Churchill County planning commission denies one‑year extension for temporary RV use permit

The Churchill County Planning Commission unanimously denied a request to extend Temporary Use Permit TUP427 for Eric Madrigal, who has been living in an RV on property at 8893 Helens Way. The denial came after staff and commissioners said Madrigal did not demonstrate the required "substantial completion" milestones — a paved driveway, construction financing and foundation work — that were conditions of the original permit.

Eric Madrigal told the commission he has been seeking construction financing since July and has narrowed his options to loans he can afford, but said he still expects it will take “another year or two” to secure acceptable financing. Planning staff, represented in the meeting by Randy Hines, said county code gives permittees three years to complete construction steps but requires annual proof of substantial progress; Hines said Madrigal had not met that standard and staff's recommendation was denial.

Vice Chair Joe Frey moved to deny the extension; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Commissioners reminded Madrigal that denial of the TUP does not itself evict him from property ownership but means the temporary RV use is no longer authorized. Chair and staff directed Madrigal to Pam Moore, the board clerk, for information on the 10‑day appeal process to the Board of County Commissioners.

The commission’s action ends administrative consideration of the extension; any appeal would be heard by the county commission. The denial was made after the commission questioned whether additional extensions would simply "kick the can down the road," a concern articulated during the hearing.