Columbia Halts Construction at South Saluda Apartments

Columbia, S.C., September 30, 2025

News Summary

Construction at the South Saluda Apartments in Columbia has been paused due to permit issues raised by local residents. The city issued a stop-work order after finding that developers were making modifications without necessary permits. Residents voiced concerns over safety and trash problems in the area, prompting scrutiny of the proposed changes. A hearing to decide if construction can resume is set for October 2. Developers had planned renovations to address structural issues but faced community opposition over potential overcrowding and permit breaches.

Columbia, S.C. has halted construction at the South Saluda Apartments in the Hollywood-Rose Hill neighborhood due to permit issues raised by local residents. The city issued a stop-work order after discovering that developers were modifying buildings without the necessary permits.

Residents have voiced serious concerns about safety and ongoing trash problems around the property. One resident highlighted the urgent need for proper exits in case of emergencies, while another pointed out the frequent trash littering the area, including beer cans and fast food remnants. The apartment complex currently consists of 24 units, with each unit containing two bedrooms and one bathroom. Developers intended to convert some of these units to feature three bedrooms and two bathrooms, which raised further scrutiny.

The city denied a retroactive permit request after determining that the proposed changes would intensify property use in a zoning district that does not allow multifamily dwellings. The property owner, Kathy Taylor, claimed that the renovations do not constitute “intensification” since they would not increase tenancy availability or the square footage of the apartments. Additionally, neighborhood president Guy Jones expressed concerns regarding the potential increase in tenant numbers and subsequent parking problems due to the addition of bedrooms.

A hearing to decide whether construction can resume is scheduled for Thursday, October 2. The neighborhood association advocates for the zoning board to disallow the work, emphasizing significant breaches in the permit process.

In terms of background, Kathy Taylor’s family purchased the apartments for over $3.5 million; the property, previously known as Plantation Court, was originally built in 1967. Taylor noted that the planned renovations are necessary to address years of neglect, which have led to issues involving wildlife and the structural integrity of the buildings. Before the stop-work order was implemented, some units had already been converted from two bedrooms to three bedrooms.

If construction is permitted to continue, the developers plan to make significant improvements, including enhanced landscaping and repaving driveways. Neighborhood leaders are also advocating for the installation of a fire suppression system and are seeking possible fines for the owners due to their failure to follow proper procedures. The case ultimately rests on the definition of “intensification” concerning the property’s use and whether the addition of more bedrooms actually changes the occupancy limits under current zoning laws.

FAQ

Key Features

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Columbia Officials Halt South Saluda Apartments Renovations
Columbia Faces Affordable Housing Crisis
Tragic Shootings in Columbia and Blythewood Raise Safety Concerns
Columbia to Revitalize Marion Street High Rise
Columbia Partners with DreamKey for Affordable Housing
New Apartment Complex Approved in Columbia
Irmo Town Council Greenlights Water Walk Development Expansion
Irmo Town Council Evaluates Water Walk Development Expansion
South Carolina Launches ‘Make It Home!’ Affordable Housing Program
West Columbia Faces Continued Delays on Capitol Square Redevelopment

Additional Resources

• WLTX: Columbia Halts Construction at South Saluda Apartments
• The State: Construction Halt on South Saluda Apartments
• Post and Courier: Blossom Huger Apartment Complex Update
• Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
• Google Search: Columbia South Saluda Apartments

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.