Developer’s Chapin project led to neighbor’s $40K property damage, suit says
A Midlands homeowner is suing a developer, along with Lexington County, after the company allegedly caused at least $40,000 in damage to private property and refused to correct the situation.
Plaintiff Linda Shanabrook claims water runoff from a development project continually flooded her backyard, and led to the downing of two trees, which fell on her roof, porch and fence.
Great Southern Homes owns property in Chapin on Daymark Drive, on land overlooking a cul-de-sac of homes in the Night Harbor development near Lake Murray. At one time, the land had been part of a larger parcel before the company subdivided it into smaller parcels for a new development project.
Great Southern Homes converted the undeveloped land into single-family residential lots, according to a lawsuit filed June 16. As part of the process, the company submitted a plan for drainage, stormwater and grading to the County for approval.
Shanabrook owns a neighboring property on Harborview Point.
On June 23, 2023, Shanabrook began experiencing “excessive water runoff” in her backyard, which came from Great Southern Homes’ Property, according to the lawsuit. She immediately notified them.
The lawsuit alleged that two representatives of Great Southern Homes were sent to Shanabrook’s property, but denied responsibility and refused to offer solutions.
The State reached out to Shanabrook’s attorneys, as well as both Great Southern Homes and a Lexington County spokesperson for comment.
Water runoff and flooding issues continued at Shanabrook’s home, including along the foundational wall.
On June 7, 2025, two trees fell on Shanabrook’s property, exposing the entire root, causing damage to the porch, fence and roof of the home, according to the lawsuit.
Months later, on Jan. 16, 2026, an inspection was performed to address the fallen trees and water runoff issues. That inspection allegedly revealed that the conversion of Great Southern’s property from natural land to single-family residential lots — without proper lot grading and runoff and drainage plans — was the cause of increased runoff, flooding and standing water, and therefore compromised the trees’ stability.
Shanabrook accrued repair expenses of more than $40,000, and continues to incur expenses because of the continual the water runoff, the lawsuit says.
The lawsuit claims Great Southern Homes failed to comply with construction plans and grading and drainage ordinances. That negligence, the lawsuit says, is the cause of an ongoing nuisance on Shanabrook’s property, which interferes with her ability to enjoy it, as well as the value of her home.
The lawsuit also claims that Great Southern Homes’ violated Lexington County ordinances against water shedding and impeding storm water runoff. The company’s actions, according to the lawsuit, constitute unfair and deceptive trade practices under state law. It could happen again and could affect the public interest, the lawsuit said.
The lawsuit also claims Lexington County failed to properly approve the drainage, stormwater and grading plan for the project, and failed to ensure compliance to such a plan.
Shanabrook is seeking a jury to award damages and attorneys’ fees, as well as an order requiring Great Southern Homes to work to abate the water runoff.
