Neosho planning board grants variance to allow resident to live in RV during repairs

The Neosho City Planning and Zoning Board voted to grant a variance allowing the owner of 307 Barton Place to reside in a recreational vehicle on the property while repairs are completed, authorizing the permit through March 1, 2026.

The applicant, Mary Huckel, told the board she sought the temporary RV occupancy after damage to her home she said was caused by a drilling company on Dec. 29, 2023. "I'm asking for a variance to stay in a RV in my driveway during repairs to my home that were caused by a drilling company on 12/29/2023," Huckel said under oath. She told the board she circulated surveys to neighbors, saying she handed out about 20 and received roughly 12 original responses, which she offered as exhibits.

Planning staff told the board the permit had been denied administratively because the proposed RV occupancy did not meet R-1 living-condition standards under Code section 405.07, citing a minimum 650-square-foot living-area expectation and utility requirements. "For living conditions, the 650 square feet, utilities, you know," planning staff said when explaining the basis for the denial and the reason for the appeal.

Board members asked about the anticipated duration and utilities. The applicant estimated an initial 8–10 weeks but acknowledged repairs could take longer; planning staff suggested a completion date into February was plausible. When asked whether the RV would be connected to city water or sewer, Huckel said "It would have to be shipped in and taken away, the black water and the fresh water. It would not be connected to the city utilities."

The board first voted to accept the applicant's original neighbor-survey exhibits into the record. Later a motion to grant the variance was made, retracted and restated with a specific end date; the final motion granted the variance to allow on-site RV residency "until March 1, 2026, while work is being done on her home." The record shows the board voted in favor of the variance (roll-call responses recorded as yes from Brett Smith, Bill Williams, Jacob Evans and Sam Major).

Planning staff indicated the board would authorize staff to issue the permit when the owner is ready and to set the specific start date at permit issuance. The transcript does not record further administrative conditions or an inspection checklist tied to the permit.

The board completed its remaining agenda items and adjourned.