Balance Beauty and Function with Help from Heritage Flooring

Tell us about your next project

Hardwood Flooring in North Charleston, SC

Can you think of a feature in your home that you use every day but rarely pay attention to? If you said your home's flooring, you'd be spot on. Most homeowners overlook their floors unless they're unkempt or dirty. However, the truth is that your flooring is the largest design element of your home, making it a crucial feature that deserves attention. As one of the first features we notice subconsciously, it must look great and impress guests.

While aesthetics is always important, your flooring must also be functional. Different rooms require different demands, and your flooring should meet those demands to prevent early wear and tear. For instance, high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens need durable flooring materials that can handle daily use. Conversely, areas like your utility room, kitchen, and bathrooms need flooring options that are resistant to water. By balancing practicality and design, you can have a beautiful home that is stunning but also stands the test of time.

The challenge for most homeowners is choosing the right flooring materials and finding a flooring company that can help oversee that process. That's where Heritage Flooring Company comes into play. Whether you're looking to invest in high-quality hardwood flooring for a new construction project or you need to remove and replace your current design, Heritage Flooring is the expert to call.

From Tile Flooring to LVT, Heritage Has What You Need

As a locally owned and operated flooring company in South Carolina, we provide customers with a personalized experience that epitomizes customer service, quality, and hard work. Backed by over 40+ years of floor covering experience, we pride ourselves on quality you can stand on. Relationships are the foundation of our business. We are committed to delivering on our promises and strive to provide premium products at competitive prices.

Rooted with strong ties to Dalton, GA, our direct buying capabilities and low overhead allow us to provide you with wholesale flooring prices. That way, you can have peace of mind knowing you're buying high-quality flooring that will last for years to come. The best part? You don't have to break the bank to get the type of flooring you need.

We offer a range of flooring options for homeowners in the Lowcountry and beyond, including:

  • Hardwood Flooring
  • Tile Flooring
  • LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) Flooring
  • LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) Flooring
  • Engineered Flooring
  • Carpet Flooring

Whether you're renovating your bathroom and need tile flooring options or want soft, plush carpet for your living room, our staff are ready and waiting with a smile to help.

Heritage Flooring North Charleston, SC

Heritage Flooring Company's Services

When you visit our showroom, you can expect to find some of the most beautiful and functional flooring options available in South Carolina. We also provide a range of flooring services to choose from, depending on your needs. Those services include:

Flooring Installation

Our team of highly skilled professionals provides top-notch flooring installation services, utilizing various methods such as nailing, stapling, gluing, and floating. From LVT flooring in North Charleston for your entire home or new tile flooring for an entryway, no project is too big or too small for us to handle!

 Tile Flooring North Charleston, SC

Sanding and Refinishing

Interior design trends and styles change every year. That can be great for designers, but if you own an older home with original flooring, your home's aesthetics may feel a tad outdated. Whether you've recently moved into a new home and find the existing floor color unsuitable or want to refresh the look of your living space, floor refinishing offers a cost-effective solution without the need for complete floor replacement. Our specialized dustless sanding method and equipment ensures minimal dust during the sanding process. Our highly skilled team can then finish your floors using natural treatments or apply a stain of your choice to achieve the desired look.

 Heritage Flooring Company North Charleston, SC

Stair Flooring and Tread Installation

Sometimes, you live in a house for a while and learn that the stairs leading to the basement or upper level just aren't as safe or well-designed as you had hoped. If that sounds familiar, Heritage Flooring Company can help. We offer a vast collection of unfinished and prefinished stair treads, along with matching floor vents as well.

 Flooring Installation North Charleston, SC

Flooring Supplies

If you're taking a DIY approach to your flooring project, we stock a large quantity of vapor-lock underlayment, nails, trim, adhesives, and more so you can get all the materials you need in one central location.

 Stair Flooring North Charleston, SC

Now that you know a little more about our story and the flooring services we provide, let's dig into some of the types of flooring we specialize in.

