Resident denied variance to live long‑term in camper at Shorewood Circle

Robert Carlson told the Stephens County Board of Commissioners he owns the property at 972 Shorewood Circle and asked the board to extend a previously granted six‑month variance so he could continue living in a camper while he completes a permanent residence.

Carlson said he had purchased materials and performed a percolation test for septic work but had not yet pulled building permits. He told the board he had relied temporarily on power from his parents’ house and that two electricians who inspected the site had not been able to secure a power permit. “I can get that electrician back out there by the end of the week,” Carlson said during the meeting.

Board members and county staff questioned the lack of permit activity over six months. Staff told the board the Marshal’s Office reported no permitted work had been completed and recommended denying another extension. A commissioner said the county’s concern is public safety and code compliance and emphasized the county cannot grant indefinite variances.

After discussion a motion to deny further extension of the variance for long‑term residential living in the camper was made, seconded and carried. The board directed the Marshal’s Office to contact Carlson to explain the compliance process and next steps for obtaining permits or otherwise resolving the code violations. The transcript does not include a roll‑call vote or tally.

Counseling and staff offers of assistance were recorded on the record: staff said county resources would be made available to help Carlson through the permit process if he pursued compliance. The board closed the item by instructing Carlson to leave the camper if he did not follow the Marshal’s Office compliance process.