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Commission approves one‑year conditional‑use permit for extended‑stay RV at 318 East Water Street
Summary
After a public hearing and debate over zoning setbacks, the Lewistown City Commission approved a one‑year conditional‑use permit allowing a family extended‑stay recreational vehicle at 318 East Water Street, contingent on compliance with RMO setback requirements or completion of a variance process.
The Lewistown City Commission voted to approve a conditional‑use permit allowing a family extended‑stay recreational vehicle at 318 East Water Street for one year beginning 10/01/2025, following a public hearing and discussion about zoning setbacks and neighborhood impacts.
The hearing opened with city staff explaining the RV had been placed on the property without prior permitting and that the RMO zoning code allows transient housing only when applicable setback requirements are met. Planner Doug said the trailer currently encroaches on multiple setbacks and that, if the setbacks cannot be achieved by moving the unit, the owner would need to pursue a variance through a separate public process. "If the setbacks cannot be met, then a variance would be required," Doug said.
The applicant, identified in the agenda as Sharon House, told the commission she had prepared a pad, plumbing and electrical and said she was providing housing for a family member. Neighbors who spoke at the hearing urged the commission to enforce existing codes and raised concerns about property values and a broader pattern of RVs being lived in across adjacent lots. One resident said the trailer had been on site for months prior to the hearing and asked that the same enforcement approach be applied to other properties in the neighborhood.
Commissioners debated whether a conditional‑use permit or a variance was the correct path. One commissioner noted the trailer’s size — roughly 44 feet — meant it was difficult to meet front, rear and side setbacks simultaneously. Another commissioner said a one‑year permit would give the owner time to pursue a variance or otherwise bring the unit into compliance while acknowledging the community’s housing needs.
Commissioner Roos moved to approve the conditional‑use permit for one year with the condition that all RMO zone loading and setback requirements (20‑foot front, 20‑foot rear, 5‑foot side yards) must be met before continued occupancy; the motion was seconded. Roll call was recorded as: Commissioner Bueller — Aye; Commissioner Day — Aye; Commissioner Hewitt — No; Commissioner Roos — Aye; Commissioner Robertson — Aye; Commissioner Speaker — Aye. The motion passed 5–1.
City staff said the applicant may use the city’s temporary camping permit (up to 90 days) in the interim and can initiate the variance process if setbacks cannot be met. Staff also said code‑enforcement follow‑up will occur if additional complaints are filed about other properties in the neighborhood.
The commission’s action grants temporary relief while preserving the city’s requirement that permanent placement comply with zoning and building codes or go through the variance process.
