Over the years, various Property Owners, contractors, and synthetic turf salesmen and manufactures have presented many requests and a plethora of information to the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) in hopes of having synthetic turf approved for use within the Seabrook Island Development (SID). While the multiple ARC members have seen and understood the desire to use synthetic turf in the past, setting the requirements, restrictions, and conditions to use proved difficult.
The ARC Policies and Procedures sub-committee have been meeting for months to review and refine the Policies and Procedures. During that review, one topic was synthetic turf – Do we allow it? If so, where, how much, etc.? After much discussion, the following was presented to the ARC for review. On May 5, 2026, this was approved by the ARC to be submitted to the Board of Directors, and was approved by the Board on May 18, 2026.
While we continue the process of updating the Policies and Procedures, this language will be referred to as Appendix T, and it will be found in the back of the Policies and Procedures document, which is available on the SIPOA website. Once the Policies and Procedures revisions are complete, this language will be incorporated into the document and will no longer be an Appendix.
If you have questions about the usage of synthetic turf for a future project, please contact the Architectural Review office at (843) 203-6464 or arc@sipoa.org.
APPENDIX T: SYNTHETIC TURF LAWN FOR RAISED PATIOS
Synthetic Turf Lawn for Raised Patios: Synthetic turf lawns are permitted in limited circumstances.
Synthetic turf lawn areas are to be located at the rear of the property, may not extend beyond the sides of the house or into the setbacks at the sides or rear of the house, and are not visible from the street.
The synthetic turf lawn area is to be elevated to a minimum of 18” above the average surrounding grade of the turf area.
Synthetic turf lawn is to be no more than 1% of the highland area of the lot.
Synthetic turf lawn is to be bordered on all exposed sides with a continuous, solid, opaque wall constructed of approved materials consistent with the design of the house and capped with a complimentary coping.
The pile of the synthetic turf is to be a minimum of 1.75” high with a thatch base.
Plantings shall be required to soften the appearance of the walls of the raised area, help it blend with the surrounding yard, and reduce visibility from the neighboring properties.
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.
With handsome bark and large clusters of flowers, the crape myrtle is one of the most popular ornamental plants of the South and sometimes referred to as the “lilac of the South”. Proper pruning will best preserve the exquisite architectural framework and bark of crape myrtles. It is a common misconception that crape myrtles require aggressive pruning in order to flower. This is not only false, but has resulted in an overly aggressive pruning practice commonly referred to as “crape murder”. This brutal massacre of crape myrtles to fist size and larger trunks ruins the natural form and encourages growth of spindly, whip-like branches. For removal of any branches more than 2″ thick, always cut back to the crotch or the trunk. Never leave big, ugly stubs.
Since pruning can significantly reduce cold hardiness, ideally try to complete pruning by early February when the tree is fully dormant, and the branches are leafless. Remove any suckers from the base of the plant as well as any deadwood. As the tree grows, remove lower branches from the bottom third of the tree to expose the trunk character. Lastly, remember to remove crossing branches from the canopy. On some cultivars, pruning to remove spent flower blossoms after they fade will stimulate new growth and another blossom flush in late summer.
While referred to as the “lilac of the South”, the common crape myrtle, Lagerstroemia indica, is a native of China and Korea. They prefer moist, well-drained soils and full sun but will tolerate heat, humidity and moderate amounts of drought. Flower colors range from white, pink, orchid, to dark red. Often Lagerstromia indica is bred with Lagerstromia fauriei (a Japanese native) for mildew resistance, thus creating Lagerstromia indica X L. fauriei. This interspecific hybrid is typically broken into three categories, semi-dwarf (5’ to 12’), intermediate (13’ to 20’) and tree type (23’ to 33’). The number of crape myrtle cultivars is staggering but several of the most popular cultivars include:
“Muskogee” – Large shrub or small tree (21’ high and 15’ wide), prolific light lavender-pink flowers July to September, shiny light gray to tan bark
“Natchez” – Large shrub or small tree (21’ high and 21’ wide), dark cinnamon-brown, sinuous, mottled, exfoliating trunk bark that remains spectacular throughout the year, pure white flowers in late June/July into September
“Dynamite” – Intermediate height (up to 20’ tall), flower buds are crimson with cherry red flowers, highly resistant to powdery mildew
“Tuscarora” – Large shrub or tree (15’ tall), dark coral-pink flowers from early July with recurrent bloom until September, mottled, light brown bark is spectacular, mildew resistant
“Chickasaw” – True genetic dwarf, with compact mounded habit (2’ by 3’ to 3 ½’), pink lavender flowers, glossy dark green leaves.
Submitted by Katrina Burrell, Director of Administration and ARC
An introduction to the ARC and Commercial Access Team who are dedicated to providing an efficient process and consistent communication and customer service.
Join the ARC and Commercial Access team on September 8 at 3:00pm in the Lake House, Live Oak Hall.
