HOA Rules in Dorchester County, SC (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Dorchester County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Architectural Review
Dorchester County's zoning ordinance lets a detached garage sit in the front yard, normally off-limits for accessory structures, only in a neighborhood with an active architectural review board and only after that board approves the garage's design and location under § 10.4.2(1)(h).
Dorchester County ARB Front-Yard Garage Rule
Some RestrictionsDorchester County Zoning and Land Development Standards (Ord. No. 04-13), § 10.4.2(1)(h) Accessory Structures, Residential Districts
(h) In neighborhoods governed by an active architectural review board, a detached garage may be located in the front yard when the following conditions are met: 1. The lot is a minimum of one-acre; and 2. The detached garage is side or rear loading and facing interior property lines; and 3. The detached garage complies with primary structure setbacks; and 4. The detached garage is designed to m...
Assessment & Dues
When a subdivision sets aside open space owned or maintained by a homeowners or condominium association, Dorchester County's zoning ordinance forces the recorded covenants to guarantee every owner pays a pro rata share of costs from the master deed and lets the association adjust dues as needs change.
Dorchester County HOA Assessment Rules
Some RestrictionsDorchester County Zoning and Land Development Standards (Ord. No. 04-13), § 20.13.5(d)-(e)
(d) Homeowners must pay their pro rata share of the cost provided for in the master deed establishing the homeowner's association; and (e) The association must be able to adjust the assessment to meet changing needs.
CC&R Enforcement
Dorchester County's Zoning and Land Development Standards Ordinance is explicit: the County has no authority to enforce a homeowners association's covenants and restrictions. Article XXV defines a Homeowners Association as the private body that enforces its own CC&Rs, and requires that such covenants not conflict with the County's Zoning Ordinance. Residents with a covenant dispute must pursue the HOA or civil court, not County code enforcement.
Dorchester County CC&R Enforcement Rules
Few RestrictionsDorchester County Zoning and Land Development Standards (Ord. No. 04-13), Article XXV, Definition of Terms - 'Homeowners Association'
Homeowners Association: A private nonprofit association in a community, other than a condominium association, that is organized by the developer in which individual owners share common interests in open space and/or facilities and are in charge of preserving, managing, and maintaining the common property, and enforces certain covenants and restrictions. The County does not have the authority to...
Board Governance
Where a subdivision's open space is owned or maintained by a homeowners or condominium association, Dorchester County's zoning ordinance requires the recorded covenants to make membership mandatory for every owner, keep the restrictions permanent, and put the association on the hook for insurance, taxes, and upkeep.
Dorchester County HOA Governance Rules
Some RestrictionsDorchester County Zoning and Land Development Standards (Ord. No. 04-13), § 20.13.5(a)-(c)
(a) Membership must be mandatory for each dwelling unit owner and any successive buyer; (b) The open space restrictions must be permanent, not just for a period of years; (c) The association must be responsible for liability insurance, local taxes, and the maintenance of recreational and other facilities;
All Dorchester County ordinances
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