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Design Review

The Design Review Board reviews the appearance of new buildings and changes to existing buildings to ensure everything aligns with the unique character and aesthetic of Hilton Head Island, which we refer to as the "Island Character.".

What is "Island Character"?

Island character is what makes Hilton Head Island look and feel distinct from other places, such as Bluffton or Myrtle Beach. It's our unique style — natural, calm, and coastal.

The Town created a Design Guide with examples of what fits the Island character. Our Design Review Board and Town staff use this guide to help make decisions.

What parts of the Island require Design Review?

Areas along major or minor roads, along the water and marsh front, resort areas, and around Sea Pines Circle and Coligny Circle require review.

Major roads include:

  • Cross Island Parkway
  • Palmetto Bay Road
  • Pope Avenue
  • U.S. Route 278 (William Hilton Parkway) including Sea Pines Circle

Minor roads include:

  • Arrow Road
  • Beach City Road
  • Cordillo Parkway
  • Dillon Road
  • Folly Field Road
  • Gardner Drive
  • Greenwood Drive (to Sea Pines gate)
  • Gum Tree Road
  • Leg O’Mutton Road
  • Main Street
  • Marshland Road
  • Mathews Drive
  • New Orleans Road
  • North Forest Beach Drive (Coligny Circle to Avocet Street)
  • Pembroke Drive
  • South Forest Beach Drive (Coligny Circle to Alder Lane)
  • Spanish Wells Road

When is a Design Review required?

A Design Review is required for the following:

  • New Buildings: This involves two steps - a Conceptual Review followed by a Final Review.
  • Any alterations to the external appearance of a building, such as new paint or materials.
  • Any freestanding signs that exceed 40 square feet in size.
  • Changes to landscaping, walls, fences, pavement, or outdoor lighting.

The Design Review Process

A Principal Planner will assist with the application and guide you through the process.

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.

Minor Corridor Review Application

Major Corridor Review Application

Filing Fees:

  • New Development-Conceptual - $175
  • New Development-Final - $175
  • Alteration or Addition - $100
  • Minor External Change - $50
  • Signs (including temporary signs) - $25 plus $25 per sign face

Application Deadlines

Step 2. Staff Review

Minor Corridor Review

  • If someone wishes to make minor modifications to a property, Town staff can review and approve these changes.

Major Corridor Review

  • If someone wishes to construct something new or change the exterior color or materials of a building, they must submit an application for Design Review Board consideration.
  • After reviewing and discussing the project with the applicant, Town staff will prepare a report with recommendations; the Design Review Board will make the final decision.

    The Design Review Board can:
    • 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.I

Questions?

Contact Melissa Paul-Leto, Principal Planner, at MelissaPL@hiltonheadislandsc.gov or 843-341-4625.

Resources

Design Guide
Forms & Applications