Town Logo Hilton Head Island


Zoning Variance

A variance is permission to bypass certain design standards for a property or its associated development if adhering to those standards would create challenges for the applicant. Variance requests are reviewed and granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Regulations Eligible for a Variance

A variance may be requested for most Land Management (LMO) rules except for allowing:

  • The use of land or structure that is not permitted in that zoning district.
  • The physical extension of an existing nonconforming use.
  • An increase in the number of homes allowed in that zoning district.
  • Changes to the sign rules

An application for a variance must show:

  • There are unique issues on your property that do not exist in other nearby properties.
  • The current zoning regulations make it impossible or unfair to use your property according to the standard rules due to these unique issues.
  • By granting the variance, no issues would be created for your neighbors or the community, and the overall character of the neighborhood will remain unchanged.

The Variance Process

A Project Manager will be assigned to guide you through the entire process and be your point of contact for any questions.

Step 1. Submit Your Application

Apply online using our Building & Development Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal

Building & Development Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal

- OR -

Download the application and submit it with all required materials via email to cdic@hiltonheadislandsc.gov or in person at Town Hall, 1 Town Center Court.

Variance Application

Filing Fee: $250

Application Deadlines:

View the Board of Zoning Appeals schedule and filing deadlines

Step 2. Your Project Manager Will:

  • Contact you for any missing items or details needed to complete a full review of your Variance request.
  • Coordinate with you regarding your public hearing date at the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting so that you can attend and answer any questions that the Board might have about the request.
  • Notify the public of the public hearing with a newspaper ad and a sign posted on the property
  • Prepare a report listing the staff's recommendations to present at the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting.

Step 3. Public Notification

You are required to mail a letter to all the property owners within 350 feet of the property.

Your project manager will provide you with this list of property owners, their addresses, and a letter template to use for this mailing.

Step 4. Board of Zoning Appeals Public Hearing: What to Expect

Your Project Manager will present your application and their report to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

  • You can make a presentation and answer questions that board members may have.
  • Members of the public are allowed to express their views related to the variance request.

The Board of Zoning Appeals will:

  • Approve the application as submitted.
  • Approve the application with conditions discussed during the meeting.
  • Deny the application.

View the Application Specific Review Procedures - LMO section 16-2-103.S

Questions?

Contact the Community Development Information Center at cdic@hiltonheadislandsc.gov or 843-341-4757