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Habitat for Humanity seeks variance to build first Dillon County homes inside Lake View
Summary
Habitat for Humanity Marion–Dillon told the Lake View council it has land donated for homes on Waverly/Cedar Streets and aims to build four or five houses for residents living in substandard housing, but the project may require a planning-board variance; county officials clarified permitting and the council asked for procedural details.
Jim Kirkland, representing Habitat for Humanity Marion–Dillon, told the Lake View council on Aug. 15 that HFH has built 48 homes in Marion County since 1994 and is preparing to build its first home in Dillon County inside Lake View on land donated by Maniac Cares at Waverly and Cedar Streets. Kirkland said HFH funds builds through donations, grants and a resale store and uses subcontractors and volunteers.
Kirkland said HFH hopes to build five homes if the town planning board grants a variance; without that variance the project would be four homes. He said monthly mortgages typically average less than $500, are offered at 0% interest, and that owners must escrow insurance and taxes and occupy the home for the life of the mortgage. He noted HFH will award these Lake View homes only to applicants who currently live in substandard housing and who meet income, debt-to-income and background checks.
Dillon County Councilmember Dennis Townsend explained county permitting rules after questions from council members and residents. He said Dillon County provides Lake View with code-enforcement services and that county building permits are required; plans are not required unless the work changes a facility’s commercial use or load-bearing walls. Townsend said homeowners working alone do not have to pay for a permit, but contractors must carry a Lake View business license and must present county permits when requested. Clerk Anarda Garris’s authority to enforce local business-license and zoning ordinances was affirmed in the discussion.
At the meeting, resident Darius Leonard urged the town to support HFH and to 'come together as one,' saying his efforts for Lake View are motivated by community concern. Councilmember Camryn Church later responded that the council and staff never opposed HFH builds and that the council had sought procedural clarity so officials could accurately answer residents' questions.
The council did not vote on any HFH-specific ordinance or variance at the meeting. HFH representatives said a typical timeline from application approval to completed house is about one year; the organization will proceed only after required local approvals and any variance are secured.
