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It is with great pleasure that I present the first in a series of COVAR Publications covering topics of ongoing interest to Seabrook Island villa and other owners. Publication 1, “Exterior Alterations/ Improvements” was prepared by the COVAR Board, in an effort to help owners to understand the process and avoid harmful repercussions. The COVAR Board hopes that the attached publication will be of continuing value to you.
The next COVAR meeting will be Saturday, March 12 from 10 AM to 12 Noon at the Lake House. All Seabrookers are welcome to attend.
Submitted by Allan W. Keener, President, COVAR
COUNCIL OF VILLA ASSOCIATIONS AND REGIMES
Publication #1 Exterior Alterations/Improvements
Villa owners must comply with association/regime and SIPOA Architectural Review Committee (ARC) policies and procedures for approval of exterior alterations/improvements, the corresponding Town of Seabrook Island and Charleston County ordinances, and FEMA regulations. Although a contractor may act on behalf of an owner, a villa owner must understand the process to avoid harmful repercussions should the contractor fail to obtain the necessary approvals.
Villa owners considering exterior alterations/improvements should (1) ask their property manager or board of directors if there are regime/association and SIPOA ARC approved standards for exterior alterations/improvements and (2) review the SIPOA Policies and Procedures for Residential Development on the SIPOA website. The next step is to obtain board approval for the proposed work, whether or not there are standards. The approved request can then be submitted to the SIPOA ARC Administrator for approval or referral to the SIPOA ARC depending upon the nature of the work to be performed.
After ARC Administrator or ARC approval, the next approval authority for the proposed work is the Town of Seabrook Island. The Town requires a Town Business license for contractors that perform exterior alterations/improvements. This allows the Town to verify that the contractor has the appropriate credentials, insurance, and, if applicable, workmen’s compensation insurance.
The villa owner or the contractor must also obtain a Town and, if required, a Charleston County permit for each job. The Town charges $25 for small jobs such as simple repairs and $100 for major construction. Since the Town contracts with the County to do major building inspections, it abides by County codes and lists of jobs that require permits. A March 2009 Charleston County Memorandum requires permits for companies or individuals who perform exterior alterations/improvements. There is a county fee for each permit obtained. Most County permits are based on construction valuations and range from no fee for $2,000 and less (unless an inspection is required, in which case a permit is required and a $50.00 fee will be charged) to $1,799.50 for the first $500,000 + $3 per $1,000 for $50,001 and up. To obtain a permit, the contractor must be licensed and registered with the County.
If the villa owner wants to do the work, in the vast majority of cases, no Town License is needed. However Town and County permits may be required depending upon the scope of work.
Finally, as part of the licensing/permit process villa owners must consider limits on work that may be performed below the first living level or flood stage elevation. A factor contributing to the Town’s flood insurance premium discounts is an ordinance requirement that new or substantially improved buildings be elevated to a minimum of two foot above the elevation indicated on the NFIP flood insurance rate maps (“freeboard elevation”) or the elevation of the existing first finished floor, whichever is lower. Similarly, no hard wired appliances such as air conditioners or water heaters are permitted below this level. One switch and one electric outlet are permitted.
If you need further information consult (1) your association/regime property manager or board of directors, (2) the SIPOA ARC Administrator, (843)768-1560 or by e-mail at arc@sipoa.org, (3) the Town of Seabrook Island Administrator at (843) 768-9121, (4) Charleston County Building Services at (843) 202-6940 or by e-mail at buildingservices@charlestoncounty.org.
Note: This publication is current as of December 1, 2015