Purpose

Sharing a small Island safely requires the cooperation of everyone. The publication of these rules is intended to define the minimum standard of behavior on the Island. Following the rules will protect lives and insure everyone's enjoyment of Fripp Island.

The included rules cover: Traffic, Parking, Animal Control, Property Appearance, Wildlife Protection and Public Safety.

The FIPOA Security Department is empowered to enforce our rules. The Security Department is also authorized to enforce the laws of the State of South Carolina. Violation of State law or Island rules may result in a fine and/or arrest.

This web page and the printed brochure contain a partial summary of the rules of Fripp Island. More complete information is available at the FIPOA office.

Overview of Rules

Section I: Traffic

1. Obey all regulations of the State of South Carolina and/or Fripp Island.
2. Obey the posted speed limits.
3. Only properly licensed drivers may operate a motor vehicle on any Island road. Motor vehicles include golf carts, mopeds and electric scooters. ($200.00 Fine and $25.00 Impound Fee)
4. Motor vehicles operating on Island roads at night must be equipped with, as a minimum, operative headlights, taillights, brake lights and a rear view mirror. ATVs are not allowed. ($300.00 fine & $25.00 impound fee)
5. Motor vehicles are not allowed to go on the beach or on the bike path.
6. Walkers, bikers, skaters, and non-motorized vehicles must use the bike path where they are provided. High speed bike riders should ride in the street and obey all posted traffic regulations.
7. All privately owned golf carts and mopeds must be registered with the FIPOA. Golf carts and Low Speed Vehicles brought to the island by non-owners must pay a $50.00 annual registration fee within 24 hours of arrival ($300 fine for not registering).
8. All motor vehicles operated on Island roads must be covered by bodily injury and property damage liability insurance.
9. Only registered motorized vehicles shall be permitted on FIPOA roadways.
10. All vehicles hauling debris must be tarped.

Section II: Parking

Obey all posted no parking signs and designated fire lanes.

Section III: Animal Control

Control of pets is necessary to protect Island wildlife and residents.

1. Only domestic pets (dogs, cats, birds and the like) may be kept on the Island.
2. All dogs off the owners'/renter's property must be on a leash.
3. All pets must be properly licensed and have the shots required under South Carolina law.
4. People walking pets are responsible for cleaning up and properly disposing of their pet's waste.

Section IV: Property Appearance (PEC)

1. All properties shall be maintained in an orderly manner. No accumulation of trash or debris of any type shall be permitted. Trash must be in covered cans and screened from view.
2. Unusable vehicles shall not be stored in a visible location.
3. Mailboxes shall be kept in a proper state of repair and shall comply with guidelines.
4. Dumping of trash and debris on private property is prohibited.

Section V: Wildlife Protection

Fripp Island is a wildlife sanctuary (South Carolina Code of Laws #50-11-880) and protection of the Island wildlife is important for the animals and the people.

1. Do not feed or harass the alligators as this is against the law and may cause their removal and/or death. ($200 Fine or State Citation)
2. Do not feed the deer.
3. Obey all turtle protection rules. ($1000 State Citation.) (See turtle rules page)

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources recommends that you do not feed animals such as deer, raccoon, etc.

Section VI: Public Safety

1. Firearms of any type may not be discharged on the Island.
2. Fireworks may not be set off by individuals on the Island.
3. Blow/Dart guns are not permitted on the island.

4. All minors, under age of eighteen, shall be off the common property between 12:00 am and 5:00 am unless accompanied by their parent or guardian.

5. Operation of golf cart under the age of 21 between 12:00 am and 5:00 am is prohibited.

6. All motorized watercraft shall be operated in a safe manner to protect wildlife and prevent damage to the marsh.
7. Motorized watercraft shall not be operated within 50 feet of people in the water and may not be operated in excess of idle speed when within 100 yards of the beach.
8. Excessive noise and between the hours of 7:00 pm and 7:00 am is prohibited
9. Disorderly conduct or a breach of the peace is prohibited.
10. Trespassing after posted hours is prohibited.

