Riverview homeowner defends shed/office; neighbors call it a tiny house and allege plumbing, rental plans

Logan McCaig summarized a request to allow an accessory structure and to vary the maximum front-yard fence height. Applicant Mahayla (Mahayla) Publaz explained she bought a prefabricated shed to use as an office and care for an ailing parent. She said the structure has "no kitchen, no bathroom," is used as an office and storage, and that she "paid a licensed electrician" for electrical work.

Neighbors expressed strong opposition. Jeff Poschaga said the structure "resembles something that I would call a tiny house" and reported an eyewitness who "saw plumbing dug into the structure." Poschaga also said he "understood it was not a licensed electrician" despite the applicant's statement. John Lutkus described seeing a trench and a sewer pipe installed without inspection and said the building appeared commercial rather than a shed.

The applicant denied there was plumbing inside the structure and offered inspection and receipts: "We do not have plumbing. You can have an inspector come out. We do have electrical, and we paid, a licensed electrician." She also said the structure cost approximately $11,000 and was purchased from an established prefabricated-shed company.

The hearing officer closed the item without a decision; the land use hearing officer will file a written decision within 15 working days. Any appeal would be limited to the evidence in the hearing record.