Choose Hardwood Flooring in North Charleston for a Warm and Timeless Vibe

Hardwood floors are a classic home decor choice, adding charm and elegance to any space. Not only that, but they have also been shown to significantly increase the long-term value of your home. We offer a wide range of expertly crafted hardwood floors in various species and widths to suit both modern and traditional styles.

Our collection includes both solid and engineered options with wire-brushed, distressed, and hand-scraped finishes. Additionally, we provide a variety of unfinished flooring choices that can be custom-finished to meet your specific design requirements. We encourage you to swing by our showroom to see what we have - we're confident our diverse selection of hardwood flooring will exceed your expectations.

 Tread Installation North Charleston, SC
 Flooring Supplies North Charleston, SC

What is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Engineered hardwood floors are made of real hardwood and constructed with multiple layers of plywood, MDF, or HDF core. Each layer is cross-stacked and bonded together, making the design extremely dimensionally stable. This stability makes engineered floors versatile and suitable for all levels of the home, especially in hot climates throughout the Southeast United States. We offer over 68 in-stock prefinished hardwood options to suit any lifestyle. Additionally, we provide flooring with the click-lock method, allowing for easy installation, as well as floating options for challenging subfloors.

What is Solid Hardwood Flooring?

Solid hardwood flooring is highly regarded by many homeowners as the top choice for flooring. It's made from a single piece of 100% hardwood and is known for its durability, authenticity, and timeless appeal. Many of our solid hardwood flooring options are crafted in the USA with fine American workmanship, and are valued for their stability, consistent color, and refined grain.

Some of the best areas to install engineered or solid hardwood flooring include:

 Hardwood Flooring North Charleston, SC
 Engineered Hardwood
Flooring North Charleston, SC

Living Rooms

 Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring North Charleston, SC

Bedrooms

Heritage Flooring North Charleston, SC

Home Offices

 Tile Flooring North Charleston, SC

Dining Rooms

Select Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring in North Charleston for Memorable Looks Without the Maintenance

Luxury Vinyl Plank and Tiles give homeowners the rich look of hardwood flooring and ceramic tile without the high cost and demanding upkeep. This flooring option is a must for homes with heavy foot traffic. The lifelike texture, cost-effectiveness, and quick installation make vinyl plank a highly appealing flooring alternative, offering the look of real hardwood at a fraction of the cost. Our wide range of LVP/LVT comes in various colors, textures, lengths, and different widths to suit any budget.

What is Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring?

Ceramic tile and its installation can be both expensive and laborious for homeowners. The process takes several days and can be a burden. Luckily, LVT provides a cost-effective alternative that mimics the look and feel of ceramic tile. It features stunning natural textures and realistic grout lines, making it suitable for any space. With an easy click-and-lock system, installation becomes hassle-free. LVT is 100% waterproof, pet-friendly, and resistant to scratches and stains.

Some of the best areas to install LVT flooring include:

 Heritage Flooring Company North Charleston, SC

Bathrooms

 Flooring Installation North Charleston, SC

Kitchens

 Stair Flooring North Charleston, SC

Commercial Spaces

What is Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring in North Charleston?

Looking for the appearance and sensation of hardwood floors without the expense and upkeep? Then waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank is an excellent choice for low-maintenance, long-lasting flooring. LVP is completely waterproof and resistant to scratches, stains, and climate fluctuations. Homes with a lot of foot traffic, children, and pets are ideal candidates for LVP. The high-definition texture, cost-effectiveness, and speedy installation make vinyl plank a compelling flooring option at a fraction of the cost of genuine hardwood. We provide a wide range of LVP in various hues, textures, lengths, and various widths.

