uette Hart, a native of Jamaica, has been hired for the long overdue zoning administrator position for the City of Isle of Palms. Hart’s hiring came after a six-month vacancy and search.
“It is right up my alley with my knowledge of architecture and city/ urban planning,” said Hart, who relocated with her family from Florida to IOP. “I have always worked in private architecture firms in the U.S. and the Caribbean, each having its own area of focus and design.”
Hart’s duties will include administering the city’s code and directing activities of the Building, Planning and Zoning departments to enforce zoning, flood zone, building and licensing regulations.
“Without this position, either our City Administrator Douglas Kerr would have to fill in, or we would look to outsource the service,” said Mayor Phillip Pounds. “It would slow down the approval process for our residents building new homes or renovating an existing home.”
Hart’s experience has included high-rise, mixed-use buildings, health care facilities, religious structures, multi-family residential, hospitality projects and civic projects. However, this is not her first job addressing zoning issues with a municipality.
While working as part of a Design Research Committee for the City of Bradenton, Florida, between 2023 and March 2024, Hart was engaged in a number of city projects, such as a master plan for a new public works facility, which included collaboration with the building and planning department, the fire marshal, the police chief, architects and engineers for original design and owners/clients.
Rather than finding it too involved, Hart said each experience reinforced her desire to stay in planning. “You review what works and what clearly does not for an efficient city – not only the aesthetics but the function,” she said. “Each element of the design should work effectively and efficiently.”
Hart’s initial duties for IOP have been to review the city’s zoning plan, tree preservation and setback requirements and the Conservation Overlay District.
Aside from all the nuts and bolts, Hart’s motivation for working in zoning comes from her “insane passion” of wanting to be an integral part of the community’s growth and betterment. “I’m an island girl, I love the beach and a more coastal environment,” Hart said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to be part of a community that is increasing and growing in shared purpose, common objectives and development of core elements – especially its environment.”
By L. C. Leach III
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