Community Development Frequently Asked Questions

Building Permits & Inspections

When do I need a building permit?
A building permit is required whenever you construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move or demolish a building or structure, or if you install or alter electrical, heating, air conditioning or plumbing equipment. More Building Permit Information...

When isn’t a building permit required?
A permit is not required in the circumstances listed below. However, before beginning a project, check with the Community Development Information Center at (843)341-4757 to determine if the work complies with the provisions of the Land Management Ordinance.

Tool/storage sheds less than 120 square feet for Commercial and Residential. Even though a permit is not required, contact Community Development Services for zoning issues. Note: All projects in V Zones require a permit.

Driveways and sidewalks

Movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5’9”

Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, countertops- if not part of additional on going work.

Privacy fences under 6’ unless located in an overlay district

Swings and playground equipment

If you are not sure whether the work you want to do requires a permit, call the Community Development Information Center at (843)341-4757.

How do I apply for a building permit?
Building Permit application forms are available at Town Hall or online. Fill out the requested information on the form: site address, owner, contractor, and a complete description of the work and the value of construction. This figure must include the value of material, labor and profit to complete the work. Bring your completed application and plans, if required, to the Community Development Services Information Center.

How is a building permit fee determined?
A fee schedule is used to calculate the permit fee. Fees for new structures, additions and renovations are based on the value of the construction. Some permit types are charged flat fees for example, HVAC change outs, swimming pools or spas, and irrigation system installation. You can obtain a breakdown of fees at the Community Development Department web site.

If the value of single family alterations, repairs or remodels is less than $1,000, the permit fee will be waived.

Who may apply for a building permit?
Permits may be applied for by either the owner or the authorized agent of the owner.

How do I know if the contractor I hire is properly licensed?
The South Carolina Department of Labor and Licensing oversees professional and occupational licensing. They maintain a web site where you can look up contractor information and check if there are any outstanding complaints filed (www.llr.state.sc.us). You may also call the State at (803)896-4696. In addition to proper state licensing, anyone doing business in the Town of Hilton Head Island is required to have a current business license.

The State recommends that you

Make sure the contractor is bondable

Never pay for an entire job up front

Be specific about what you want done and put details in writing.

Can an owner act as his own contractor?
An owner may act as his own contractor if he/she meets the requirements of Section 40-59-260 of South Carolina Code of Laws. The owner must apply for the permit in person and sign an Unlicensed Residential Builder Disclosure Statement that is filed with the Beaufort County Register of Deeds.

When do I need drawings?
Drawings are required for all new structures, additions and structural changes. Basically, if you are moving walls, adding walls- doing anything structural, plans will be required. The construction documents should be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the proposed work. The drawings should show that the construction will comply with the current edition of the building codes and all relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.

For how long is a building permit valid?
A permit is valid as long as work is proceeding. If the work is halted or abandoned for a period of 180 days, the permit will expire.

What happens if a contractor or owner contractor begins work without first obtaining a building permit?
If work commences without a permit, a STOP WORK ORDER will be issued. Anyone working without a permit is subject to a $1,092.50 fine. A permit must be obtained to continue the work. The permit fee will be doubled.

How do I know if the work passed inspection?
The inspector leaves a paper copy of the inspection result at the job site. Also, anyone may view inspection results on line.

How do I obtain an elevation certificate for an existing structure on Hilton Head Island?
Elevation certificates for all structures constructed in a flood hazard zone after 2000 are also available electronically by contacting the Community Development Information Center at (843)341-4757.

Elevation certificates are available on microfilm for all structures constructed in a flood hazard zone after 1985 and may be obtained by contacting the Town Clerk's office at(843)341-4625.

Do pool heaters have to be elevated?
If located in an A Zone, pool heaters have to be tied down but do not have to be elevated. If located in a V Zone, the heater must be elevated.

