Hilton Head Island - Our Plan

The 2020 to 2040 Comprehensive Plan for the Town of Hilton Head Island

Adopted October 20, 2020

A comprehensive plan serves as a roadmap for a community's future, outlining how it aims to grow and develop over the next 10 to 20 years. It addresses various aspects, including where new homes and businesses should be located, how roads and parks will be designed, and how to protect the environment and historic areas.

Local governments use comprehensive plans to guide decisions on new construction projects, zoning changes, and budget allocations for infrastructure such as roads and utilities. This plan provides an overall view that helps community leaders ensure that all elements work together cohesively as the area grows, rather than allowing development to occur randomly.

Our Plan 2020-2040

Resources

The Our Plan Story

South Carolina's Local Government Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act

The South Carolina Local Government Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act of 1994 is a state law that gives cities and towns the legal authority to create comprehensive plans and zoning rules to guide how their communities grow and develop. Each community should have a 20-year plan for governance. It should be reviewed at least every five years and updated at least every 10 years. The following 10 areas are required to be in each community’s comprehensive plan:

1. Population - Considers the number of people living in the area, family sizes, education levels, and income.
2. Economic Development - Covers jobs, where people work, and the local economy.
3. Natural Resources - Considers resources such as forests, wetlands, wildlife habitats, scenic views, and parks and recreation areas.
4. Cultural Resources - Highlights historic buildings, neighborhoods, commercial districts, and important cultural sites.
5. Community Facilities - Plans for essential services such as water systems, sewage treatment, trash collection, fire stations, schools, and libraries.
6. Housing - Examines the types of homes available, their condition, and their affordability for residents.
7. Land Use - Assesses both existing and future land use for residential, business, and recreational purposes.
8. Transportation - Considers road and sidewalk improvements, transit projects, pedestrian and bike paths in relation to land use.
9. Priority Investment - Analyzes funding sources for public infrastructure such as water, sewer, roads, and schools, and determines where to best spend those funds.
10. Resiliency - Addresses preparation for natural disasters like flooding and helps the community recover quickly. Resiliency was added as a requirement in 2020, after the Town created its Comprehensive Plan.