Planning commission approves 7‑space mobile home park on Freedom Parkway with safety and delineation conditions

The Jasper County Planning Commission voted to approve a conditional‑use zoning permit that would allow a seven‑space mobile home park on a 10.3‑acre parcel along Freedom Parkway, with conditions commissioners said are intended to protect safety and clarify long‑term maintenance responsibilities.

Staff told the commission the application had been tabled at the Dec. 16, 2025 meeting and that the applicant had submitted a conceptual layout and an engineering compliance report addressing prior concerns. Chris Bates of Alliance Consulting Engineers reviewed changes that included a 30‑foot driveway at the right‑of‑way pending SCDOT approval, a minimum 50‑foot paved apron, an all‑weather gravel roadway beyond the apron at 6‑in. depth to be maintained by the property owner, and exhibits showing fire‑truck and school‑bus turning movements.

Commissioners asked detailed questions about an existing detention pond adjacent to one mobile‑home space. Staff and the applicant said the pond’s surveyed side slopes meet current DES design practice (described in the presentation as about 4:1) and that the applicant would work with DES/DHEC and county reviewers on permits and close‑out documentation. Commissioner concerns about child safety led several members to request that pond fencing or an equivalent protective measure be included as a condition.

Members also pressed for stronger lot‑space delineation than simple post markers. The county zoning rules (Article 21, section 12) require that mobile home spaces be “clearly delineated by fencing, vegetation, or other substantial means.” After discussion the motion to approve the conditional use included three explicit conditions: (1) pedestrian walkways within the park must be provided; (2) the retention pond must be fenced or otherwise secured; and (3) each mobile home space must be clearly delineated by fencing, vegetation or another substantial measure rather than only by post markers. The motion carried by voice vote.

Staff emphasized that full engineering plans and required permits (for water main extension, septic/DES approvals, and any required land‑development permits) must be submitted and approved before construction or occupancy can proceed. Code enforcement will handle post‑occupancy compliance and complaints, and building inspections will occur for units brought onto the site.

The commission’s action grants zoning approval only; the applicant must still obtain agency permits and land‑development approval before placing homes on the lots.