Council unanimously approves special-use permit for trailer owner Alejandro Perez

The Carlin City Council voted unanimously Jan. 22 to approve a special-use permit allowing Alejandro Perez to site a trailer in the city.

Mayor Dana Holbrook said council staff inspected the trailer and supported approval, telling colleagues the inspection showed the unit was acceptable for placement. Anna Penola, the city's building department representative, told the council that "the state frequently provides incorrect permitting information," which can lead owners to miss local requirements. Perez told the council this was "his first time relocating a trailer to Carlin" and asked for proper approval.

Council member Denise Taylor said the trailer appeared well maintained but stressed that business owners must verify zoning and permitting requirements. Vice Mayor Cameron Kinney noted city code treats mobile homes as residences but argued the age restriction provisions did not apply in the RMH-1 zoning district; he also suggested refunding the $175 application fee if the permit was not technically required. City Manager Richard Braithwaite described conflicting ordinances as a source of confusion and said the council was approving the permit to eliminate uncertainty pending code revisions.

Denise Taylor moved to approve the special-use permit; Lyndsie Whigham seconded. Mayor Holbrook called the vote and all council members voted in favor.

The council did not take immediate action on a fee refund; Holbrook said the council could revisit that question later if necessary.