Hilton Head may selectively ease tree rules to open up ocean views

A Hilton Head Island councilman has asked other town leaders to consider softening the island's tree-preservation policy to allow for selective tree-cutting that would open up views of the ocean.

It would be a significant departure from long-standing policy on an island that prides itself on maintaining natural maritime forest environs.

Councilman John Safay proposed re-examining the tree rules Tuesday after meeting with the owners of Ocean Dunes, an 84-unit condominium complex near the former site of the Adventure Inn on South Forest Beach Drive.

"Our greatest asset is our beach and views of our beach," he said. "I think we need a common-sense policy or approach to this issue.

"I'm not talking about clear-cutting to open up a panoramic view. It would be a very selective cutting of trees."

The issue is scheduled to be discussed during the Town Council's retreat in December, where officials, free from the format of regular public meetings, debate issues and set the agenda for the next year.

At the four-story Ocean Dunes building, a strip of trees -- oaks, palmettos and pines -- obscures the ocean views of many condos, including those on the top floor.

Vacationers, who pay an extra $600 a week for oceanfront rooms, have complained about the obstructed views. The oceanfront villas cost more because of their closeness to the beach, and ocean views aren't promised, the owners say. But some vacationers have demanded refunds, and several people considering buying condos have changed their minds after they stepped out on the balconies, said Terry Notartomaso, whose family owns Vacation Time of Hilton Head Island, which owns, manages and rents condos at several buildings in the area.

"I really appreciate the town's renewed focus on keeping Hilton Head a world-class destination," said her husband, Mike Notartomaso. "In order to maintain that reputation, I think it's important that when people come here and rent an oceanfront unit, they can actually see the ocean."

Not everybody agrees with weakening tree protection, a hallmark of the island dating to the island's early development as a resort.

Councilman George Williams opposes creating a subjective criteria for removing trees. Allowing trees to be chopped down to open up views would create confusion for town employees and mean the end of many trees island-wide, he said.

"How do you determine which trees are eligible and which ones aren't?" Williams asked. "How do you say 'yes' to one person and then turn around and say 'no' to somebody else with a similar situation?"