Section VII: Littering

1. Littering on public or private property is prohibited.

Section VIII: Beach Regulations

Personal property may not be left on the beach past sunset. Exemptions will be granted to sailboats if permission is requested in advance and the Chief of Security approves the location. Articles found on the beach will be confiscated. The leaving of holes and obstructions after sunset is prohibited.

Rules and Regulations Governing the Operation and Registration of Golf Carts, Low Speed Vehicles and other ATV-like Vehicles on the Streets and Roads of Fripp Island

Adopted by the FIPOA Board of Directors 12/10/11

Section 1: No motor vehicle may be operated on Fripp Island streets and roads except Automobiles, Motorcycles, Trucks, Scooters and LSVs registered and licensed in compliance with state law and non-State registered LSVs, golf carts, mopeds and scooters which have been registered with Fripp Island Security. Operation of any other vehicle, including ATVs, Mules, Gators and other off-road vehicles on Fripp Island streets and roads is prohibited and will result in a Fripp Island citation, accompanied by a fine of $300.00. A vehicle subject to such a citation shall be impounded and held by Fripp Security until removed from the island or brought into compliance with applicable State law or registered with Fripp Security as required. The owner of an LSV or golf cart which may be registered with Fripp Island Security may apply for a reduction of this fine to $50 upon compliance with applicable state or Fripp Island registration requirements and upon paying any applicable registration fee. Emergency vehicles operated by qualified personnel and construction, excavation or maintenance vehicles which are properly employed as such, are excluded from this prohibition although each such vehicle subject to this exemption should be identified and described to Fripp Security. All ATVs, Mules, Gators or other off-road vehicles which have been registered with Fripp Security prior to the effective date of this Resolution may continue to be operated for the life of the registered vehicle, subject to the speed limits for golf carts in Section 2.

Section 2: The existing registration requirements for golf carts remain unchanged and remain applicable to all currently registered golf carts and any new carts intended for use or garaging on Fripp Island. All LSVs which are not registered under applicable State law must be registered as golf carts. There are golf carts which, although not equipped as LSVs or registered and licensed in accordance with state law as LSVs, are nevertheless capable of speeds in excess of 20 mph. The operation of such vehicles on Fripp Island will be permitted if properly registered with Fripp Island Security. Provided however, the speed limit for all vehicles subject to registration as a golf cart, including non-state registered LSVs, on Fripp Island streets and roads is 20 mph or the otherwise applicable speed limit if less than 20 mph. Violation of this speed limit is subject to all applicable speeding fines under existing requirements.

Section 3: As provided in Section 2, all golf carts or LSVs subject to registration as a golf cart brought to Fripp Island for use on its streets and roads must be registered within 24 hours of arrival or delivery or be subject to a fine as provided in Section 1. All owners of such vehicles subject to registration who are not Fripp Island property owners must pay a fee of $50 to obtain this registration.

Click for printable LSV Rules

RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE OPERATION OF A HOME BASED BUSINESS ON FRIPP ISLAND

Section 1. Operation of a Home Based Business on Fripp Island. — The operation of any business from a single family home on Fripp Island is prohibited; however, the operation of a Home Based Business, as defined, limited and conditioned in these Rules and Regulations, will be allowed.

Section 2. Definitions.

1. Residential. For the purpose of these Rules and Regulations, the term "Residential", as it is used in connection with describing or limiting the use of any single family residential home is deemed to include the operation of a Home Based Business as described and limited herein.
   
2. Home Based Business. A Home Based Business, as used in these Rules and Regulations, includes without limitation, any occupation, work, service or activity undertaken in a private residence through the use of electronic, telephonic or computer-based communication devices or other activities conducted from or within a private residence which, as limited herein, involves the provision of goods or services to persons other than the operator's family and for which the operator receives a fee, compensation, or some other form of compensation, regardless of whether:

1. such activity is engaged in full or part time,

2. such activity is intended to or does generate a profit, or

3. a license is required.

