Myrtle Beach, November 15, 2025
News Summary
As the holiday season approaches, Myrtle Beach residents are encountering strict regulations from their Homeowners Associations (HOAs) regarding festive decorations. In neighborhoods like Grande Dunes Golf Village, homeowners are forced to adhere to timelines for displaying Christmas lights, which cannot be turned on until after Thanksgiving. Some associations also enforce the removal of decorations within a month after the holidays. As more residents voice their concerns over these restrictions, tensions rise in this close-knit golf community known for its festive spirit.
Myrtle Beach Homeowners Associations Crack Down on Holiday Cheer
As the holiday season approaches, residents of Myrtle Beach are feeling the pinch of some strict rules imposed by their Homeowners Associations (HOAs). That festive spirit is having to squeeze into tight little boxes as rulings on holiday decorations shake things up in the community.
Restrictions on Holiday Lights
Homeowners in areas like the Grande Dunes Golf Village are finding their plans for dazzling Christmas light displays halted, with some associations not allowing residents to even turn on those twinkling lights until after Thanksgiving. And once the holiday is over, the crackdown doesn’t let up. The Golf Village Property Owners Association requires homeowners to take down their holiday lights within a month after the celebrations have concluded. Though there is a silver lining—the holiday lights can stay on trees until March 1, as long as they remain unlit.
Understanding HOA Living
Many feel that these restrictions, while frustrating, are just a part of living within an HOA. Residents often shrug and say, “Welcome to HOA living,” accepting the guidelines outlined in governing documents. It’s essential for homeowners to read through the covenants, codes, and restrictions when moving in. In South Carolina, these rules are legally recognized as binding contracts that residents agree to upon purchasing property in an HOA.
Speaking Up About Concerns
Concerned homeowners can take steps to voice their frustrations. They have the opportunity to chat with neighbors or even suggest changes to the existing rules by bringing their ideas to the HOA board. However, the enforcement of these rules can vary widely, and violations may result in fines or written warnings.
The Big Picture in South Carolina
Did you know that about one-quarter of homes in South Carolina fall under HOA governance? With that many homes under such regulations, it’s no surprise that complaints about restrictions can often bubble up. Issues like transparency in rule enforcement and the utilization of HOA fees are at the forefront of residents’ concerns.
Recent Legislative Changes
A law passed in 2019 aims to enhance transparency for homeowners in HOAs, granting access to governing documents and budgets, while the Department of Consumer Affairs is now responsible for keeping track of and resolving homeowner complaints. Problems have been widespread in areas like Horry County, where residents have voiced their frustrations about the enforcement of rules and general transparency within their associations.
Understanding the Fallout
In Myrtle Beach, the frustration is palpable. Residents aren’t just grumbling about Christmas lights. A local veteran faced hurdles when an HOA denied him the right to display an American flag on a portable flagpole. Such legal disputes and even property liens have become common among homeowners, often resulting from unpaid dues or rule violations.
Open Dialogue is Key
Experts suggest that rather than letting this tension fester, homeowners should approach their neighbors to discuss plans for decorations and seek cooperation. This community spirit could help ease the burden of strict regulations during the joyful holiday season. However, grappling with issues such as transparency regarding the use of HOA assessment fees continues to frustrate residents like many others.
As the holiday season rolls in, it seems that Myrtle Beach residents will have to navigate both the joy of the season and the restrictions of their Homeowners Associations with care. Balancing personal expression with community rules can certainly be a tricky dance, but collectively finding solutions could make it a merry holiday for every resident involved.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Search: Homeowners Associations
- The State
- Wikipedia: Homeowners’ Association
- WBKO
- Google News: Homeowners’ Association disputes
- WMBF News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homeowners Association
- Task & Purpose
- Google Scholar: Homeowners Associations South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
