Residents say city building department moved goalposts on permit for manufactured home; city staff to meet with family

During the public-comment period, Brian Henry (1817 E. Broadway), who said he represents Tammy and James Mercer, told commissioners the Mercers have been unable to obtain a building permit to replace a manufactured home at 2923 West Carrier Road since July and that the community-development office repeatedly changed requirements. Henry said he submitted required documents and that his clients are accruing daily storage fees on their manufactured home. “We obtained all the documentation that was required on their checklist. We submitted it as of Monday. We are no closer today in obtaining said building permit,” Henry said.

Henry also said he was discouraged from attending the meeting by code-office staff and criticized an insensitive email request for proof of ownership while the family is grieving a death in the household.

Nianne Clinton, speaking separately, said the city denied the family’s request to use a 2015 stamped model even though the city website lists the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) as the adopted model. She said staff had rejected several applications instead of issuing deficiency notices that would detail missing items. “The code department has taken several applications and told the family to start over instead of issuing a notice of deficiency, clearly stating what items are needed to be amended,” Clinton said. She added that the city refused to allow the homeowner to act as their own contractor despite state statute allowing such action in the trades acts.

Mayor Mason and commissioners did not respond substantively during public comment; the mayor reminded speakers that public comment items typically do not receive commission responses at the same meeting. Staff indicated a meeting with the parties is scheduled and city staff will continue processing the application.

Outcome: No formal action was taken during the meeting; the matter remains in administrative review and staff indicated follow-up meetings are planned.