Hilton Head Island
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The Town Council approved the framework for the Gullah Geechee Preservation Project Report, developed collaboratively by the Gullah Geechee Land and Culture Preservation Task Force and Town staff. One of the top priorities identified is amending the Land Management Ordinance (LMO) to allow property owners to establish Family Compounds and Family Subdivisions.
A Family Compound is a single parcel of land that allows the construction of multiple homes with reduced buffers, setbacks, and access widths. Access to the property and infrastructure, such as water and sewer, can be installed as the homes are being built.
A Family Subdivision, on the other hand, allows lots to be subdivided with reduced buffers, setbacks, and access widths. Access to the property and infrastructure can be installed as the homes are being built. Vacant lots in a Family Subdivision do not require access and infrastructure to be installed first.
To qualify for a Family Compound or a Family Subdivision, property owners must meet the following criteria:
Note: Family Compound and Family Subdivision applications and related building permits are fast-tracked.
A Family Compound is purposed to retain Gullah properties for future generations. It is a single parcel of land that allows the construction/placement of multiple homes and is owned by a single family. Construction of access and infrastructure within a Family Compound is installed in order of construction and is the responsibility of the individual currently building on the property. To be established as a Family Compound, an affidavit must demonstrate that the purchaser is a family member through a written, signed, and notarized statement. The property must remain as a Family Compound for at least three years before being sold.
View the HNP-O Family Compound Example
Family Subdivision are lots that are subdivided and owned by one family to either build or save for future generations. Family Subdivisions do not require infrastructure to be installed for all of the established lots prior to construction. However, as a part of the application process, plats that are subdivided for a Family Subdivision must show the proposed location of infrastructure for future installation. Establishing access and infrastructure is the responsibility of the individual currently building on their lot, and it must be installed in the order each structure is constructed. To be established as a Family Subdivision, an affidavit must demonstrate that the purchaser is a family member through a written and notarized statement. Prior to the sale of property in a Family Subdivision to non-family members, the seller must process a complete subdivision application as established in the LMO.
View the HNP-O Family Subdivision Example
Any family — defined as a spouse, parent(s), biological or legally adopted child(ren), or a group of individuals related by blood and descended from a common ancestor (including extended family) — may establish a Family Compound or Family Subdivision, as long as the relationship can be verified through an affidavit.
A family compound is a single parcel of land owned by members of the same family, which can contain multiple homes.
A Family Subdivision is property divided into several parcels and owned by members of the same family.
Yes. Creating a Family Compound or Family Subdivision is optional. They are for the purpose of preservation and retaining ownership within the family for future generations.
Property established as a Family Compound cannot be sold to non-family members for three years.
If a Family Subdivision is sold to someone outside the family, it must follow the standard subdivision rules outlined in the LMO.
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