Month: January 2026

Come Visit the Lake House Wellness Center

On By SIPOAIn Lake House, Wellness

Come visit the Lake House Wellness Center!

Every treatment is unhurried and designed to support deep relaxation and overall well-being.

We believe true wellness comes from slowing down, listening to your body, and restoring balance – both mentally and physically.

Our Wellness Center offers a variety of services in a peaceful setting, with a goal for you to leave feeling grounded, relaxed and refreshed.

We primarily offer massage and facial treatments, with each session tailored to fit your individual needs.

To schedule an appointment or inquire about availability, please email wellness@sipoa.org.

Plant Protection Fencing Policy Update

On By SIPOAIn ARC

We would like to share recent updates approved by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) and the SIPOA Board of Directors. These updates are intended to provide clarity and helpful guidance, particularly around plant protection fencing and new construction fees.

The following language relating to Plant Protection Fencing is included in the Policies and Procedures in the current §II.C.5. Landscape Design and §II.C.6.f. Patios, Courtyards, Fences, Walls, and Gates.  Appendix B, “SIPOA Enforcement Assessment Schedule,” will also be updated to include the Violation Assessment of $100 per violation.

Plant Protection Fencing
Deer Fencing or other plant protection fencing or netting, both permanent and temporary, is not permitted. 

Tree trunk protection and temporary bracing or anchoring for newly planted trees is permitted. Refer to this link for examples of approved trunk protection and tree bracing/anchoring.

In addition, please refer to this link for information on native plantings, recommended specimen sizing and other helpful advice to minimize damage from deer and other animals.

Violation Assessment of $100 per violation to be included in SIPOA Policies and Procedures for Residential Development Appendix B “SIPOA Enforcement Assessment Schedule.”

The New Construction Preliminary Review Fee increased from $2,500 to $3,500 starting 2026.

Our goal is to support residents with clear expectations and practical information so that issues can be avoided before they arise. If you have questions or would like assistance regarding these guidelines, please contact the SIPOA ARC office. Thank you for your continued care and consideration in maintaining our community.

Trash & Recycling Services Contractor Update

On By SIPOAIn Engineering

SIPOA will be using a new service provider next year for trash, recycling, and yard debris pickup. Beginning February 1, 2026, Sandlapper Waste will provide trash and recycling collection services on Seabrook Island. The collection schedule will be mostly the same with yard debris collection being moved to Wednesday, and Villa and Regime recycle pickup on Tuesdays. The annual collection schedule can be found here for your reference.

Residents will receive a new trash roll cart during the week of January 27th. January 26 will be the last day for trash pickup with our current provider, and they will be taking the trash carts away on this date. The recycle carts will remain and will not be changed. New trash carts will be delivered during the week of January 27th. The procedure for reporting any missed collection or requesting a new roll cart is still the same, and all requests should be emailed to trash@sipoa.org.

Finger Lakes Stormwater Projects

On By SIPOAIn Engineering, GOMC

There will be two large stormwater projects taking place within the Finger Lakes drainage basin in early 2026. These projects were identified in the 2020 Island Wide Stormwater Master Plan. These projects will be the 9th and 10th projects completed that were identified for implementation from this master plan. The two projects are outlined below:

  • Finger Lakes Outfall Structure Replacement: The current outfall structure where water from the finger lakes discharges into the marsh is at the end of its design life and allows tidal flooding into the lake system during king tide events.  The structure and the discharge piping will be replaced with a new more resilient system that will prevent tidal flooding and provide automated control of the water level in the lake system.
  • Old Forest Culvert Replacement: Currently there is an 18” corrugated metal pipe that connects two of the Finger Lakes underneath Old Forest Dr.  This pipe is over 40 years old and is undersized.  It will be replaced with a new 4’ x 2’ box culvert that will provide additional flow capacity and a longer service life.

The work on Old Forest Lane requires the excavation and removal of pipe under the roadway. This will necessitate the closure of Old Forest Lane for a period of 8-10 weeks. Beginning on February 2, 2026, Old Forest Lane will be closed at the causeway. The anticipated reopening date is April 6, 2026. Some residents living on Old Forest Lane may have to detour from their normal route as shown in the figure below.

We will work to get this project completed as quickly as possible and restore the normal traffic pattern.

New Compost Location

On By SIPOAIn Compost, Engineering

Some renovations are underway at the recycle center this year. The compost bins have been relocated to the opposite side of the driveway, immediately adjacent to the Club laundry building. The new location is marked and will help reduce non-compost items being placed into the bins. We will also be adding lighting and additional cameras to help enforce illegal dumping at the recycling center.