Maricopa County board approves shortened extension for Ramirez temporary RV permit

The Maricopa County Board of Adjustment on a 5–0 vote on a motion by Member Ward approved a shortened extension of the temporary use permit TU250046 for the Ramirez property at 9486 South 234th Avenue, setting the permit to expire March 31, 2026.

The board heard from county planning staff that the property, in a rural-43 zoning district in the Buckeye area, had previously received a temporary use permit but that flood-control stipulations limit occupied RVs in the floodplain to 180 days. Planning staff recommended denial, noting site inspections documented two occupied RVs and a permanent sewer connection to one RV, and raised concern that temporary housing was becoming long-term.

"Staff recommends the board motion to deny TU250046," said Nick, the county planner presenting the case, summarizing prior inspections and floodplain constraints. The manufactured home had been delivered to the site on Oct. 8 but, staff said, it had not yet been affixed to its foundation or cleared for occupancy.

Property owner Jeanette Ramirez told the board she has renewed required permits and is working with contractors to complete installations and inspections. "My only goal is really to complete this right away and move into my home as soon as possible," Ramirez said. She estimated a realistic completion in March, citing delays in state inspection scheduling.

Board members pressed Ramirez on the condition of the RVs and whether they would be vacated once the manufactured home was occupied. Member Clapp noted the floodplain rule and a reported condition of the RVs: "You've been told that you can't keep a RV in the flood plain for any longer than a hundred and 80 days and you've passed that," Clapp said, and asked how soon the applicant could make the unit highway ready. Ramirez replied she would disconnect utilities and not occupy the RVs once the manufactured home was ready and expected she could make the RVs movable within days after completion of the home.

Darren, a county staff member, clarified that floodplain rules require that stored units be mobile and that mobility—meaning the unit can be moved and has not been in place beyond 180 days—is the condition that allows storage in the floodplain. The board and staff emphasized the applicant must address the RVs' flat tires and mobility whether the unit is stored or occupied.

After discussion about the applicant’s progress and the need for a firm timeline, Member Ward moved to approve TU250046 subject to the staff stipulations with a revision to condition 15.c changing the permit expiration from 05/12/2026 to 03/31/2026; Vice Chairperson Rosalie Persson seconded the motion. The clerk called roll and the motion passed 5–0 (Member Ba: yes; Member Clapp: yes; Member Ward: yes; Vice Chairperson Persson: yes; Chairman Loper: yes).

The decision allows Ramirez more time to complete installation and inspections for the manufactured home but leaves floodplain enforcement and the requirement that RVs be movable in the hands of the flood control district and county code compliance. Planning staff noted the prior code violation history for multiple occupied RVs on the property; the board required the applicant to address the tire and mobility issues and to follow through on the steps needed to secure a certificate of occupancy.

The board closed the hearing and adjourned. The county staff and the flood control district may follow up with inspections and enforcement actions if the mobility or storage conditions are not resolved.