Parker planning commission recommends denial of modular-home conditional use at Desert Avenue

The Town of Parker Planning and Zoning Commission voted April 9 to recommend denial of a conditional use permit that would have allowed a multi-tenant modular-home development at 1300 and 1308 Desert Avenue.

The commission considered docket PZ 2026-01 (APNs 311052C and 31015052D), an application by applicant Timothy Sausman seeking conditional-use relief to place modular homes on stem-wall foundations with common areas and garages in an R2 zoning district with a manufactured-home (MH) overlay. Staff explained that modular homes are not explicitly listed in the code’s approved multi-resident building types, so a conditional use would be required.

Why it matters: Neighbors and several commissioners raised concerns about compatibility with the existing low-density, agricultural-feeling neighborhood and about infrastructure readiness. Staff told the commission sewer service is not currently available for the site and will not be possible until completion of a new sewer plant, a factor several commissioners cited in arguing that the project is premature.

During the public comment period, residents urged denial. "Do we move forward before we even know if it's zoned to hold that? Plus, with the sewer system...if they're not going to be able to continue on, why move forward?" said resident Mana Bride, who lives on Eagle Avenue. Neighbor Johnny Thomas, a property owner in the affected area, submitted signatures from neighbors opposing the project and said the proposal would "represent a significant change to the character of this neighborhood" and could increase traffic and reduce privacy. Jack Roach, another neighbor, said he worried about falling property values and cited past local mobile-home installations that, in his view, led to vandalism and decline.

Staff presentation and factual record: A staff member described the site as zoned R2 with an MH overlay and summarized that notices were published and that 11 nearby property owners within 300 feet were notified. Staff said review committees and utilities received the application and that no negative utility responses were recorded. Staff also noted a proposed waiver and release of liability had been signed. The record shows some plan inconsistencies, including differing bedroom counts on submitted plans and a reduction in proposed unit count from an earlier 12 units to a smaller layout; staff stated there will be six garages but unit counts and bedroom mixes were not definitively resolved at the hearing.

Commission discussion and outcome: A motion to recommend approval of the conditional use was made but failed for lack of a second. A subsequent motion to recommend denial was seconded; commissioners cited the applicant’s absence at the hearing, the lack of an available sewer connection, and concerns the submitted plan was too dense for the neighborhood. The motion to recommend denial carried by voice vote.

What happens next: The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Town Council for final action on the conditional use permit. The record at the hearing indicates the council will consider the commission’s recommendation along with written materials and public input. No final council action occurred at the April 9 meeting.

Additional meeting actions: The commission approved the minutes of the June 26, 2025 meeting earlier in the session and then adjourned at 4:21 p.m.