Hendry County staff asked to draft extension options for owner‑builder RV permits; board signals support for longer initial period

Ryan Alexander, Hendry County director of planning and community development, asked the board Aug. 26 whether to extend the temporary RV use permit for owner‑builders beyond the current 180‑day limit in LDC section 153‑3.5.

Alexander said the county currently issues a temporary use permit good for 90 days with one 90‑day renewal (180 days total) for owner‑builders to live in an RV on site during construction. He told commissioners that local owner‑builder projects often take longer, that surrounding counties largely do not offer comparable allowances, and that staff had proposed a 12‑month initial permit with an administrative 6‑month extension if there is demonstrated progress.

“My personal opinion on it, I say we go to 12 months with staff's direction for an additional 6 months if they can see that it'll be fit to finish the home,” Alexander told the board.

Commissioners emphasized the need for measurable milestones and inspection progress before granting extensions; one commissioner said they wanted to monitor the projects to avoid repeatedly renewing permits with no activity. Staff confirmed that extension candidates would be required to show inspection progress and forward momentum on the building permit before a renewal.

No ordinance amendment was adopted at the meeting. Commissioners directed staff to draft specific language and a proposal (including required documentation, inspection checkpoints and maximum extension terms) and circulate it to the board before the item is taken to the Local Planning Agency.

Ending: Staff will prepare a draft amendment that would set a 12‑month initial permit with a possible 6‑month extension, define progress benchmarks and return it for LPA consideration.