Some of the best areas to install LVP flooring include:

 Tread Installation North Charleston, SC

Living Rooms

 Flooring Supplies North Charleston, SC

Bedrooms

 Hardwood Flooring North Charleston, SC

Any Space Needing a Durable, Comfortable Flooring Option

Tile Flooring in North Charleston: Classically Sleek and Purposeful

Tile has a long history in the realm of interior design. It's versatile and can be utilized to introduce a vibrant backsplash in your kitchen, form an art-deco focal point on a wall in the living room, or offer long-lasting waterproof flooring in your bathroom. When compared to decorative wall or backsplash tile, tile flooring needs to withstand constant foot traffic, dirty shoes, pet accidents, and more, all while maintaining its beauty.

The good news is that the majority of tile is inherently resistant to water, slips, and stains, which is why most homeowners opt for tile in their kitchens and bathrooms. At Heritage Flooring Company, we offer a large selection of premium marble, ceramic, and other tile materials for your kitchen and bathroom needs.

 Engineered Hardwood
Flooring North Charleston, SC
 Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring North Charleston, SC

Bathroom vs. Kitchen: Which Type of Tile is Best?

At Heritage Flooring Company, we're often asked which type of tile is best for a home's bathroom versus kitchen. While no two homeowners will ever have the same needs, ceramic tile is generally great for kitchens, while porcelain is better for bathrooms. Ceramic is the most popular choice for kitchen tile flooring because it's available in a wide range of colors, it's low maintenance, and durable. It's often glazed to make cleaning up spills and stains easy, although it's less hard compared to porcelain tile.

Porcelain tile is commonly used for bathroom tile flooring due to its waterproof nature, trendiness, and cost-effectiveness. It's better for rooms with high moisture levels, as it has a lower water absorption rate compared to ceramic. Depending on the style, porcelain tile can range from richly textured for a non-slip surface to smooth marble tones.

The best course of action when choosing tile is to try and balance functionality and aesthetics. Ultimately, find a tile that matches your personal design taste while meeting your household needs. Having trouble choosing tile for your home? Heritage Flooring staff are trained to help you find the best choice for your home and family. We'd be happy to offer our opinion - just give us a call or visit our showroom to get started.

Carpet Flooring in North Charleston is Perfect for a Plush, Comfy Feel

There are few feelings as comforting and relaxing as digging your toes into a plush, soft carpet after a long day at work. Carpet flooring has been around for decades and is one of the most common and popular choices when it comes to home aesthetics. From high-pile carpet options for maximum comfort to low-pile choices best suited for professional environments, carpet is both versatile and budget-friendly. At Heritage Flooring Company, we carry a select line of premium carpet options in multiple styles & patterns to fit your lifestyle needs.

Top 5 Biggest Benefits of Carpeted Flooring for Your Home?

Wondering why you should consider carpet flooring? Here are some of the biggest benefits that our clients tell us about:

Have you ever lived in an apartment where you could hear everything that the people above you and beside you were doing? Even if you tiptoe through the house, you're making noise. This is especially true if you have tile, vinyl, or hardwood floors in your living spaces. Even socked feet can sound like horse hooves when there's nothing dampening your steps.

Whether you own a multi-story home, a condo, or just have really thin walls, carpets can make sure that you're not disturbing other people in your house. Carpets will also dampen the normal floor sounds like creaks. Old floors often creak, but those creaks are more obvious when you have hardwood floors.

Let's be honest: Purchasing new flooring is a big decision. But if you choose the right carpet, it won't cost as much as installing hardwood floors, which can be quite expensive. While hardwood floors look fantastic, not everyone can afford them. Most folks end up using rugs on their hardwood floors for added comfort, but they can be expensive, too.

In contrast, carpet installation is often less expensive and more affordable. If your budget allows, you can opt for fancier carpets. Whether you prefer something sleek and unobtrusive or you love the look of retro shag carpets, Heritage Flooring offers options that will suit your budget.

Concerned about safety in your home? Consider carpet flooring. If someone in your home has fallen before, you understand how alarming it can be. While carpet won't prevent accidents, it can reduce the impact and provide a softer landing. Carpet is also ideal if you have babies or toddlers. As they learn to walk, toddlers often tumble. With carpet, their falls are less painful.

