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Commission holds tiny‑home/RV park variance for Creekwalk until staff verifies lots and fire‑marshal input
Summary
The commission paused a request to reduce the required 10‑foot spacing between RV/tiny‑home units to 5 feet at Creekwalk, asking staff and the applicant to define the specific spaces seeking the variance and to obtain a written fire marshal review before reconsideration at the next meeting.
The planning commission on Nov. 19 placed a requested variance for the Creekwalk tiny‑home community (VA2025182) on hold while staff and the applicant identify which existing pads or spaces would be covered by any variance and consult with the fire marshal on safety implications.
The applicant asked to reduce the LDR 15.4.0.2 requirement (a 10‑foot minimum between structures) to allow a 5‑foot setback for movable tiny‑home units and accessory sheds. Supporters—including residents and the property manager—said the close spacing preserves the community’s ‘quaint’ character and that many existing sheds and steps (which the county treats as structures for measurement) were added after lot selection; they said only a small number of spaces are out of compliance and moving units would cause a domino effect for neighboring pads.
Opponents, including commissioners and staff, raised safety concerns: the ordinance treats accessory attachments (including steps) as part of the unit for spacing purposes, and the fire marshal should assess whether the reduced separation would raise fire risk. Commissioners asked staff to return with a precise list of the affected pad numbers and a written fire‑marshal evaluation. The commission agreed to hold the variance until the next meeting to allow staff and the applicant to produce those details.
What’s next: Staff will work with the applicant to identify exact pad/lot numbers for any existing noncompliant spaces, gather a written fire marshal statement for the record, and present a revised variance request at the next commission meeting.