Where can I find a copy of my house plan?
The Community Development Department retains single family house plans for 180 days after construction is complete. The plans are then discarded. Owners should maintain a copy of their house plans in order to rebuild in case of a disaster. Commercial plans are microfilmed upon completion of the work.

May I begin demolition before the permit is issued?
No. Your plans must be approved and the permit issued first.

What about clearing the land?
Always check with Community Development Services before any land disturbance.

Are there special procedures set up for permitting in the event of a declared disaster?
For details on procedures, please view the following flowcharts.

Single Family

Non-Single Family

If you have questions, please contact Community Development Information Center at (843)341-4757.

The following link will take you to of the Town of Hilton Head Island's Land Management Ordinance (LMO) then click on Chapter 9 - Disaster Recovery.

All construction must meet current building code regulations and must comply with FEMA regulations for flood control.

Planning & Development

How do I go about getting a permit to remove a tree on a single family lot?
If the tree is on a single family lot, permission to remove must be received from the Architectural Review Board or Property Owners' Association in your area if there is one. The only exception to this is in Forest Beach, where the Town controls tree removal in required setbacks from property lines on single family lots and the Forest Beach Association reviews tree removal on the entire lot.

How do I get a permit to remove a tree?
On all property other than single family lots, the Town has jurisdiction over tree removal. Send a written request to the Natural Resources Division stating the diameter in inches of the tree at chest height, the type of tree it is, and the reason why you feel it needs to be removed. Mark the tree so that a staff member can go look at it. If removal is approved, replanting of a similar tree or trees is often required. In many areas of the Town, approval may also be required by the Architectural Review Board and/or the Property Owners' Association. More tree protection information...

When I need tree work done, how do I know who to hire?
Since trees are living organisms, you want to hire someone who knows how they are put together and how they work. Look for a certified arborist, who must pass an extensive test to become certified, and earn continuing education credits to remain certified. Also be sure that the company you hire has both workmans' compensation and liability insurance.

How do I get copies of the Town's Long Range Plans?
The Town's Long Range Plans copies are available on this website or you may obtain hard copies are available at the Community Development Information Center. Certain plans are free of charge; others may be purchased.

How do I announce an event on one of the Town's Special Events Boards?
To announce a special event on one of the Town's three special events boards an application form must be completed and turned into the Community Development Information Center. More Information on the Special Events Boards...

How do I find out the zoning on a property?
A zoning search is provided on this website or you may call the Community Development Information Center at (843)341-4757 with either the property address or the District, Map, and Parcel Number (taken from the tax bill).

How do I obtain a letter verifying the zoning?
Make your request in writing giving us the address and/or District, Map and Parcel Number for the location, and we will give you a verification in writing. Requests may be submitted by fax (843-842-8908), US Mail (Town of Hilton Head Island, Attention: Community Development Information Center, One Town Center Court, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928), or hand delivered to the Community Development Information Center located at Town Hall.

How do I obtain a permit to develop my property?
If it is a residential property, you need to get a building permit from the Community Development Department. If it is a commercial property, you need to submit applications for Development Plan Review and Design Review Board. It is also suggested that you go through the Pre-application Meeting in order to save you time and money. The Community Development Information Center will be able to help you with your questions and give you guidance. (843)341-4757

How do I find out if my property is located in the jurisdiction of the Town's Design Review Board?
The Town's Design Review Board reviews development except for single family homes for all parcels of land that fall in the Corridor Overlay District. This district is located 450 feet along each side of all arterial roads and within 500 feet of the beach or marsh. A list of arterial roads is located in the Land Management Ordinance in Chapter 5. You may also view the Corridor Overlay District Map that shows the district.

What if my signs were impounded by Town Staff?
The owner of an impounded sign or sign structure may recover the same upon the payment of $50.00 for each sign plus the costs of removal. In the event it is not claimed within 10 days from the date of impoundment, the Administrator shall have authority to dispose of such sign or sign structure without compensation to the owner.