It's also gentler for crawling babies and those doing tummy time. If you or your children enjoy sitting on the floor, carpet is a practical choice. Why sit on hard surfaces when you can relax on a soft, cushioned carpet? Plus, opting for a rug would mean an additional expense for your flooring.

If you pull up your flooring and find that your floors are not as even as you thought, carpets are a great solution. Uneven floors are very noticeable with hardwood or tiles, but with carpets, you can still feel them, just not see them. The softness of the carpet will also help to minimize the feel of the uneven floor. Carpets in certain colors can also conceal stains. This is one reason why many apartments opt for carpets.

Carpet is an excellent source of warmth for the floor, making it a suitable option for cold bedrooms or plain offices. Additionally, carpet acts as an insulator. The combination of the carpet and its under-padding serves as an extra insulation layer in your home. Depending on the weight and quality of your carpet, it may even contribute to increasing the R-value of your home.

What Our Clients Are Saying

Providing the Finest Flooring Services in South Carolina Since 2018

Finding a great flooring company in South Carolina is a little bit like searching for a needle in a haystack. Fortunately, if you're looking for a team of experts to help with a flooring project in your home, you've come to the right place. Since 2018, our goal has been to provide clients with the finest flooring services in our state.

Our team collaborates closely with each client to establish a trusted environment and achieve the perfect balance of style and functionality that customers deserve. In fact, we always try to exceed expectations by going the extra mile for our customers. Whether you need new tile in your bathroom or hardwood flooring in North Charleston for your whole home, we pride ourselves on quality work and efficiency. We demonstrate genuine care for our customers and emphasize that our goal is not just to make a sale - it's to assist in any way we can.

Because, as a local flooring company, you're not just our customer. You're our friends and our neighbors. You should be treated with quality service, even if you're just asking a few questions. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help with your flooring needs, or come by our showroom so we can show you in person.

Contact Us Now!

Latest News in North Charleston, SC

North Charleston considers cap on short-term rentals

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - North Charleston is considering putting a cap on the number of short-term rentals in the city.Surrounding communities already have caps like Charleston and Folly Beach.Tim Macholl, Director of Planning and Zoning, said council members raised concerns about having too many short-term rentals in their district. They worry that neighborhoods like these may no longer have the same feeling of community with new people always walking in and out the door.“Right now, that cap is proposed to ...

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - North Charleston is considering putting a cap on the number of short-term rentals in the city.

Surrounding communities already have caps like Charleston and Folly Beach.

Tim Macholl, Director of Planning and Zoning, said council members raised concerns about having too many short-term rentals in their district. They worry that neighborhoods like these may no longer have the same feeling of community with new people always walking in and out the door.

“Right now, that cap is proposed to be no more than 600 units that excludes existing units that are already permitted and in good standing. That also excludes individual room rentals,” Macholl said.

The cap would be divided evenly among the 10 districts, meaning each district would be permitted to have 60. Those living in North Charleston have mixed feelings about the potential cap.

“I’ve been here for 8 years and I’ve definitely seen the growth so I can understand why they would want to put a cap but as far as businesses go, I can understand that everyone wants a piece of the pie,” North Charleston resident Gunther Prado said.

“I think that the more that the government stays out of our pockets and our homes the better. I think if it’s your land, your house, you should be able to do what you want to do with it,” North Charleston resident Jason Ayers said.

“I own an Airbnb in Myrtle Beach, so I get both sides. But I do think housing affordability is a big problem in North Charleston,” North Charleston resident Bertrand Valero said.

Despite owning an Airbnb, Valero said he believes there should be a cap in North Charleston because he says it’s a different situation. Myrtle Beach is a vacation destination, and North Charleston has a lot of people who live here long-term. The cap would also allow the city to crack down on rentals not permitted. Macholl said there are around 570 permitted within the city. But they are aware of about 1200 operating without a permit.

