Hilton Head simplifies permitting process

HILTON HEAD, S.C. (AP) — The town of Hilton Head is streamlining its process for getting permits for commercial development in an effort that some hope will spur investment.

The Island Packet of Hilton Head reported (http://bit.ly/qV01Xq ) that town staff has worked to simplify commercial permitting after gathering input from people, including architects, land planners, attorneys and developers.

Teri Lewis oversees enforcement of the town’s land-management ordinance. She says the changes complement work by a separate committee that’s rewriting zoning and land-use regulations, with the hope of spurring redevelopment. The town’s regulations were formed to slow rapid growth in the 1990s. Some say they’re now obstacles to investment.

Some of the changes are in place; others take effect Oct. 1 for anyone applying for a permit to build a new commercial development or addition.

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Information from: The Island Packet, http://www.islandpacket.com