Section 3. Conditions and Limitations Imposed on a Home Based Business. — The limitations and conditions for the operation of a Home Based Business are as follows:

1. The operator of a Home Based Business must own and reside on the property and no more than two occupants of the home, including the operator, may be engaged in the Home Based Business. No other associates or employees, working whole or in part in the home will be allowed.

2. The use of the home as a Home Based Business shall be clearly incidental and subordinate to its use as a residence.

3. No Home Based Business may be operated from an accessory structure or detached garage and any storage related to the business must remain within the home.

4. The Home Based Business must not display or create any external evidence of the operation of such business and must not affect the residential character of the home. No signs, merchandise or other articles shall be displayed for advertising purposes, or be visible from outside of the home.

5. No excessive traffic on the property within a 24 hour period

6. No electrical, mechanical, chemical or other equipment which is not normal domestic or household equipment shall be allowed in connection with the home business occupation and such occupation shall not generate noise, vibration, electrical interference, heat, glare, dust, smoke, odors, fumes, or unsafe conditions which are detectable to the normal human senses off of the lot or which adversely affect the health, safety or welfare of the neighborhood.

7. Only passenger vehicles shall be allowed in connection with the Home Based Business. For purposes of this Section, passenger vehicles are limited to motorcycles, mopeds, automobiles, pickup trucks, golf carts, and vans.

8. All deliveries to the home and activities involving outside patrons and clients must be limited to the hours between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Tractor-trailer deliveries are prohibited.

Section 4. Enforcement. — The Architectural Review Board, acting as the authorized delegate of Fripp Island Security, will enforce these Rules and Regulations restricting the operation of a Home Based Business using the procedures for the enforcement of all Rules and Regulations of Fripp Island Property Owners Association.

Section 5. Pre-existing Home Based Businesses. — Home Based Business uses which were in existence at the time the 2009 Amended and Restated Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Single Family Residential Properties were adopted and which may violate the restrictions on Home Based Businesses established herein may apply to the Architectural Review Board for permission to continue such uses. Such permission shall be granted by the Architectural Review Board, with the advice and consent of the Fripp Island Property Owners Association Board of Directors, if such continued uses have not and will not create or maintain any condition or use which, in the judgment of such Boards, violate the overall spirit and intent of this rule and the Covenants.

Section 6. Amendment to the Schedule of Fripp Island Property Owners Association Rules and Regulations Violation and Fees.

Section VI: Public Safety, of the Schedule of Fripp Island Property Owners Association Rules and Regulations Violation and Fees, is amended by adding sub-section (K) Improperly Operating a Home Based Business and establishing a Fee for such violation at $50 per day after notice to quit and providing further that such Fee for repeated offense may be doubled.

Section 7. Effect on Other Covenants and Agreements. — Nothing in these Rules & Regulations, authorizing Home Based Businesses, is intended to or has the effect of superseding or revoking any other Covenants or Agreements.

Section 8. Administration. — The Architectural Review Board in conjunction with the General Manager is charged with the responsibility of creating such form letters as may be required to properly administer the enforcement process.

Click for printable Home-Based Business Rules

BOAT RULES

Unless provided by Fripp Island subdivision covenants to the contrary, boats may be stored on single-family residential property subject to the following rules:

1. Boats shall not be stored or parked outside on single-family residential property visible to the public for more than seven days unless extended by the consent of the Chief of Security.
2. Boats may be stored inside or under a dwelling structure on single-family residential property.
3. Boats may be stored on single-family residential property if not visible to the public OR within a screened area approved by the ARB.
4. Excluded from these rules are boats on private docks.

Definitions:

"Single family residential property" is defined in the rules, regulations and resolutions of the FIPOA and includes both vacant lots and lots containing dwellings or other structures.

"Boat" includes all watercraft and watercraft trailers.

ARB:

Approval of the ARB is mandatory regarding screened area construction for residential boat storage. For this purpose, the ARB shall apply the guidelines as set forth on page 1 of the "Architectural Review Board Guidelines" revised May 14th, 2011, (and as revised thereafter). The ARB shall also determine if the screening construction plan submitted reasonably and substantially shields the applicant's boat from the public view.