“Once we’ve identified that they are operating without a permit, let them know that they need to cease and desist, stop operating if they’re in a district that does not have any space to get a permit they would have to just stop,” Macholl said.

There are some districts like 8 and 10 that already have far more than the cap. For those with permits in good standing, Macholl said the city would not take them away and they could keep operating.

Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Charleston church and museum welcome President Biden on his final day

President Joe Biden will worship with a Lowcountry congregation and visit the International African American Museum in Charleston during his final day in office.President Joe Biden will wrap up his presidency in Charleston this weekend, spending his final day in office in the city where it all began with the 2020 endorsement of Congressman Jim Clyburn.“He is coming to thank the very community and the people who put him in the White House,” says former State Sen. Marlon Kimpson who was appointed by Biden in 2023 to...

President Joe Biden will worship with a Lowcountry congregation and visit the International African American Museum in Charleston during his final day in office.

President Joe Biden will wrap up his presidency in Charleston this weekend, spending his final day in office in the city where it all began with the 2020 endorsement of Congressman Jim Clyburn.

“He is coming to thank the very community and the people who put him in the White House,” says former State Sen. Marlon Kimpson who was appointed by Biden in 2023 to serve on the U.S. Trade Advisory Committee.

Kimpson says Biden will worship at Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston Sunday and attend a reception at the International African American Museum at Gadsden’s Wharf in Charleston.

“While he will be thanking us, we will also be thanking him,” says Kimpson. “This president has done tremendous service to our state.”

Kimpson points to the Bipartisan Infrastructure law of 2021 that brought millions of dollars to our state, including the expansion of broadband allowing internet access for people in rural communities at a critical time, during the pandemic.

He also applauds the outgoing president for expanding healthcare for many who could not afford it, in particular, the American Rescue Plan that provided relief for families and workers impacted by COVID.

“All those resources enable our people to live a better quality of life,” says Kimpson.

As for what’s next with former President Donald Trump officially returning to the White House the day after Biden’s visit, Kimpson believes attacks on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs have been misplaced.

“People are hurting in our country and they’re looking for somebody to blame for their own lack of success,” he says.

“I think leveling the playing field for opportunities for those who haven’t historically had those disadvantages is not taking away from someone who thinks they’re deserving.”

As for President Biden’s message Sunday, Kimpson says, that’s anyone’s guess.

“I can say this. It’s hist last day in office and he will be speaking to the world.”

In other words, all eyes will be on Charleston.

The White House has issued a press release acknowledging the president’s visit to Charleston but has yet to include specifics.

North Charleston chef, restaurant owner selected to showcase South Carolina’s culinary scene in 2025

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — A North Charleston restaurant owner is one of three chefs chosen to showcase South Carolina’s culinary scene on the national stage this year.Shuai Wang, the owner and chef of Jackrabbit Filly and King BBQ, was named a 2025 Chef Ambassador during a ceremony at the South Carolina Statehouse on Monday. The other chefs chosen were Greenville chef Jeanne Koenigsberg and Conway restaurant owner and executive chef Darren Smith.Chef ambassadors represent South Carolina at food festivals and o...

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — A North Charleston restaurant owner is one of three chefs chosen to showcase South Carolina’s culinary scene on the national stage this year.

Shuai Wang, the owner and chef of Jackrabbit Filly and King BBQ, was named a 2025 Chef Ambassador during a ceremony at the South Carolina Statehouse on Monday. The other chefs chosen were Greenville chef Jeanne Koenigsberg and Conway restaurant owner and executive chef Darren Smith.

Chef ambassadors represent South Carolina at food festivals and other events, sharing the state’s rich culinary traditions and agricultural heritage by using produce, meats, dairy, and seafood from local farms to prepare dishes.

“Food is an important part of our state’s history, culture, and economy, and it’s where two of our largest industries — tourism and agriculture — overlap and excel,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “Our world-class culinary talent is highlighted and celebrated through the Chef Ambassador program, showcasing the best of South Carolina chefs, farmers, and locally grown products.”

