News Release

Town Council June 3, 2025, Meeting Highlights

FY26 budget accepted, zoning and code milestones achieved for Northpoint public-private partnership workforce housing, administrative citations and fine ordinance adopted, and land acquisition for six properties moves forward

June 6, 2025

At its regularly scheduled meeting on June 3, the Hilton Head Island Town Council took steps to support the Island's long-term livability, resilience, and quality of life. Major actions included the acceptance of the fiscal year 2026 (FY26) consolidated budget, achievement of rezoning and density municipal code revisions to advance workforce housing initiatives, finalization of enhancements to code enforcement authority, and approval of land acquisitions.

A full recording of the meeting is available on the Town's YouTube channel, and a complete meeting overview (agenda and packet materials) is posted on the Town's website. The next regular Town Council meeting is scheduled for June 17 at 3 pm.

Actions taken by Town Council on June 3 include:

• During the second public hearing on June 3, the Town Council accepted unanimously the second reading of the Town Manager’s proposed FY26 consolidated budget, a balanced and strategic financial plan totaling $174,711,350 in projected revenues and scheduled expenditures. It spans six major funds and includes a 2-millage (mills) property tax rate reduction, decreasing the rate from 21.4 mills to 19.4 mills, and reflects the Town's ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility and service to residents. The full proposed FY26 consolidated budget and presentations are accessible at hiltonheadislandsc.gov/finance and a full press release is available on the Town's website.
   
• Rezoned parcels on Northpoint Circle, which finalizes text amendments to the land management ordinance and amends the official zoning map to advance the development of the Northpoint workforce housing neighborhood. While changing the designation from park and recreation to moderate-to-high density residential use, key zoning provisions are in place to ensure the development remains compatible with surrounding areas and sensitive to the natural environment. The project will preserve more than 50% of the site as functional open space, maintain the existing cap of 45% impervious surface coverage, protect specimen trees, and limit building height to 45 feet. In addition, land located along Jarvis Creek will be protected, including a forty-foot average buffer to help preserve the ecological character of the area and provide natural buffers within the neighborhood.
   
• Amended the Land Management Ordinance (LMO) to support workforce housing in the RM-12 zoning district (second reading). Changes allow workforce housing as a permitted conditional use in moderate-to-high density residential areas, establish property size and location criteria, provide a density bonus and impervious surface allowance, and clarify agreement requirements for workforce housing projects.
   
• Approved restrictions for animals/dogs in a designated area of the Town’s beach near Fish Haul Creek (second reading). This restriction is required as a condition of the 2025 Beach Renourishment Project permit, issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Temporary signage is posted, and permanent signage will be installed in the coming weeks.
   
• Authorized the Town's Community Code Enforcement Division to issue civil administrative citations and fines for violations of the Municipal Code (second reading). This provides an alternative to criminal prosecution and strengthens the Town’s ability to enforce local parking and short-term rental regulations efficiently and cost-effectively.
   
• Authorized a resolution naming a multiuse pathway and boardwalk in honor of Frank Babel, a local bicycling and wellness community leader and past president of Bike Walk Hilton Head Island. The naming area extends from the northeast corner of Shelter Cove Community Park and along the marshes of Broad Creek, and ends at the trailhead located at 69 Shelter Cove Lane.

Following Executive Session, the Town Council:

• Authorized the execution of real estate contracts for the acquisition of the six remaining privately owned parcels on the Stoney neighborhood peninsula. Totaling approximately 3.44 acres, the acquisition completes public ownership of the entire peninsula at a combined cost of $2,170,000. The Town applied to the Beaufort County Green Space Program to support the purchase. On Dec. 6, 2024, the Green Space Advisory Committee recommended $1,464,200 in funding, which was approved by the Beaufort County Council. The Town will contribute the remaining $705,800. Parcels acquired include:
   
  • 77 William Hilton Parkway - $739,000
  • 79 William Hilton Parkway - $196,000
  • 81 William Hilton Parkway - $650,000
  • 75 William Hilton Parkway - $150,000
  • 91 William Hilton Parkway - $290,000
  • 93 William Hilton Parkway - $145,000​
     
  Following the acquisition, the Town will remove any existing structures and restore the land to green space. The project aligns with broader Town and County goals to conserve land, protect community character, and guide responsible development.
   
• Approved amendments to the intergovernmental agreement for the Beaufort Jasper Housing Trust to define the program further and enable it to better address housing needs on Hilton Head Island.