Hilton Head Island
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In November 2019, Town Council approved the framework for the Gullah Geechee Preservation Project Report that was created in a collaborative effort between the Gullah Geechee Land and Culture Preservation Task Force and Town Staff. Amending the LMO to allow property owners to establish Family Compounds and Family Subdivisions was identified as a top priority project.
A Family Compound is a single parcel of land that allows multiple homes to be built 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 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:
Town Council adopted the Family Compound and Family Subdivision Ordinance on July 20, 2021.
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 spouse, parent(s), biological or legally adopted child(ren), group of persons related by blood and descended from a common ancestor (as in extended family) and can be established by affidavit, can establish a Family Compound or Family Subdivision.
A Family Compound is a single parcel of land owned by a members of the same family that 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.
PA Family Subdivision that is sold to a non-family must follow the regular subdivision amendments as established in the LMO.
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