Monday’s announcement comes during South Carolina Restaurant Week, an 11-day celebration of local cuisine in which hundreds of restaurants offer special menus and select deals.

South Carolina has spent decades building up its reputation as a culinary hotspot, drawing millions of travelers each year and generating billions for the economy. The restaurant industry was expected to contribute nearly $22 billion in sales to the state’s economy in 2024, according to a report from the National Restaurant Association.

Wang and his wife opened their Short Grain food truck in 2015, serving up non-traditional Japanese fare. At the time, it was named one of America’s Top 50 Best New Restaurants by Bon Appetit Magazine and earned Wang a James Beard Award nomination for Rising Star Chef.

Flash forward to 2025 and the couple now has two restaurants beloved by the community: Jackrabbit Filly, which describes itself as a family-style “Heritage Driven New Chinese American Restaurant,” and Kings BBQ, which offers “Chinatown Barbecue made with Southern Smoke.”

Wang said in a statement that his restaurants still use ingredients from many of the same farmers as when the truck first opened, and he is eager to highlight that sense of community through the program.

“This opportunity is a great way for me to showcase just how easy it is to support your local farmers and fishermen, and that any cuisine is able to utilize what is locally grown seasonally,” he said. “I’m looking forward to all the fun events that I get to be a part of this year, representing Charleston and South Carolina.”

The chef ambassador program is currently in its 11th year.

Lowcountry experts urging safety steps at home to prepare for colder weather

Published: Jan. 10, 2025 at 1:55 AM PST|NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Experts at Preferred Home Services, a plumbing company based in North Charleston, are urging families to take necessary steps to avoid a time-consuming issue that may cost up to thousands of dollars in repair.Cold mornings are in the forecast which means taking extra safety steps at home can avoid potential disasters.Dropping temperatures can take a toll on indoor plumbing systems. Weather impacts can lead to freezing water pipes overnight and cause ...

Published: Jan. 10, 2025 at 1:55 AM PST|

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Experts at Preferred Home Services, a plumbing company based in North Charleston, are urging families to take necessary steps to avoid a time-consuming issue that may cost up to thousands of dollars in repair.

Cold mornings are in the forecast which means taking extra safety steps at home can avoid potential disasters.

Dropping temperatures can take a toll on indoor plumbing systems. Weather impacts can lead to freezing water pipes overnight and cause devastating flooding in mere hours.

Plumbing supervisor Clint Lankford at Preferred Home Services says the most important step is shutting off the home water line at the valve or the meter. He says turning off the water is crucial before an emergency happens as water can run unnoticed for hours.

“I’ve watched an entire probably a 20-to-30-foot run inside of an attic split the entire way down,” Lankford says. “And it unthawed around lunchtime and it ran for probably about five hours, causing the entire home to be damaged.”

Lankford says residents can call a local plumber or fire department as well as use online resources for help.

Lankford says running water does not freeze. In that case, he recommends dripping hot water through the furthest faucet from the main water line helps keep pipes warm. The running hot water moves through the entire water system which protects the pipes from potential cracks from cold temperatures.

Covering exposed pipelines and opening cabinet doors also helps keep pipes warm and protected. Lankford suggests using pipe installations, rags or hose bib covers to protect lines from wind and temperatures.

Fire officials are also warning residents to be safe when warming the home during winter weather.

Central Berkeley Fire and Rescue officials are urging families to take precautions before pulling out their space heaters.

Central Berkeley Fire and Rescue crews have responded to two home fires linked to space heaters within the last 30 days. Assistant Chief Colt Roy of the department calls those fires total losses, but the real culprit is not the portable heater itself.

The assistant chief says the real issues are extension cords, power strips and radiating heat setting fire to nearby household objects.

Space heaters come in a variety of power ranges with some going up to 1500 watts. Roy says families need to plug heaters directly into walls to avoid fires from undersized extension cords.

