WTOC-TV: Savannah, Beaufort, SC, News, Weather & Sports Hilton Head panel's zoning review continues

Hilton Head Island is known around the world. But the town is looking to balance the preservation of its landscape without over-regulation.

A new committee is looking at breaking down some of those barriers. It is tasked with rewriting the ordinance as the town deals with a slow-moving economy.

Some of the committee's goals are to make Hilton Head more pedestrian friendly by eliminating or decreasing buffer requirements; to take a look at whether or not there are too many zoning districts; to rezone and reuse buildings that sit empty; and to continue to streamline the review processes while still protecting and highlighting the island's best attributes.

"You know what? Economic conditions can change and things ain't as great as they used to be. Economic conditions can change and maybe we need to take a look at these things," said Hilton Head Mayor Drew Laughlin.

Coligny Park is a standout example of how aesthetics can work within limits. The architecture and landscape mirror nature's assets, yet there are modern conveniences to attract tourists and residents to the park.

Roger Freedman, a business owner, has also already benefited from this new perspective. He had to have special rezoning to get his zip line recreational project up and running.

"It's sort of reflective of the changes in Hilton Head, where it's becoming very business friendly, yet, still protecting the values that have made Hilton Head a very special place," he said.

The committee is tasked with rewriting the ordinance has been meeting regularly for about a year to discuss solutions.

The existing ordinance was first drafted in the 1970s and has been amended several times over the decades. Laughlin said that he would love to see the ordinance completely rewritten by the end of the year.

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