Historic Preservation Commission approves manufactured home and three‑bay garage in Phillips Community

The Charleston County Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to approve a certificate of historic appropriateness for a property on Canyon Lane in the Phillips Community Historic District, allowing placement of a 1,120‑square‑foot manufactured home and construction of a 1,080‑square‑foot three‑bay detached garage.

Staff said manufactured housing units and outbuildings are common within the Phillips Community and concluded the proposal met the applicable approval criteria. Staff recommended approval with two conditions: that any major changes be processed pursuant to section 21‑5.m (modifications to approved certificates of historic appropriateness) of the Historic Preservation Ordinance, and that there be no living space above the garage without future Historic Preservation Commission approval and compliance with the Zoning and Land Development Regulations Ordinance.

Two neighbors spoke at the public hearing. Richard Habersham said a three‑car garage of that size is out of character for the Phillips Community, where most garages are two‑car or smaller. Dietrich Stelges, who lives nearby, said a garage of comparable size exists on 2939 Canyon Lane and that the proposed building would fit his 1.89‑acre lot. After discussion the commission voted to approve the application; an amendment to the maker's motion incorporating the staff conditions was accepted before the roll‑call vote. The decision is final for the commission; appeals must be filed in the Circuit Court of Charleston County within 30 calendar days of the meeting.