A legal conflict is growing over the introduction of tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) in “The Farm at Chelsea” development in Chattooga County. Landowners are worried that these homes will lower property values and clash with the original community rules, which were designed for traditional “stick-built” houses.

The group of property owners, partly represented by Edwin C. Watters LLC, argues that the original covenants do not allow for the permanent presence of THOWs.

Laser Homes LLC, the developer that owns about 75% of the lots, is pushing for the inclusion of tiny homes. Recently, they tried to change the community’s covenants at a homeowners association meeting, but only received 16% of the vote, far below the 75% required to make changes. This failure is a core argument against the legitimacy of the proposed adjustments.

Opponents claim that introducing THOWs breaks local laws, as Chattooga County has regulations limiting recreational vehicles to 30 days on a single lot. Property owners like Watters fear that allowing these small structures will harm their investments and damage the community’s character. The legal battle aims to determine who has the power to change the community’s rules: the existing homeowners or the dominant developer.