Board finds illegal RV occupancy on farmland; reduces large accrued fine after respondent pleads hardship

The board considered evidence including aerial photos and inspection notes showing multiple recreational vehicles on a property that zoning staff had determined were not a permissible residential use. Investigators testified the property had received notices and inspections dating back to 2022. The respondent, Richard McElrath Jr., described family ownership of the land dating to 1969 and said some occupants had been volunteers helping to start a farm rather than paying tenants. He said he was not running a business and pleaded financial hardship.

After accepting evidence, the board voted that a violation existed. It ordered the removal of the unpermitted RV within 30 days or imposition of a $200‑per‑day fine thereafter and required payment of operational costs (about $59.28) within 30 days. At a separate imposition hearing covering earlier accruals the board heard that fines had been calculated at $44,400; members then moved to reduce that obligation to $1,618.77 (including operational costs) on a unanimous vote after considering the respondent’s circumstances and the record of partial abatement and communication with county staff.

The board emphasized that operational costs must be paid within the deadline and that the respondent should work with code investigators to confirm abatement to avoid renewed fines.