Land Development Code Update

The City of Tybee Island's Land Development Code (LDC) serves as the regulating document for the built environment on Tybee Island. The LDC been updated and amended since its adoption in 1974 to meet certain needs of the community. However, there have not been regular updates to the LDC. Regular updates and amendments keep the LDC relevant with changes that reflect the latest thinking and requirements on land use and development. Omnibus updates such as this are made to eliminate unclear language, correct errors, and update content based on interpretations, best practices, and align with state, federal government and other agency regulations.

In general, the LDC for Tybee Island:

• Regulates the location, height, bulk, number of stories and size of buildings, and other structures
• Regulated the amount of the which may be occupied
• Regulated the sizes of yards and other open spaces
• Regulates the density and distribution of population
• Regulates the uses of buildings, structures and lands for trade, industry, residence, recreation, conservation, water supply, sanitation, public safety, public activities
• Preserves historic structures, scenic areas,
• Provides protection against floods, rising waters, erosion, and other areas of environmental concern
• Creates zoning districts for the above purposes and establishes those boundaries with the Zoning Map
• Defines certain terms used the LDC
• Provides for the method of administration, appeal and amendment, enforcement, duties and the provision of penalties for violation.

In 2023, Tybee Island advertised an RFP for the thorough review of the LDC for clarity, content, and adherence to state and federal law. In addition, to compare the current LDC to check for any potential conflicts within the code. As part of the review process, five (5) committee meetings have been held to date with two (2) workshops with city council.

This page is intended to garner public feedback for the LDC review process and proposed amendments. This project is intended to update the text of the LDC, and no changes are intended for the City's Zoning Map.