Town of Bluffton Planning Commission Meeting, May 27th, 2026 at 6:00 PM

The Town of Bluffton Planning Commission held a meeting on May 27, 2026, focusing primarily on amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) related to wetland regulations and stormwater management. The commission discussed public comments and staff recommendations on clarifying wetland buffer rules, the applicability of state and federal permits, and qualifications for wetland delineations. The commission voted to recommend approval of these amendments to the Town Council. Additionally, the commission reviewed and approved a certificate of appropriateness for a 5,000 square foot medical office building for Bufort Memorial Hospital, including conditions on LED lighting and architectural symmetry. They also approved a preliminary development plan for two commercial buildings in New Riverside Village with conditions to preserve significant live oak trees through parking and driveway reconfiguration, allowing staff-level approval for minor revisions but requiring commission review if trees must be removed. Lastly, the commission approved a preliminary development plan for a nine-lot residential subdivision called Maiden Lane, emphasizing tree canopy preservation and infrastructure development. Throughout, the commission emphasized tree preservation, landscaping, and compliance with development agreements and ordinances.