Beverly Hills residents press commissioners over modular 'sheds' placed as housing

Residents of Beverly Hills told the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners on May 13 they face a spreading problem: large, factory-built structures placed on slabs and marketed as affordable housing units or modular homes.

Why it matters: Neighbors said the units lack plumbing, do not meet the look or construction of surrounding homes, and reduce property values. Commissioners said the issue raises questions about how building codes are applied, how permits are issued and what authority the county has to limit types of permitted dwellings in established single-family neighborhoods.

Dozens of speakers — homeowners, realtors and neighborhood groups — told the board they had photographed and documented multiple placements of large green structures on concrete slabs with electrical hookup but no sewer connections in Beverly Hills and nearby neighborhoods. Speakers said the units resemble ProShed-type buildings delivered on skids and strapped to slabs, and they called them “sheds,” not residences.

Commissioners said they had not previously been briefed on multiple placements and asked staff to investigate. Commissioner Janet Barrick said building-department staff told her permits had been issued but acknowledged public anger at the appearance and the lack of visible site signage. Chair Rebecca Bays said staff and commissioners were aware of the issue and looking into the matter. The board did not adopt immediate enforcement during the meeting but directed staff to report back.

Board and staff comments: Commissioner Barrick said building permits are issued by the building department and that the department reports the work followed county rules; she urged residents to ask the building department for permit records. Commissioner Jeff Kennard asked staff to investigate whether permits were properly issued and whether structures meet the Florida Building Code standard for residential occupancy or whether they must be classified differently.

Public comment and next steps: Residents said they will file formal complaints and asked the board to consider temporary stops on similar installations while staff reviews whether the units meet the code for manufactured homes or for accessory buildings. Commissioners asked staff to identify the property permits, confirm whether contractors followed applicable statutes and return with recommendations.

Ending: Commissioners told residents they understood the concerns and promised follow-up from the building department; residents said they would escalate complaints if necessary.