By Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
Regional directors couldn’t say no to a temporary use permit application involving a 90-year-old man living in a trailer.
On Oct. 6 staff recommended that a temporary permit to allow the use of a park model trailer as an accessory dwelling be denied in rural Oliver.
The applicant made the request to “provide a safe and happy home for my 90-year-old father to live in. The residence will certainly be temporary, as once my dad passes, it will be sold off as part of his estate.”
The property is zoned Agricultural One, which permits one principal dwelling and an accessory dwelling. It was noted the property has been the subject of a stop work notice for the placement of a park model trailer in contravention of the zoning bylaw.
In her report, regional planner Fiona Titley said trailers do not meet the standards established in the Building Code for permanent residential use.
“They can’t be inspected or certified, and the health and safety of occupants for year-round residential use may be compromised,” she said.
Titley said other options in this case are available, such as developing a secondary suite in the principal dwelling.
Chief Administrative Officer Bill Newell said staff are concerned from a safety point of view (using the trailer on a full-time basis).
But Area C director Rick Knodel put a new motion on the table to approve the application. He noted the trailer won’t be a permanent structure, adding the sewage will be tied into the house.
“This is an elderly person resigned to an institution, and as you know institutions are not the favourite place for the elderly.”
Knodel said it’s time to “do what’s right, not what’s written.” He stated that these trailers are just as safe as mobile homes.
Good for Rick Knodel taking the others on. So this permitting makes people who live in manufactured homes second class citizens. They are inspected, meet government electrical and plumbing standards. and meet the building codes and more in many ways. Nicer than some homes out there. Time for the permit department to change their standards and allow more of these homes on private acreages. It would help the housing crunch also. Why can’t it have its own septic tank and field even. Rules need to be upgraded. ““They can’t be inspected or certified, and the health and safety of occupants for year-round residential use may be compromised,” she said.” is a crock. Talk about living in the dark ages.
Fiona Titley stated “They can’t be inspected or certified, and the health and safety of occupants for year-round residential use may be compromised”. This not a true statement. All homes, whether they be mobile, modular or Park Models ALL have to be inspected and certified, in the least, be the CSA. She needs to do her due diligence and homework before making these kind of statements. I lived in a certified and inspected park model full time for 7 years with Zero issues. Would do so again in a heartbeat. People to need to think outside the box, as these alternative buildings are perfect for our current an growing housing crisis! Good for the family!
Regarding the temporary permit for the old fella in the park model. WELL DONE!
He has had a long life. Letting him finish up in peace is very nice gesture!