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Developer says manufactured homes on permanent foundations will boost attainable ownership; staff warns of neighborhood mismatch
Summary
At the April 27 joint planning session, developer Jeff Pickkins proposed subdividing 3.9 acres on Prospect Road into five lots for manufactured homes on permanent foundations; staff recommended denial of R5 and suggested R2 to better match adjacent single-family character, but the joint session recorded approval of the applicant's request.
Jeff Pickkins told the joint Dalton‑Whitfield planning session on April 27 that his 3.9‑acre Prospect Road parcel could be subdivided into five lots to host manufactured homes placed on permanent foundations and converted to real property. "These will be ... manufactured homes on permanent foundations surrendering titles to make these become real property," Pickkins said, adding that the houses would be priced to promote attainable ownership and long‑term tax revenue.
Planning staff, however, recommended denying the applicant’s requested R5 rezoning and suggested R2 as a compromise to better reflect the established pattern of larger single‑family lots in the area. Staff argued that introducing multiple manufactured homes in a predominantly site‑built neighborhood could alter visual character and depress adjacent property values: "The proposed R5 rezoning and development of the subject property would conflict with both the established pattern of development as well as the character of the area," staff told the commission.
Commissioners asked about lot sizes and the minimums under alternative district designations; Pickkins said the five lots would be roughly 0.7 acres each to one acre and that the units would be comparable in size to nearby 1,200‑square‑foot homes. "We think this is a reasonable low impact five lot development that could support tax revenue, strengthen home ownership and address a clear need for attainable housing," Pickkins said.
Several commissioners and staff emphasized the tradeoff between increasing housing supply at lower price points and preserving neighborhood character. Some pressed for a smaller number of lots or an R2 compromise, noting R2 restrictions could limit manufactured homes in some zones. The transcript shows a motion to approve the applicant’s request recorded during the session; Brad recused himself from discussion of this item. The meeting record does not include a detailed roll‑call tally for that vote.
What happens next: the planning record and staff recommendations will accompany the proposal through remaining procedural steps for final approval and permitting, including subdivision and building approvals, stormwater and erosion control measures.