View more information on all the exciting changes with ARC here.
When: Monday, September 8 Where: Lake House, Live Oak Hall Time: 3:00pm
The ARC has some exciting new updates: New Faces, New Processes and a New Location!
New Faces – We would like to introduce you to the ARC and Commercial Access Team, who are dedicated to providing an efficient approval process and consistent communication and customer service.
KimTurczyn joined us in November of 2022. Having had previous experience working with municipalities, she was the ARC Assistant. Her job has recently evolved into the Regime Community Compliance Assistant position. She will be working directly with Regime and Association managers and boards to improve communication and assist owners, managers and contractors during the submittal process and review of their project requests. As all Regime / Association projects must meet the Standard for that particular Regime, Kim is becoming familiar with the Regime / Association Standards to better assist owners and contractors. kturczyn@sipoa.org
Ana Donahue began in January of 2025. She has years of retail and commercial customer service experience. As the Single Family Community Compliance Assistant, Ana is committed to providing all customers (Property Owners, contractors, etc.) a friendly and efficient experience as she assists with the submittal process and initial review of their project requests such as painting, rot repair, and window replacement. She helps owners and contractors ensure that their project meets the Requirements of the SIPOA Policies and Procedures. adonahue@sipoa.org
LauraDemnard joined us in June 2025 as the New Construction Community Compliance Assistant. Her focus is on all aspects of New Construction and larger Remodels. Her previous experience in Code Enforcement with the City of Charleston has also prepared her for the Compliance related portion of her duties to ensure that job sites are maintained and Policies met. She assists with preparing the documents for the ARC meetings, correspondence with owners, contractors and architects and has recently begun to assist with onsite Initial Site Visits and Post Construction Reviews. ldemnard@sipoa.org
Cindi Bray alsojoined us in June as the ARC Community Services Representative. All things ARC begin and end with Cindi. She is the receptionist and assists us all: co-workers, Property Owners, and contractors alike. She has several years of experience in hospital management and customer service, and she uses that experience to assist and facilitate a smooth ARC experience in person, by phone, or via email. All ARC requests should be sent to her at arc@sipoa.org to be assigned to the appropriate assistant. Once approved, she will also send the final email to provide you with a copy of the approval and information on any next steps that might be needed.
Keiaunta “Kiki” Alexander just joined us a few weeks ago as the Commercial Access Assistant. She has a strong background in customer service and assists vendors and contractors with the SymLiv system where the Commercial Access barcodes and day passes are maintained. Some of our vendors are individuals, while some have very large vehicle fleets. We use the SymLiv online system to streamline the Commercial Access process, and there are often questions to answer, and of course, barcodes to affix to vehicles. commercialaccess@sipoa.org
New Processes – Along with our growing team, we’ve rolled out some process improvements to enhance your experience with the Architectural Review Committee and Department. While we have some big plans and will be transitioning to a new online project and construction approval process in the next few months (Citizenserve). The Town of Seabrook Island also uses Citizenserve for application processing.
We have already implemented some new internal tools, systems and target timetables that will provide quicker and more effective communication on your project or any questions. Once a request is submitted to ARC (in person or via email to arc@sipoa.org), an email is sent to acknowledge receipt with 24 hours. Within 2 business days, when the project has been received by Kim, Ana or Laura, they will send an email letting the applicant know that it has been assigned, if they’ve had a chance to review the application, and will let you know if there is any additional information needed for the full review. Within 7 business days, of receipt and initial review, an additional email will be sent stating that the project is now being forwarded to the Director for review. Within 7 business days you will receive an additional email stating that additional information is needed or that the application has been approved. With this improved workflow and defined timeline there should be fewer delays and clearer, more consistent communication providing a smoother review and approval process.
We are dedicated to improving this process and applicant experience. Please keep in mind that almost 50% of the applications submitted are incomplete in some way and that delays the process. Here are some examples of information needed to ensure your application for exterior improvements is complete
If painting, the color brand, name, number and LRV (Light Reflective Value) are required.
If doing roof work, provide the shingle brand and color name. Also note if it is a roof repair or full roof replacement
If the project is a simple one where no changes to materials, colors, etc., are proposed and the repair or replacement will match existing, we are working toward an expedited process where approvals may take as few as 2 business days.
We are in the beginning stages of process and software transition with a goal of full implementation in early 2026. The staff will be trained on the new software and we will provide information on the new web-based system once we are closer to the implementation date.
NewLocation – The SIPOA ARC and Commercial Access offices have moved to a new location. We are now located at 1002 Landfall Way (previous SIC Amenity office location). As with the SIPOA office, we are open Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 4:00pm.
With new faces, new processes, and a new location, we’re looking forward to providing an efficient and pleasant experience for owners, contractors, and architects from submission to approval. We are excited about all of these changes and look forward to sharing this with the Seabrook Island community. More information about the updates will be shared at the September 8th Get the Scoop meeting.
