How is a manufactured home classified for zoning purposes in South Carolina?

A manufactured home is classified as real property for zoning purposes in South Carolina if it is permanently affixed to a foundation. This classification is significant because it impacts how the property is treated under zoning laws, property taxes, and regulations governing land use. When a manufactured home is considered real property, it gains the same rights and obligations as traditional site-built homes, including the ability to be financed with a mortgage and subject to property taxes.

Permanently affixing a manufactured home generally involves installing it on a foundational system that complies with locally applicable building codes. This setup connects the home to utilities and ensures it remains in a fixed location, meeting the criteria for real property classification.

Classifying a home as personal property, which occurs when it is not permanently affixed or when it is intended for movement, directly contrasts with the classification as real property. The commercial property classification applies to structures intended for business use, and temporary housing does not accurately reflect the long-term intent often associated with manufactured homes, which are commonly used for permanent residence. Thus, presenting manufactured homes that are affixed as real property aligns with accessibility and stability standards, differentiating them from other classifications.