Hilton Head, August 6, 2025
News Summary
Residents of the Holiday Homes neighborhood in Hilton Head are fighting back against a developer’s proposal for three new three-story houses intended for short-term rentals. The plans have ignited fears among locals about the disruption of their peaceful community and the loss of its historic charm. Concerns are also raised regarding increased short-term rentals in the area, which could affect property safety and quality of life. Residents are considering further actions as they seek to protect their neighborhood’s character amid zoning challenges.
Hilton Head Residents Band Together Against Proposed Short-Term Rentals in Historic Neighborhood
In Hilton Head, residents of Holiday Homes, a long-established neighborhood on Folly Field Road, are uniting against the construction of three seven-bedroom, three-story houses proposed by a developer from West Virginia. The plans have sparked significant opposition as residents worry about the potential disruption of their quiet community and the conversion of these homes into short-term rentals.
The Holiday Homes neighborhood is primarily composed of one-story homes, which many residents believe will no longer provide the same charming atmosphere if the new constructions are allowed. Matthew Lewis, a representative of the community, has expressed that the proposed developments fail to harmonize with the existing character of the area.
Many of the short-term rentals in Hilton Head have been established by out-of-state developers and individual investors, with numerous properties being used as investment houses or secondary residences. Residents of Holiday Homes are vocally concerned that the rise in short-term rentals is detracting from the very qualities that initially drew them to the area, such as easy beach access and a strong sense of community.
Historical Context of Holiday Homes
Holiday Homes was founded in 1956 by O.T. McIntosh Jr., primarily as a housing option for working-class families. The original designs were intentionally simple, and restrictions on development were enacted to prevent nuisances and to preserve the neighborhood’s character. A restrictive covenant filed by McIntosh explicitly prohibits the construction of three-story homes, a regulation that residents argue has not been adequately honored in the permitting process for the new proposed houses.
Community Response and Zoning Challenges
The residents are actively fighting against the proposed development, contending that it violates the intent of the existing zoning regulations, which were established to maintain the single-family residential character of the neighborhood. However, town officials have maintained that the new development adheres to zoning requirements, which has raised frustrations among the residents who have appealed the decision.
The Board of Zoning Appeals has officially dismissed the residents’ case, suggesting they form a Homeowners Association to gain more control over the future of their community’s development. There has been a robust public outcry against the plans, as residents reminisce about the community’s supportive culture, contrasting sharply with the anticipated changes that could accompany new rental properties.
Rising Concerns Over Short-Term Rentals
Hilton Head has experienced a significant increase in short-term rental properties, with 7,112 permits currently registered. This growth has sparked issues related to property safety, noise, and parking, exacerbating concerns within the community over quality of life. In response, the town has proposed new regulations targeting occupancy limits, parking restrictions, and fire safety enhancements such as coiled fire alarms and automatic shut-off timers for gas grills. Discussions regarding the specifics of these regulations are ongoing.
Continued Community Efforts
As the appeals process unfolds, residents are seeking alternative routes to protect their neighborhood’s integrity, stressing the urgent need to revise land use controls and to renovate existing protective covenants. Many residents have voiced worries about their financial capacity to sustain legal challenges, given the significant resources required for such endeavors.
Conclusion
The situation in Holiday Homes highlights broader issues related to property development and community character preservation in Hilton Head, raising questions about the future landscape of this historic neighborhood.
FAQ
Why are residents opposing the new construction in Holiday Homes?
Residents are concerned that the three proposed three-story homes do not align with the existing character of the area, primarily made up of one-story homes, and fear they may become short-term rentals disrupting the community’s quiet nature.
What historical protections exist for Holiday Homes?
A restrictive covenant filed by the neighborhood’s founder in 1956 prohibits the construction of three-story homes to maintain the original character of the community.
What actions are residents taking against the development?
Residents are actively appealing decisions made by the Board of Zoning Appeals and are encouraged to form a Homeowners Association for greater control over neighborhood developments.
How many short-term rental permits are registered in Hilton Head?
As of now, there are 7,112 permits registered for short-term rentals in Hilton Head.
Key Features of the Proposed Development and Community Concerns
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Construction Height | Proposed three-story homes |
| Current Neighborhood Composition | Primarily one-story homes |
| Neighborhood Foundation Year | 1956 |
| Registered Short-Term Rentals in Hilton Head | 7,112 permits |
| Current Board of Zoning Appeals Decision | Dismissing residents’ case |
| Proposed Regulatory Focus | Occupancy limits, parking restrictions, fire safety enhancements |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Residents of Hilton Head Oppose Short-Term Rentals
Hilton Head Beach Renourishment Project Delayed
Hilton Head Beach Renourishment Project Delayed by Weather
Hilton Head Island Struggles with Workforce Housing Shortage
Hilton Head Island Anticipates Major Accommodation Tax Revenue
Hilton Head Island Launches Major Beach Renourishment Project
Hilton Head Island Town Leaders Consider Moratorium on Short-Term Rentals
Hilton Head Island Beach Renourishment Project Announced
Charleston’s Tourism Industry Sees Significant Growth
Cost Comparison of Accommodations on Hilton Head Island
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Real Estate News
- Wikipedia: Short-term rental
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Real Estate
- Post and Courier: Short-Term Rentals
- Google Search: Hilton Head community development
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
