Island Access
The Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) manages access to the Seabrook Island Development (SID) including the Bay Pointe and Salt Marsh developments. This is accomplished using vehicle passes and guidelines limiting the days/times access may be granted.
What are the contractor work hours?
SIPOA Rules & Regulations specify contractor hours and holiday hours here.
What is Commercial Access?
Commercial access is the process to grant access to contractors, vendors and service providers who engage or intend to engage in any business, occupation, or profession within the Seabrook Island Development (SID) Examples include:
- Building Contractors, subcontractors, plumbing, electrical, etc.
- Service Providers: landscaping, pool maintenance, HVAC repairs
- Personal Services: house cleaning, home health assistance, dog grooming
How do Commercial businesses/vendors gain access to the SID?
SIPOA Rules & Regulations provide two options for commercial access: Daily Passes and Annual Barcodes.
- A daily commercial pass is used by businesses that work on the island occasionally.
- Annual commercial barcodes are ideal for those working more than 15 days/year. Barcodes are issued for specific vehicles, are non-transferrable, and allow right-land entry during contractor hours. The barcodes help reduce traffic backups and are more economical than purchasing daily passes.
Where are passes issued?
Applications for passes and barcodes are available online and can be submitted prior to arrival Daily passes are issued at 1900 Seabrook Island Road during business hours. After business hours, passes may be issued at the gatehouse.
Annual barcodes are issued at the SIPOA ARC & Commercial Access Office at 1002 Landfall Way during business hours.
Are there fees to the Commercial businesses/vendors for Commercial Access?
Yes. Commercial access regulations went into effect in the mid-1980’s, and access fees have been in place for decades. The SIPOA Board approved charging for commercial access effective January 1, 2000. The access fees have been reviewed several times since then. Click here for Commercial Access fees
What is the purpose of the Commercial Access fee?
Access fees are a revenue-generating tool where income is set aside for maintenance and eventual replacement of our roads, plus staffing for Gate Access control and Patrol services.
Do all contractors pay the same fee?
The barcode and per-axle fees are the same for all commercial businesses driving a specific category of vehicle.
Why should I pay directly or indirectly for costs caused by commercial vehicles?
All vehicles, regardless of size, cause wear and tear to our roads. The fee is based on the number of axles on each vehicle and is paid by those conducting commercial activities in the community. Most gated communities charge for commercial access. SIPOA’s rate is equal to or less than other similar sized communities.
Are there any exceptions to Commercial Access fees?
Yes. Utilities, public service providers, clergy, government vehicles, SIPOA-contracted vendors, UPS, and other couriers, Amazon, and newspaper deliveries are exempt. Property Owners with ID arriving in taxis or ride-shares can obtain an owner’s pass for free access. Some home delivery services such as Lowes or Best Buy that charge a Seabrook Island delivery premium are not charged for access and can access the SID between 7:00am – 7:00pm on weekdays and weekends. Moving vans pay the daily access rate per number of axles.
I employ house cleaners/home health aides who come to my house regularly. Do they pay the same amount?
The daily pass rate is standard for all commercial vehicles. However, there’s a special annual barcode for sole-proprietor domestic services and home health aides. The cost is $50/year and a Town of Seabrook Island business license is required. If you need a Town of Seabrook Island Business License, click here.
Can a Property Owner pay for a commercial pass?
Contractors/Service Providers/Vendors are responsible for purchasing their access passes. Occasionally, Property Owners may choose to purchase a pass for a commercial guest. To purchase a pass:
- Go to GateAccess.net
- Enter contractor information in your guest list and check the “commercial” box
- Send contractor a QR Code via text or email
- Contact SIPOA at receptionist@sipoa.org for an online payment code
- SIPOA officers at 1900 Seabrook Island Road will scan the QR Code to create a pass
Can my contractor purchase a daily pass for multiple days?
Yes. Passes are issued to a specific driver for a specific vehicle, and the pass must remain with that driver and vehicle. Passes issued for single or multiple days are not refundable.
How do I enter contractors on my guest list?
Adding a contractor and arrival dates to your guest list speeds the pass process. When adding a contractor to the Gate Access system, check the “vendor/contractor” box for that person or company. This allows the system to create a “contractor” pass for proper identification of the vehicle and verification of the work hours the vehicle can be found on the island. When the contractor arrives to obtain their pass, they will be charged the daily access fee.
If I enter my contractor as a “visitor/guest” in the Gate Access system, do they get free access to the Island?
No. Visitor/Guest passes may not be used for commercial/contractor visitors.
Are there penalties if I choose not to designate a contractor as a “contractor/vendor” on my guest list?
Yes, repeated failure to comply with the commercial access rules may result in a violation assessment to the Property Owner and loss of access privileges for the commercial business.
Am I required to use the Gate Access system to enter passes?
No, but for accuracy and to reduce delays at the gate, it is strongly recommended. The system and mobile app are easy to use. Instructions can be found here.
How do Gate Officers identify contractors?
Commercial businesses must submit driver’s licenses, registrations, and a valid Town of Seabrook Island business license to SIPOA annually to obtain a barcode. Contractors who obtain daily passes must present a valid driver’s license and destination address before a pass is issued. Many contractors work on the island regularly, and Gate Officers are familiar with them and their companies.
