New task force to review land use ordinance
The Town Council of Hilton Head Island has launched a formal review of its land use and development regulations with the first meeting of the Land Management Ordinance Task Force held Jan. 6th.
Town Council identified the LMO update as a priority in its adopted 2026–2028 Strategic Action Plan under the goal of protecting island character through managing growth. Town officials said the effort is intended to align land use regulations, planning tools, land acquisition strategies and capital improvement investments while supporting sustainable development and protecting natural and cultural resources.
The 21-member task force was created to guide a comprehensive update of the town’s land management ordinance, commonly known as the LMO. The group was established through a Town Council resolution adopted Sept. 16, 2025.
“This group represents a cross section of our community — including residents, industry professionals, elected officials and community leaders — which is critical to the successful review and future implementation of a new development code,” Mayor Alan Perry said. “The LMO Task Force will help ensure that the Town’s land use, zoning and development regulations are aligned with the needs and expectations of our community.”
The task force is chaired by Ward 3 Town Council Member Steve DeSimone, with Ward 4 Council Member Tamara Becker serving as vice chair. Other members include Ward 2 Council Member Patsy Brison; Planning Commission Chair Tom Henz; Design Review Board Chair Judd Carstens; Louis Johnson, chair of the Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation; and Lavon Stevens, chair of the Gullah Geechee Land and Cultural Preservation Task Force.
The task force also includes Ray Warco, representing the Hilton Head Island–Bluffton Chamber of Commerce; Eric Brehm of Esposito Construction, representing the Hilton Head Area Home Builders Association; James Wedgeworth, representing the Hilton Head Area Realtors; Mike Alsco of Coastal Home and Villa, representing short-term rentals; Cliff McMackin of Sea Pines Resort, representing the hospitality industry; and Barbara Banaszynski, representing the workforce housing sector.
Additional members are Bill Dix, general manager of Palmetto Dunes; Courtney Struna, general manager of Palmetto Hall; Peter Kristian, general manager of Hilton Head Plantation; and residents Brian Kinard, Lola Campbell, Gregg Russell, Edwina Dunlap and Ciaran Storan. Town Manager Marc Orlando and Deputy Town Manager Shawn Leininger serve as ex officio members.
According to the town, the ordinance update will include a review of all chapters, reorganization of content, simplified language and improved usability. The revised ordinance is also expected to incorporate additional visual aids and more predictable development standards aligned with community expectations, with an emphasis on environmental stewardship and preservation of Island and Lowcountry character.
The task force is charged with reviewing draft regulations related to land use, zoning, subdivision standards, development design and review processes. Recommendations will be made by majority vote to town staff, the Planning Commission and Town Council. Meetings will follow town procedures and Robert’s Rules of Order, be publicly noticed and include opportunities for public input. The task force will automatically disband once the updated ordinance is adopted by Town Council.
The task force established a proposed meeting schedule and project timeline at its initial meeting. Meetings, unless otherwise noted, will be held at 5 p.m. in Town Hall Council Chambers and will focus on individual chapters and topics of the proposed ordinance.
The task force is expected to forward a proposed ordinance to the Planning Commission and Town Council in summer 2026. The draft will also be reviewed by the Gullah Geechee Land and Cultural Preservation Task Force, the Planning Commission and the Community Development and Public Services Committee before final consideration by Town Council.
“Together with our Mayor and Town Council, we are committed to providing a natural and built environment that supports a high quality of life on Hilton Head Island,” Orlando said. “The work already underway on the LMO update, along with the establishment of this task force, positions Hilton Head Island well to preserve what makes our community special while guiding its future in a thoughtful and responsible way.”
While the broader rewrite has been underway, Town Council has adopted 17 amendments to the land management ordinance and municipal code since 2023 aimed at regulating growth and strengthening enforcement. Those changes addressed areas including traffic analysis standards, construction site management, tree protection, noise regulations, subdivision review requirements, beach parking, abandoned boats and short-term rental enforcement.
In October 2025, Town Council also approved an ordinance repealing and replacing the town’s short-term rental regulations. The updated ordinance includes new fire safety requirements, parking limits, inspection authority, advertising rules and a revised annual permit period. Most provisions take effect May 1, 2026, with a delayed compliance deadline for certain fire safety requirements for existing permit holders.
Meeting agendas, materials and updates are available through the town’s website at hiltonheadislandsc.gov, and residents may also sign up for agenda notifications or follow updates through the town’s official Facebook page.
