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Building department outlines enforcement letters, regional board of appeals and clarifies ADU rules
Summary
Bluff building department reported it will send violation letters for legal review, is organizing a regional board of appeals, and clarified that state rules limit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to one per lot; the department also raised enforcement concerns about RVs and unpermitted backyard sleeping structures.
Kristen Bushnell, building official, told the Planning and Zoning Commission that the building department is preparing violation letters and has forwarded them to the town attorney for review before distribution to property owners.
Bushnell said the town is forming a regional board of appeals to handle rare disputes over building‑official decisions. She described the board as volunteer and composed of professionals—architects, contractors and engineers—who would convene only on an as‑needed basis to hear appeals.
On permitting and inspections, Bushnell said two active permit applications are out with redlines and the department is waiting for corrected submittals. She also asked commissioners to forward any public inquiries about whether a project needs a building permit or a land‑use clearance directly to the building department to reduce back‑and‑forth delays.
Bushnell clarified state requirements for accessory dwelling units: the general state rule is one ADU per lot; municipalities may adopt stricter density standards if they explicitly set them in local code, she said. Bushnell and commissioners discussed that an ADU must meet building‑code standards for living space (sleeping, kitchen and restroom facilities) and that sheds or nonrated structures used for sleeping frequently do not meet those standards and pose safety and electrical compliance concerns.
On recreational vehicles (RVs) and informal camping, Bushnell and commissioners said state law and town code limit full‑time living in RVs; several lots operating as informal RV parks or tented camping have raised septic and density concerns. She said a pending update to the town’s RV ordinance aims to clarify where RV parks and tented campgrounds are permitted and how septic and sanitation requirements will be enforced.
Why it matters: The enforcement steps and clarifications on ADUs and RVs affect how residents may add backyard housing or use temporary lodging; they also inform planning staff and applicants about permit expectations.
Commission questions: Commissioners asked whether the board of appeals will be paid (Bushnell said volunteers). They also raised process questions about forwarding inquiries to building staff and about how the department will evaluate legacy unpermitted structures already used for sleeping.
Ending: Bushnell said staff will continue to report at the first meeting of each month and will circulate enforcement materials and any requests for volunteers for the regional board of appeals.
