina State Beachfront Management Plan.

Town of Seabrook Beach Rules

The town’s Beachfront Management Ordinance prohibits the following activities on all beaches within the town:

Walking on any portion of the primary frontal sand dune (other than designated SIPOA or private access points);
Driving or operating any motor vehicle on the beach, except as authorized by the town;
Harming, harassing, or disturbing any loggerhead turtle or endangered/threatened bird species, including their eggs and nests;
Swimming in Captain Sams Inlet during the period two hours before to two hours after low tide, or any time when dolphins are present in the inlet (NEW);
Failing to restrain a pet when and where required by ordinance (see below for leash requirements);
Failing to pick up and dispose of animal waste;
Leaving trash, debris, or refuse on the beach;
Negligent operation of any vessel or watercraft, including while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
Launching or retrieving a motorized vessel of any kind;
Overnight storage of personal beach equipment and supplies;
Building or maintaining a fire or open flame (unless approved by SIPOA above the high-water mark);
Using any grill, cooker, or heating device heated by fire;
Igniting or discharging fireworks;
Using any type of glass container;
Engaging in commercial activities (including solicitation); and
“Chumming” on or within 600 feet of the beach.

Limited Restriction Area

The limited restriction area begins approximately 300 yards northwest of a line extending from Boardwalk #9 (Pelican Watch Boardwalk) to the Edisto River and continues in a northwesterly direction to Privateer Creek.

Within the limited restriction area, pets must be on a leash at all times.

General Beach Area: In all other areas of the beach, the following seasonal rules shall apply:

Peak Season (April 1 – September 30): Pets must be on a leash between the hours of 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. At all other times, pets may be off a leash, provided they remain effectively controlled while on the beach;

Off-Peak Season (October 1 – March 31): Pets may be off a leash at all times, provided they remain effectively controlled while on the beach.

Description of Seabrook Island Leash Requirements

When a pet is required to be on a leash, it must be restrained using a physical restraint made of cord, rope, strap, chain or other material effective for restraining the type and size of the animal to which it is attached. In addition, the physical restraint must be no more than sixteen (16) feet in length, secured to the animal’s collar or harness, and continuously held by a competent person physically capable of restraining the animal. Animals under voice control, or under control of remotely operated devices (such as electronic collars), are considered to be “off leash.”

When an animal is allowed to be off-leash, it must be effectively controlled by a competent person from (a) entering any area on or adjacent to the beach in which a pet is prohibited; (b) destroying or damaging any property; (c) attacking or threatening to attack any person or any other animal or pet in any manner; or (d) being a nuisance to other beach goers.