June 5, 2025

Charleston Townhome Owners Sue City Over Evacuation Order

News Summary

A group of townhome owners in Charleston has filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming the evacuation order they received was unlawful. The residents were forced to leave their homes on Concord Street due to structural issues found in the adjacent Dockside condominiums. The lawsuit argues that no risks were identified for their townhomes and that the city’s actions violated their rights, leading to emotional and financial distress. The legal proceedings may help residents regain access to their properties as they seek justice against the city.

Charleston – A group of townhome owners has initiated a lawsuit against the City of Charleston, contesting what they assert to be an unlawful evacuation order. Filed on June 3, the lawsuit represents nearly two dozen residents who were mandated to leave their homes on Concord Street due to concerning structural issues identified in the adjacent Dockside condominiums.

Residents received an evacuation notice requiring them to vacate by 5 p.m. on February 28, 2025, following an evaluation by the engineering firm Wiss, Janney, Elstner (WJE). The firm determined that the Dockside building was unsafe for occupancy, citing significant overstressing of its concrete slabs and an inadequate capacity to support ongoing occupancy without major structural improvements.

Importantly, the report produced by WJE on February 25 made no mention of any structural risks to the townhomes themselves, raising questions about the legitimacy of the evacuation order. The lawsuit contends that the City failed to follow its own regulations regarding the condemnation and evacuation process, consequently violating residents’ rights to due process.

One plaintiff, Ryan Earhart, highlighted the emotional and financial strain that the evacuation order has imposed on residents who have called the Concord Street townhomes home for many years. The suit aims to overturn the city’s evacuation directive and facilitate the return of residents to their properties.

City officials defended the evacuation by asserting that it was based on the imminent danger posed by the condemned structure, a conclusion supported by the Building Code Board of Appeals after a hearing held in May. Residents, however, expressed concern over the inconsistent application of evacuation protocols, particularly when compared to other nearby structures, such as the International African American Museum, which were permitted to remain occupied.

The residents allege that the city’s actions led to their displacement and the infringement of their rights, with many feeling abandoned and angry about the apparent lack of communication and assistance during this crisis. Following the evacuation order, which left residents with just 24 hours to vacate, many have struggled to reclaim access to their homes and belongings, with some resorting to living in their vehicles.

Another pressing issue is the financial burden placed on the displaced residents. Even while unable to occupy their homes, residents are compelled to continue paying monthly association fees for the Dockside condominiums, adding to their economic strain. Legal representatives have begun gathering testimonies and details from former residents and workers of the Dockside building as part of a class-action investigation to build actionable cases against potential defendants in this matter.

The Dockside condominiums, constructed in the 1970s and comprising 112 units, had exhibited structural integrity concerns as early as 2022, suggesting that issues had been in development long before the recent evacuation order. The timeline of events highlights the abrupt nature of the evacuation, culminating in the evacuation notice delivered to residents just 24 hours after alarmingly serious findings from WJE’s engineering report.

As the situation continues to unfold, residents remain anxious about their living conditions and financial futures. The ongoing legal proceedings may pave the way for them to regain access to their homes and seek justice against the City of Charleston for what they believe was an unjust evacuation.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston 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 the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.