Commission defers proposed 2,115 sq ft house on Abe White Road in 10 Mile historic district

Charleston County’s Historic Preservation Commission deferred a decision Dec. 17 on a certificate of historic appropriateness for a proposed two-story, 2,115-square-foot single-family dwelling at 3862 Abe White Road in the 10 Mile Community Historic District.

Planner Emily Pigott said the parcel had been denied in June 2024 and later changed ownership; the new design includes a covered front porch, screened rear porch and a chimney. Pigott told the commission the site had been cleared before current ownership and that the proposed house would sit closer to the right-of-way and include architectural elements (a chimney and symmetrical front facade) that are atypical for Abe White Road. "Based on the applicant's responses, staff believes that the applicable approval criteria may not have been satisfied," Pigott said, and recommended deferral so the applicant can revise plans to be more compatible with the existing streetscape.

The applicant, who identified himself during public comment as Luke Harper, said he and his wife grew up locally, had met with community members and received positive feedback, and that the property’s drainage easement constrained siting choices. Harper said they planned to plant trees to address streetscape concerns.

Commissioners asked whether a deferral would allow time to address staff suggestions; Pigott said the earliest the item could return would be February. A commissioner moved to defer on the staff recommendation; the motion was seconded and passed by the commission.

Staff had suggested possible approval conditions if the commission chose to act, including removing the chimney, installing a 1.5-inch-caliper street tree between the dwelling and the Abe White Road right of way prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy, and that any major changes return to the commission under the historic preservation ordinance.