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Pignell council coalesces around 10-consecutive-day rule for trailer stays, plans vote next week
Summary
At a Jan. 29 Pignell Town work meeting, councilors debated limits on people living in trailers on private property and agreed to put a draft ordinance to a vote next week that would allow 10 consecutive days per visit with a 40-day annual cap (carve-outs for active construction).
PIGNELL, Jan. 29 — Town officials debated proposed limits on temporary living in trailers during a lengthy discussion at the Town’s Jan. 29 work meeting and agreed to bring a draft ordinance to a vote next week.
The facilitator opened the item by summarizing planning staff proposals including a 30-consecutive-day option and alternative language limiting stays to 10 consecutive days with an annual cap. Multiple council members flagged potential loopholes that would allow people to use weekend visits to remain effectively year-round, while others emphasized families’ need for flexibility when relatives visit.
"We were kinda thinking grandkids and stuff," said Steve, citing common circumstances in which relatives stay for several weeks. "I like the 10 consecutive days and then 30 days for the year," Greg said during the discussion, but the group explored a compromise. After back-and-forth about enforcement and exceptions for people actively building homes, the facilitator summarized the consensus: "Let's do 10 and 40," meaning 10 consecutive days per stay with a 40-day maximum in a calendar year.
Council members discussed enforcement tools if the rule is violated, including placing liens on property taxes so fines could be collected when property is sold. Several councilors said the town should retain a construction carve-out: residents building a home could live in a temporary unit for longer (one councilor said construction residents could stay up to six months with the option for an extension if the home is progressing).
Supporters of the 10-day approach said it preserves family visits while discouraging year-round occupancy in trailers. Critics warned that shorter limits may be difficult to enforce and could push people into unsafe housing choices.
The board did not adopt the ordinance at the meeting; the facilitator said the item will be formally presented for a vote at the next council meeting so members can finalize language and enforcement mechanics.
What’s next: The council plans a formal vote on the proposed occupancy limits at its next regular meeting.
