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County planning staff proposes text amendment to allow temporary dwellings tied to active building permits
Summary
A text amendment would permit temporary dwellings — RVs, FEMA units, primitive sleeping structures — on a parcel while a permanent dwelling is being built or repaired, with time limits and ties to building and septic permits; planning board reviewed and recommended a proposed form.
Planning staff described a proposed text amendment (ZTA 2020403) to allow temporary dwellings on parcels while a permanent dwelling is permitted and under construction or repair. The proposed language would permit recreational vehicles, campers, FEMA‑provided units, church‑provided trailers and certain primitive sleeping accommodations (tents or insulated sheds recognized by the state building code) tied to an active building permit for repair or construction.
Staff said the rule is intentionally tied to an active building permit so that counties can impose a time limit and ensure the temporary dwelling is not used as a permanent residence. Planning staff noted the amendment is intended to help residents who have no other safe place to stay while they rebuild or repair, and that allowing temporary service poles for electricity would be coordinated with the inspection department and power companies as part of the permitting process.
Commissioners raised scenarios in which property damage from storms or river erosion might delay placing a temporary unit on the original parcel and asked whether the ordinance could allow temporary placement on a relative’s or friend’s property; staff said tying a temporary dwelling to a separate parcel would be administratively difficult because permits are normally tied to a specific track of land. Staff also explained septic permitting would follow the typical sequence for a permanent residence: a septic analysis must be approved before connecting a trailer if a new septic is required, though occupants could use self‑contained RV systems temporarily on vacant land until a septic system is installed.
The planning board spent about an hour on the amendment and recommended the form the staff presented. Staff said the proposed amendment is not limited to disaster events and could be used in nonemergency rebuilding scenarios as well. The item remained on the regular meeting agenda for formal public hearing and action.
Ending: Staff will present the draft text amendment at the regular meeting for public hearing and possible adoption; commissioners asked questions but no formal action was taken at the pre‑agenda session.
