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 2025 was a big year for the Town of Hilton Head Island's Community Development Team. The team welcomed eight new employees including a Planning Director and three new Provisional Building Inspectors.
The six boards managed by the Planning Department met 49 times and planning items were presented to Town Council 19 times in 2025. Among those presentations were some amendments to the Land Management Ordinance for:
- Traffic Impact Analysis Plan requirements and standards
- Regulations for tree protections
- Addition of construction management standards
- Procedures for major development plan reviews and major subdivision plan reviews
- Regulations for open space and pathways in major subdivisions
- Zoning rules to allow workforce housing to be constructed at Northpoint on Jarvis Creek
The Community Development Information Center team were as busy as ever in 2025, entering over 5000 applications. Process improvements have dropped the average time from permit application to permit issuance from 58 days in 2022 down to just 15 days in 2025 with many permits being issued in even less time.
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Town Council created the Land Management Ordinance (LMO) Task Force to assist in reviewing the updated Land Management Ordinance and to make recommendations to Town staff, the Planning Commission, and Town Council regarding regulations governing land use, zoning, subdivision, development, design, and other related matters
Including a broad cross section of community members, industry professionals, neighborhood association representatives, residents, and appointed and elected officials, the 21-member LMO Task Force will help ensure that the Town's development regulations align with the community's needs and expectations, as well as protect and preserve the Island's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and community character.
The LMO Task Force meetings are all open to the public and will be broadcast for viewing either live or at your convenience. We encourage you to get involved by watching, submitting comments or reaching out to our Town of Hilton Head Island Development Services Program Manager, Trey Lowe at TreyL@hiltonheadislandsc.gov.
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If you have a bond connected to your state license, please notify us before the expiration date of the updated expiration date to avoid holds on any active permits. Because bonds all renew individually, we are not able to automatically update that renewal information for our system. Please contact CDIC if your bond expiration needs to be updated at CDIC@hiltonheadislandsc.gov or at 843-341-4757.
Renew your Town of Hilton Head License Before April 30!
Town of Hilton Head Island business licenses expire each year on April 30. Please be sure that you renew your license PRIOR to this date to avoid any holds on active permits. If you have any questions about business licenses, please contact Revenue Services at RS@hiltonheadislandsc.gov or 843-341-4677.
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What drew you to work in planning for the Town of Hilton Head Island?
I was drawn to working for the Town of Hilton Head Island because I wanted to understand the building process here. With my dad being a plumber in New York, I was curious to see how permitting and construction procedures differ between the two states. I was eager to understand what’s involved in building on the island. I’ve also been fascinated by how the architecture blends so well with the natural surroundings, which is so different than anywhere else. Everything here falls right in line with each other.
If you had to recommend a “must-do” on Hilton Head Island, what would be your recommendation?
One experience every visitor must try is a kayak tour through the marsh! You'll be treated to stunning views while learning about the island's unique ecosystem and wildlife. Plus, you'll get an up-close look at the animals that call the marsh their home. A close second will be biking throughout the island.
What’s a skill or hobby you have that might surprise others?
One of my biggest hobbies is working out. I love anything related to fitness. I was involved in CrossFit for a while, competed on my college rowing team, and I’m currently training for a half-marathon.
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 Customer Self-service (CSS) Spotlight
Helpful tips on using our Town of Hilton Head Island Portal to make your job easier!
Use the portal to get your permit.
Applicant
Submitted
Accelerated
Permitting
Multiple Users
Did you know that one company can have multiple login emails connected to their account allowing your entire team to manage projects together? Each user will need approval by the owner or registered agent of the company. If there are changes in the company structure, those users can be removed easily from the connection. Similarly, if your company has multiple state licenses, we can connect those so that you can view all projects with a single login.
CSS User Tip
When entering permits, you can manually add in the property owner of the permit address if you are unable to find them using the search function. Immediately above the search bar, you will see “Enter Manually.” Click on that tab. You will see a series of fields to enter for the owners. The Community Development Information Center team will verify the information upon receipt of the permit.
 Need extra help?
If you would like a personalized walk-through of the portal, we’re happy to help. Contact Katie Kabala, Community Development Services Manager, at 843-341-4698 to set up a virtual individualized learning session tailored to your needs.
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