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Jefferson County board denies request to place mobile home on R‑1 lot; applicant cites wife’s hospice care
Summary
The Jefferson County Board of Zoning Adjustment voted to deny a variance that would have allowed a mobile home on a single‑family (R‑1) lot owned by Charles and Cynthia Brady; the applicant said the existing house is dilapidated and he sought a mobile home so his family could help care for his wife on hospice. The board cited zoning code Section 60502 and prior precedent in recommending denial.
The Jefferson County Board of Zoning Adjustment on June 22 denied a variance request from Charles and Cynthia Brady to place a mobile home on a property zoned R‑1 (single‑family). Staff had recommended denial, saying the county zoning code (Section 60502) does not allow mobile homes in R‑1 districts and noting prior Board precedent of mostly denying similar requests.
Staff presented the case (A 260006), telling the board that while two mobile homes are visible nearby they are located in A‑1 zoning and therefore are nonconforming. The staff presentation stated there have been multiple variance requests in the area since 2000, most of which were denied, and concluded that because the Brady proposal conflicts with the R‑1 use regulation staff recommended denial.
Applicant Charles Brady spoke in support of the variance, saying he planned to remove a dilapidated house and place a mobile home so he could return to the property to help care for his wife, who has recently been placed on hospice. "I've lived there 55 years," Brady said, adding that he had collected six signatures from neighbors on his road who support the variance. He told the board he cannot afford a new modular home and cited looking for a two‑bedroom modular priced around $50,000 that had already been sold.
After the public hearing closed, a board member moved to deny case A‑26‑00006; another board member seconded the motion. The board voted by voice and the Chair informed Brady the variance had been denied, reminded him of the 15‑day period to appeal to circuit court, and suggested the applicant consider modular housing as it can meet zoning requirements if it complies with building codes.
Votes at a glance - Case A‑26‑00006 (variance to allow a mobile home in R‑1): Motion to deny — passed by voice vote; outcome: variance denied. (Motion moved at SEG 255; vote announced SEG 258.) - Minutes from the May 18, 2026 hearing: Motion to approve — passed by voice vote.
What it means The board’s action upholds the current interpretation of the county zoning code for single‑family districts, leaving the property in R‑1 status. The applicant may appeal the decision to circuit court within 15 days or pursue alternatives such as locating a modular home that would meet the zoning rules and building code requirements.
Authorities cited - Jefferson County zoning code, Section 60502 (use regulation for single‑family zoning districts), cited by staff as prohibiting mobile homes in R‑1 zoning.
Next steps The board will issue its written decision within 10 days; the applicant was informed of a 15‑day window to appeal to circuit court and of building‑permit requirements from the Jefferson County Department of Health and Environmental Services if he pursues a replacement dwelling.
