Hilton Head seeks rezoning of 16 parcels on North Pointe Circle Drive

The Planning Commission of Hilton Head Island convened on March 19, 2025, to discuss a significant zoning map amendment proposed by the town. The amendment seeks to rezone 16 parcels located on North Pointe Circle Drive from parks and recreation to the RM 12 District. This area is adjacent to Jarvis Creek Marsh Pointe Apartment Homes and is part of the Hilton Head Plantation master plan established in 1984.

The North Pointe property, originally designated as Tract M for future development, transitioned into a commercial subdivision in the late 1980s. It was acquired by the South Carolina Department of Transportation in the 1990s for the construction of the Cross Island Parkway. The town purchased the property between 1997 and 1999, implementing various infrastructure improvements as part of the agreement.

The proposed rezoning would introduce new residential uses, including family compounds, multifamily housing, and workforce housing, while eliminating uses such as cemeteries and marinas. The site is located within the Squire Pope historic neighborhood, recognized for its Gullah heritage, and falls within the town's corridor overlay district.

During the meeting, the commission reviewed the application against nine required criteria for zoning amendments. The applicant, the town of Hilton Head, provided evidence that the proposed zoning aligns with the comprehensive plan. The discussion included a detailed examination of each criterion, with particular emphasis on the compatibility of the proposed changes with existing land uses.

The outcome of this meeting could have significant implications for future development in the area, particularly in terms of housing options and community planning. The commission's decision on the rezoning request will be crucial in shaping the neighborhood's development trajectory.