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Over the past year, you have inevitably received several e-mails from the Town with our request for feedback on our various surveys. While we love seeing that the overwhelming majority of responses are positive, we also appreciate the helpful advice we have received. Our goal is to serve you and help bring your projects to that finish line and your feedback helps us improve each day. Based on comments and survey results, we recently:
- Made changes to our pre-clear inspection process.
- Added additional application types to our online portal.
- Moved from three building permit application types down to one.
- Instituted an email that goes out to the main contractor on file as a reminder of inspections scheduled for that day.
We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to complete the various surveys that go out to you. If you have any other suggestions for improvements, please call and email me. Thank you and we look forward to serving you.
 Community Development Services Manager
KatieK@hiltonheadislandsc.gov
843-341-4698
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It’s been a busy year, marked by construction activity across the Island. By November 30, we processed 4,344 permit applications, with 38% submitted online through our Citizen Self-Service (CSS) Portal. These permits represent a collective project value exceeding $267 million. Meanwhile, our dedicated inspection team has carried out more than 24,000 inspections in the first 11 months of 2024, reflecting their hard work and commitment to maintaining quality and safety standards
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E-mails have been sent out to all pool contractors and residential builders alerting them of the following pool equipment regulations:
- In the special flood hazard area, all pool equipment shall be elevated to the base flood elevation plus one (1) foot.
- Outside of the special flood hazard area, all pool equipment shall be located at or above grade.
- All equipment shall be supplied by branch circuits that have ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection for personnel.
- All tanks shall be anchored to prevent flotation.
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Did You Know? When it comes to demolition permits, the State of South Carolina requires that all active work areas must be temporarily stabilized within 14 days and permanently stabilized within 21 days for Single Family Residential, Pools/Spas, and Development Plan Review Permits. |
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Effective January 1, 2025, our inspection request cut-off time will change to 3 p.m. All requests for inspections must be made prior to this time in order to have them scheduled for the following day. Any requests made after the 3 p.m. deadline will be added to the next available inspection date.
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Here are some helpful tips on how to use our Cusotmer Self-Service Portal to obtain your permit.
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Except for the roofing and HVAC permits online, the permitting team will review and approve your online application. The team checks to ensure all required attachments are included and all information is correct. They will then confirm that the fees are correct, remove that plan check fee if no plans are involved, and send you an invoice. To help you expedite the process, here are some helpful hints when using the online portal for permitting:
- Be sure that you are selecting the correct permit type. Each permit application type has options for single family homes, multifamily complexes (condos) and commercial properties
- On the "Contacts" page, the applicant should be the property owner where the work occurs. When you complete the search for the homeowner and discover that the contact information isn’t already in the system, you can add it by clicking the “enter manually” button above the search bar.
- If you use the portal, you do not have to attach the “paper” application. However, we still require the mechanical certificates, window/door forms, owner’s affidavit, and other paperwork for each permit type.
- Kitchen and bathroom remodels will always require you to attach either the plans for the project or photos of the area before renovations. Generally, plans are required when plumbing, electrical, or a structural element is moved, removed, or added.
- When detailing the costs on the “More Info” page, populate a "0" in any spaces where you do not have costs in that line. If the project is all electrical costs, you will enter a "0" in the line for plumbing, HVAC, and building values.
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How long have you been on the Island and what brought you here? I moved here in 1998 with family. The Lowcountry has a hold on me. I went to College of Charleston and then happily returned to the island. I can’t imagine a life anywhere else. The natural beauty of the island is second to none but I think it's our community that really ties me here.
Besides Hilton Head Island, what is your favorite place in the world? St. Croix. I’m a big fan of snorkeling, and the waters there are so clear. It feels like swimming in an aquarium - coral and bright tropical fish are everywhere! As a Broadway fan, I find New York City pretty high on my list.
What are your three favorite places on the island? Orangetheory Fitness and the Arts Center are on my shortlist. I also love Fish Haul Beach, which my kids used to call “Adventure Beach” when they were young. It’s so different from the other beaches on the island and is the perfect spot to take a relaxing walk or read a book.
What is the best thing about Hilton Head Island? I love that we have a small-town feel and the amenities of a bigger city because of our tourism. The beauty of our island is second to none. I’ll never get over that view of the island when I cross the bridge.
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We’re excited to share our bi-monthly Development Services newsletter! It’s designed to keep you updated on everything from permits and building requirements to site plans and pre-clear inspections. As we work to make this newsletter as helpful as possible, we’d love your feedback. Please send any suggestions or topics you’d like to see featured to KatieK@hiltonheadislandsc.gov.
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