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Resident raises concerns about trailer encampments; county staff and attorney say they will investigate
Summary
A Planning and Zoning Committee member told the commission that two properties near Huntington have become fenced trailer/tent encampments and asked for consistent code enforcement; county staff and the attorney said they would review ordinances and health concerns and follow up.
At the June 3 meeting, Tyler Jess, who said he serves on the county’s Planning and Zoning Committee, urged commissioners to address what he described as growing encampments of trailers and tents on two properties just south of Huntington.
"They are just becoming encampments for camp trailers and tents," Jess said, adding that some trailers had insulation and fences "with the intent of staying long term." He said multiple families appeared to be living on privately owned lots and asked for consistent enforcement of ordinances and a clearer approach from county staff.
County staff acknowledged they do not currently have a dedicated code-enforcement officer and said letters and other measures have been used; the county attorney noted the issue could involve health and sanitary concerns and said his office would prosecute if appropriate. Attorney Olson also said the board should not be asked to resolve hypotheticals and recommended following existing procedures for property owners seeking permissions.
Commissioners asked staff to review the specific properties and the relevant ordinances and to report back to the planning group or the commission with options for enforcement or policy changes.
