Commission orders site visit, continues accessory-structure CUP after neighbor concerns

The Pennington County Planning Commission on March 24 continued Conditional Use Permit review CUR2159, concerning an accessory structure (a shed prior to a primary structure) after commissioners and at least one neighbor raised questions about apparent RV use and electrical hookups.

Commissioner Jason Dinesen told the commission he had received a constituent complaint describing multiple RVs on the site, visible slides extended on RVs, a barbecue and picnic setups and a tank near the road. Dinesen said pictures in the packet show slide-outs and outdoor equipment and reported the caller’s claim that as many as seven other RVs could use the site in summer.

Staff said a complaint-driven code enforcement model means the county had not opened a violation because no complaint had led to a site inspection. Staff added the visible pipes and the above-ground tank are not currently connected to plumbing and that there was no evidence of ongoing habitation during a weekday site visit.

The commission voted to continue CUR2159 to the April 14 meeting and directed Commissioner Charlie and Commissioner Jason to drive to the property and perform an on-site review prior to the next hearing. The motion to continue carried on a voice vote.

Why it matters: the continuation creates a record that commissioners examined neighbor concerns about potential unauthorized habitation and utility hookups and will follow up with field verification. The conditional use permit was originally approved in 2021; commissioners expressed concern that the current on-site configuration in photos resembles the condition present at the time of approval.

Next steps: Charlie and Jason will inspect the property before April 14 and report findings when CUR2159 returns to the Planning Commission.