Town of Hilton Head Island Municipal Government Website

Plan Requirements and Review

Most building permits require plan submittal. The Community Development Department reviews the building plans for compliance with applicable codes and regulations as adopted by the Town of Hilton Head Island. Both residential and commercial plan checks are conducted prior to the issuance of the building permit to facilitate the proper construction and inspection of the building or structure permitted. The approved plans must be available at the job site for all inspections. We are required to maintain these plans for a period of six months.

Site Plan Requirements

Three sets of site plans and building elevations are required for one and two family construction and 2 sets for commercial construction drawn to scale indicating setback, buffer and height requirements of Title 16 of the Town Code (LMO)external link icon Chapter 5. In some cases a tree survey may also be required. A tree survey is required for the Forest Beach district.

Drawings must show a minimum of the following:

  • New construction including fences with the boundaries of adjoining properties. Existing structures if applicable. Include spot grades or topographic lines to establish pre construction grade. List total square footage of parcel and total square footage of impervious land.
  • Show MSL height of first habitable floor
  • Show floor to floor height or MSL of each additional floor
  • Dimension top of roof and any roof feature
  • Show required base flood elevation if construction is in a flood hazard zone.

One and Two Family Building Plans

Three (3) sets of building plans.

If you are building a new single family, constructing an addition or making modifications which affect the exterior of the structure, you need to provide either a completed SSTD 10, AF&PA or ASCE-7 form or verify that the structural elements are designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice. The Building Official may require the plans to have the seal of a registered design professional.

  • Structural wall section showing total number of stories in building.
  • Foundations
  • Floor plan.
  • Electrical plan showing size of service and panel location.
  • V zone certification, if applicable

Commercial Building Plans

Three (4) sets of complete building plans and specifications including, properly sealed by an SC registered architect or engineer (if required by State law for building size, height or occupancy) describing all work to be permitted.

  • Footings/Foundation plans and fasteners. Piers and pilings require structural calculations from an engineer.
  • Floor framing plan with structural calculations if requested.
  • Roof framing plan.
  • Energy calculations if requested.
  • Septic tank permit, if applicable.
  • V zone certification, if applicable.