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Board conditionally approves temporary dwelling at 221 Ida Street with six‑month limit
Summary
The Hot Springs Board of Directors voted unanimously to grant an after‑the‑fact, six‑month waiver allowing an owner to occupy a recreational vehicle at 221 Ida Street while beginning repairs, conditioned on obtaining a building permit by Feb. 21, 2025.
The Hot Springs Board of Directors on Jan. 21 voted to temporarily waive zoning requirements and conditionally approve an emergency temporary dwelling at 221 Ida Street, giving the property owner up to six months to begin rehabilitation work.
Rick Stoddard, planning development manager, told the board the request was filed “after the fact” following a structure fire on May 10, 2022 that left the home posted unsafe to occupy. Stoddard said the applicant, Debbie Cole, acquired the property in August 2023 and has occupied a recreational vehicle on the lot since September. He recommended approval with a condition that a building permit be obtained by Feb. 21, 2025 and that code‑compliant utility connections be provided.
Stoddard said Hot Springs Code Section 16‑1‑8 allows the board to grant temporary occupancy for up to six months in extraordinary circumstances and that any temporary structure must comply with other applicable codes including building, electrical, plumbing and fire prevention codes.
Debbie Cole, the property owner, spoke briefly in the meeting and said, “I just need a lot of help in my house.” Board members asked for clarity about what they would expect to see during the six‑month period to demonstrate progress. Stoddard told the board that obtaining a building permit by the Feb. 21 deadline was the first expected step and that subsequent permits and visible construction activity would be required to show ongoing rehabilitation.
Director Dudley Webb moved to adopt the resolution; Director Karen Garcia seconded. The board then approved the measure unanimously on a roll call: Director Erin Holliday — aye; Director Phyllis Beard — aye; Director Marsha Dobbs Smith — aye; Director Dudley Webb — aye; Director Karen Garcia — aye; Director Steve Trustee — aye; Mayor Pat McCabe — aye.
The resolution grants an emergency or extraordinary‑circumstance waiver to occupy a recreational vehicle at 221 Ida Street for up to six months, subject to the February building‑permit deadline and compliance with applicable codes. Stoddard told the board that the structure is “rehabable,” but cautioned that the longer an open, damaged structure sits, the more difficult full rehabilitation becomes.
The board’s action was limited to the specific conditional occupancy request; no additional funding or city repair work was authorized. The city will monitor permit milestones and construction progress; any extension beyond six months would require a new application and board approval.
