County manager advances zoning changes for manufactured homes, RV/camper rules; RVRC engagement planned

County Manager Thomas Weaver outlined several proposed zoning-code changes at a July 27 work session that staff want the River Valley Regional Commission (RVRC) to help formalize. Weaver said the proposed changes would allow manufactured homes in RR (rural residential) parcels with a minimum 5‑acre lot and make clear mobile homes are permissible in A‑1 agricultural zoning with the CUP process clarified or eliminated in certain cases.

Weaver described the goal as providing clearer, more enforceable rules for placement practices that have produced inconsistent outcomes. He told commissioners the intent is to shorten time‑consuming conditional‑use procedures where a straightforward permit is appropriate, while tightening controls on long‑term RV or camper living. "We can allow up to six months with a valid building permit while somebody's building their house," Weaver said, cautioning the county must avoid situations where temporary RVs become de facto permanent residences without inspections or permits.

The work session discussion also recommended clarifying that RV/camper placements in A‑1 districts should not become permanent establishments and suggested a 10‑acre minimum for some temporary camping allowances. Commissioners asked staff to send proposed language to RVRC for drafting and to return suggested ordinance text and procedures so the board can take formal readings after public hearings.

The board also discussed a recommended modification to the moratorium to permit direct one‑for‑one replacements on MHU‑1 lots (e.g., replacing a manufactured home with a new manufactured home on the same lot); staff listed that as a possible narrow exception to be added when RVRC returns final language.