BZA grants multiple variances to allow RV dwelling on property; approval requires permits and impact fee

The Pataskala Board of Zoning Appeals on June 10 approved multiple variances to permit a recreational vehicle (RV) to be used as a dwelling on residential property at 6320 Main Street SW, contingent on the applicant obtaining required permits and paying applicable impact fees within one year.

Staff said the applicant, Phyllis Baldwin, owns the subject property and the adjacent parcel to the north. The request combined variances to permit an RV of about 8 by 40 feet (approximately 320 square feet) to remain as living quarters behind the principal house; to allow two dwelling units on the same R‑8.7 lot; to reduce minimum dwelling unit size and minimum dimensions; and to reduce side‑yard setbacks (proposed 4 feet north, 16 feet south). Staff noted that if the RV is to be treated as a dwelling unit, a new residential permit and a certificate of compliance would be required, as would review by the Licking County Building Department and payment of impact fees.

Phyllis Baldwin told the board her adult daughter was relocating to help provide support while Baldwin’s husband, who is on active duty, has extended military orders. Baldwin said the daughter uses the RV for sleeping and that most daily needs (cooking, bathing, laundry) occur inside the main house. She explained the RV provides on‑site support for three autistic children in the household and an elderly relative expected to move onto the adjacent property.

Board members found seven variances to be substantial in aggregate but concluded, after reviewing neighborhood context and testimony, that allowing the RV to remain as a dwelling with permit and impact‑fee requirements represented a way to address the family’s needs while protecting public‑health and building‑code oversight. The board approved the request and advised that code enforcement actions related to the matter were placed on hold pending the applicant obtaining all required permits and paying the impact fee within one year. Staff said the Planning & Zoning Department would send the applicant written direction and follow up on permitting steps.

The board’s decision requires the applicant to secure all necessary permits, including payment of the applicable impact fee, and to obtain approvals from the City of Pataskala and Licking County Building Department within one year. If the RV is determined to be a dwelling by staff, building and health inspections and compliance with county codes will also be required.