Planning board approves early site clearing for two‑home parcel on 10th Avenue

The Hilliard Planning and Zoning Board voted to approve a site‑clearing and site‑work application submitted by Palmetto Construction LLC, allowing the applicant to begin tree removal and site preparation on two adjacent buildable parcels on 10th Avenue.

Land use administrator Leanne Wallachs told the board the agenda packet included the application, a warranty deed and a development investigation report and cited town code 62353, which prohibits excavation or filling on a lot without an active permit. Wallachs said the applicant wants to prepare the lots before building permits are filed and that the board’s permission is required for the early site work.

“The applicant has expressed a desire to begin clearing and preparing the land property prior to the issue of building permits on the property,” Wallachs said. Wallachs also noted that the lots are non‑homesteaded and that septic‑tank exceptions and other state or county permits must be secured before certain work proceeds.

Applicant Brian Barfield estimated the remaining engineering and health‑department approvals would take about a month. “Should be probably about, say, 30 days,” Barfield said when asked how long it would be before he could file building permits.

A board member moved to approve the application (application 20260120.2); the motion was seconded and recorded voice votes of 'Yes' from the members present and the chair, carrying the motion. The board reiterated that septic permits and final drainfield location remain subject to Nassau County (health‑department) testing and approval before a certificate of occupancy would be issued.