Crockett council adopts temporary moratorium on permits for certain tiny/modular dwellings

The City of Crockett adopted a resolution temporarily halting issuance of building permits for certain proposed residential dwellings described by staff as tiny or modular units and storage sheds being used as rental housing.

Staff told council they are seeing an influx of permit requests for structures characterized as tiny homes or storage sheds that are subsequently used as rental units. Staff said the city's current codes lack clear definitions and do not address where and how such modular units should fit into existing neighborhoods. "We're asking council to allow us to put a moratorium ... We're no longer issuing permits for the next few months until we can draft such ordinances that meet our planning and zoning," staff said.

Council discussed concerns about property values, neighborhood conformity, how travel trailers or mother-in-law units should be treated, and the need to define acceptable sizes and placement. A motion to approve the resolution declaring a temporary cessation on issuing permits for the specified structures passed by voice vote.

Staff said planning and zoning will draft ordinance language, bring it back to council for approval, and that any permanent changes would be subject to public hearings and voter input where required. The resolution does not ban conventional mobile homes or travel trailers in categories already covered by existing ordinance; staff said those remain governed by current rules.