An application to the ARB for a permit is required for screening construction and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Each application must be approved by the ARB before the project is started.

The following shall be required: Applicant shall provide a site plan and construction specifications which shall set forth: the type of material and color to be used; location of project on the property - if close to the property line written input from adjoining neighbors shall be provided, and at a minimum a ten foot side setback from property lines shall be maintained; or the front and rear setback lines must be maintained. Boat screening must be compatible with the house.

1. Applicant shall pay a permit fee of $50. No bond is required.
2. The ARB shall review the site plan, construction specifications and the physical property and grant or deny the permit. If denied, applicant shall have appeal rights as set forth on page 10 ("Appeals Process") of the ARB guidelines.
3. If the permit is granted a certificate of compliance is required pursuant to the ARB guidelines.

FINES:

A fine of $50 per day shall be imposed for failure to comply with these Rules. The fine shall commence three (3) days from the date the non-complying party is served with notice unless extended by the Chief of Security. If the failure to comply is remedied within that period of time, no fine shall be imposed. Notice may be served by personal service, e-mail or certified mail (either certified mail which requires recipients' signature or U.S. Postal Service certification of delivery). APPEAL PROCESS: Any person cited under these rules has the right to appeal as provided in the regulations, resolutions and rules of the FIPOA.

Print new Boat Rules

FIPOA and its Security Department are empowered to issue citations for the violation of the State and Island rules.

Section I: Traffic — Citations for violation of Island traffic rules shall be in the amount of $50–$200 depending on the severity of the offense.* A violation of State law may result in the issuance of a State citation.

Section II: Parking — Parking citations of $50–$100 may be issued for a violation of Island parking rules.* State citations shall be issued for more serious violations such as parking in a fire zone or handicap area.

Section III: Animal Control — Citations for the violation of the Island animal control rules may be issued in the amount of $25–$50 for the first offense.*

Section IV: Property Appearance — Citations for violations of property appearance will be issued from $25–$100.* Owners of unsightly properties** shall be notified of the problem by mail and given fifteen (15) working days to remedy the situation. If no action is taken the FIPOA may remedy the problem and bill the owner for the cost of the work. Non-conforming mailbox may result in a fine of $50 if the situation is not remedied within 90 days.

Section V: Wildlife Protection — Violations of Items A and C wildlife statutes protecting turtles and alligators may result in a state citation. Violation of Item B may result in a $15 citation.

Section VI: Public Safety — Citations of $25 to $100 may be issued, depending on the offense.* State citations may be issued where appropriate.

Section VII: Littering — Citations for violations may be issued in the amount of $50 for the first offense.*

Section VIII: Beach Regulations — Citations for violations may be issued in the amount of $100 for the first offense and property may be confiscated.

*May be doubled after each offense
**Undeveloped or developed

APPEALS

Appeals Process:

If the alleged offender requests an appeal of a violation citation, he or she must notify the General Manager in writing within ten (10) calendar days* of issuance of the citation. The Appeals Committee must first acknowledge receipt of the request for an appeal by Standard Mail, and then notify the alleged offender by Standard Mail that the Appeals Committee meeting has been scheduled. The appellant will be notified by Standard Mail of the action taken by the Appeals Committee.

The alleged offender is presumed to have waived his/her right to APPEAL if a request for an Appeals Hearing is not received by the General Manager within the required ten (10) days.*

The Committee shall be convened to hear the appeal. The alleged offender shall be given the opportunity to be heard and present witnesses if appropriate. In all instances the alleged offender shall be given opportunity to question his/her accuser. The alleged offender must appear in person unless the Committee agrees that appearing in person is not feasible. In this case the Committee shall allow written appeals.

The decision established by majority vote of a quorum of the Appeals Committee is final. A written report of the decision by the Committee shall be sent to the offender.

*Postmarked, Hand-Delivered or Drop Box

Printable copy of Fees - CLICK HERE

1. Fee for repeated offense may be doubled

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Printable copy Rules & Regulations - CLICK HERE * Printable copy Fees - CLICK HERE

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