Household items such as drapes, furniture and laundry can overheat if too close to space heaters. Roy recommends removing items at least 3 feet away from heaters as well as ensuring there is tip over protection. Tip over protection allows heaters to automatically shut off when knocked over. The assistant chief urges to double-check on the feature for households with pets.

Smoke alarms are critically important to protect families from emergencies. Roy urges families to make sure fire alarms are installed and working. He says carbon monoxide detectors are especially critical for homes with furnaces and fireplaces.

Many fire departments offer services for free smoke detectors and installation.

Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.

North Charleston leaders think these small unit rentals may be a solution to the housing crisis

NORTH CHARLESTON — As the cost of housing continues to rise, city leaders are looking to allow accessory dwelling units in residential areas to provide more housing options.An accessory dwelling unit, also known as a carriage house or in-law suite, is a ...

NORTH CHARLESTON — As the cost of housing continues to rise, city leaders are looking to allow accessory dwelling units in residential areas to provide more housing options.

An accessory dwelling unit, also known as a carriage house or in-law suite, is a separate, detached living space with a kitchen and bathroom on the same property as a single-family home. The city's proposed ordinance would allow homeowners to rent the separate unit to a long-term tenant, which would provide additional income to the homeowner and increase housing stock.

"The answer to the housing crisis is very simple. It is more housing," Councilman Brandon Hudson said. "Unless we allow more types of housing and more density, we will never be able to fully address the housing deficit."

The city currently allows ADUs in a few overlay districts, such as the Olde North Charleston Historic District and Neighborhood Conservation District, which covers a strip of Park Circle between Spruill and Virginia avenues.

The new amendment that City Council will review Jan. 9 at the first meeting of the year will allow ADUs in residential areas across the city.

However, certain restrictions in the ordinance will not allow these additional units on small lot sizes to prevent too much density, said Hudson, whose district includes Park Circle.

The ordinance is aimed at areas like Park Circle where larger lot sizes can accommodate additional density, as opposed to already dense areas like Liberty Hill, Chicora-Cherokee and Accabee.

According to the proposed ordinance, an ADU cannot be more than two-thirds the size of the principal dwelling unit or exceed 800 square feet. The lot size must be at least 4,500 square feet. An additional off-street parking spot for the ADU must be provided. All ADUs must be permitted by the city.

It's intentional that these additional units are small, said Tim Macholl, the city's director of planning and zoning, during a November committee meeting. He said the space is ideal for a college student who is spending the summer at home or in-laws staying in town. It also provides an opportunity for additional income for homeowners if they choose to rent it out, he added.

However, these units are not eligible for short-term rental permits, so they can not be used for vacation rental services, like Airbnb.

City leaders do not plan to impose rent control on the ADUs that would ensure affordability for renters, Hudson said. Instead, the goal is to create more housing stock, so the price of housing naturally comes down.

"If you put too many obstructions in the way of allowing people to build housing, they're not going to build housing," Hudson said.

The city of Charleston once tried putting affordability restrictions on ADUs. Charleston's ordinance is similar to North Charleston's proposed one in that ADUs cannot be used as short-term rentals and must go through a permitting process.

However, Charleston City Council added a guarantee to the ordinance in 2020 that required these units to be offered at an affordable rental rate for tenants making 80 percent of the area's median income. At the time, the rent could not exceed $1,135 per month for a one-bedroom unit.

This restriction led to a nearly two-year period where no new rental ADUs were permitted by the city, according to the city's Housing and Community Development Department at the time.

In April 2022, City Council agreed the affordability requirement was too restrictive. Council voted that ADUs built using the city's grant funding must be rented at an affordable rate, while all other ADUs are priced at the discretion of the homeowner.

North Charleston's proposed ordinance amendment will be read at City Council on Jan. 9. The public will have the opportunity to provide comments the following week at the Jan. 16 committee meeting.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.
Heritage Flooring North Charleston, SC

Service Areas